Feb 22, 2026 (TRNGL) - Around 16,500 students travel to Ireland each year to study English. In this report, 34 students from Immaculate Heart University in Kagoshima, Japan, spend a month in Dublin attending classes at the Language Centre of Ireland on Grafton Street , the third group from their university to do so.
Organisers explain that many parents choose Ireland for its reputation as a safe country with strong Christian values and a calm social atmosphere. The group leader notes that while students were previously sent to the United States, rising costs and safety concerns have made Ireland a more attractive option, especially as it is seen as a place where “good English” is spoken.
Teachers observe that the students have strong written skills but are often hesitant to speak, reflecting cultural norms in Japan. During their stay, they live with Irish host families, gaining first-hand experience of daily life and cultural differences , from food habits to social customs.
Originally broadcast on RTÉ News on 16 March 1984, reported by Alisdair Jackson.
Source: TRNGL
