Abbey College is a well-establish e d college specialising in English as a Foreign Language as well as Foundation and Diploma courses within the fields of business and hospitality. Our range of Computer courses includes the ECDL for which we are a recognised Test Centre. Abbey College can also offer various TESOL/TEFL Training courses, whether it be intensive in-house courses, distance courses or grant-funded courses. Abbey College can offer a wide range of courses with a timetable that should suit most students. We have 2 different centres, both conveniently located in the heart of Dublin city centre, near to O'Connell Street and the GPO. Both centres have a comprehensiv e collection of resources and all our classrooms are fully fitted with audio-visual equipment. In our Computer Training Centre you will find state of the art computers. All our English courses are designed as communicativ e courses with special emphasis on motivating and involving the students in the learning process. The courses provide systematic preparation for all the skills required for successful communicati o n in English, both in written and spoken form. In addition, the design of the courses gives the students a real sense of progress while also making them able to "survive" in a variety of practical situations. Our Foundation courses are aimed at students who would like to study for a Certificate and/or Diploma but whose English does not meet the required standard. The main objective of the courses is to familiarise students with the necessary terminology needed in order to undertake a Certificate and/or Diploma. In addition, the courses will also give the students an introduction to the subjects they most likely will study during their Certificate or Diploma course. The Diploma courses will lead to Professional Vocational Diplomas. Our courses are designed to give the students a comprehensiv e knowledge of the major functional areas within each programme, as well as preparing them for employment within organisations involved in the relevant areas of business. Our student base derives from a number of countries including countries as far afield as China and the Far East as well as from Europe. This international student body creates an interesting and friendly atmosphere in the college in addition to giving the students a unique opportunity to establish new friendships. All teachers currently employed by Abbey College have a minimum of a primary degree (i.e. a university degree) or a qualification recognised by the Department of Education and Science or the Higher Education Training & Awards Council (HETAC) as being the equivalent of a degree. In addition, all of our English teachers have undertaken a TEFL course of not less than 100 hours duration. Furthermore, when first employed by Abbey College, all teachers undergo an in-house training programme. This is in addition to the ongoing training, both internal and external, that teachers are encouraged to partake in.