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All English schools in Belfast
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International House Belfast, Northern Ireland

4.4

Rating: 4.4/5.0

20 students - overall rating
109-111 University Street - BT7 1HP Belfast - see on map
Pay less than booking at the school
What we like about the school
  • Welcome walk: orientation around the city.
  • Every afternoon free organized leisure activities for adults and juniors
Age of students
  Percentage of students
1-18 years 10%
18-24 years 15%
25-34 years 35%
35-50 years 30%
>50 years 10%

This school is an exam centre for the Cambridge (FCE, CAE, CPE) exams.

Location: International House Belfast is located in the historic capital city of Northern Ireland, Belfast. The school is housed in the Holylands residential area of inner-south Belfast. The area is predominantly known for Queen's University Belfast, which is just a 5-minute walk down the road from the school, but is also home to attractions such as the Botanic Gardens, the Ulster Museum and the Queen's film theatre. There are many eateries, supermarkets and links to public transport nearby.

Getting around: There are several bus routes and stops within a 5-minute walk of the school's front doors. The closest train station to the school is the Botanic train station which is around a 500m walk away.

Course selection: IH Belfast provides English tuition for students of all levels and various needs. In addition to General English taught over several schedules and intensities, the school also provides Exam Preparation (FCE, CAE, CPE, IELTS), CELTA courses for aspiring teachers, English for work and English work placement programmes. Immersive junior courses for students aged 12-17 years of age are also available during the summer months. One-to-one tuition is available in conjunction with or independently from any other programme or course.

Accommodation: The school provides accommodation in homestays with local families and city centre studios, subject to availability.

English Courses

General Language
Private
Business
Exam PreparationWhy exam preparation courses are excellent for optimum progress

Our prices for International House include

  • INCLUDED Organized activities
  • INCLUDED Internet access and use of school computers
  • INCLUDED Wireless LAN zone at school
  • INCLUDED Free certificate of course attendance
  • INCLUDED Free airport pickup for all junior courses (both ways)
  • INCLUDED Language level placement test at first day of classes
  • INCLUDED For junior courses: every afternoon free organized leisure program
  • INCLUDED For adult courses: every afternoon free organized leisure program

Videos & Photos

  • classroom
    classroom1/15
  • School building
    School building2/15
  • Students chatting
    Students chatting3/15
  • Group
    Group4/15
  • Beach
    Beach5/15
  • Students socialising
    Students socialising6/15
  • Views of Belfast
    Views of Belfast7/15
  • IH student
    IH student 8/15
  • Studying together
    Studying together9/15
  • Studying
    Studying 10/15
  • Nature walks
    Nature walks11/15
  • Biking
    Biking12/15
  • Buidling
    Buidling 13/15
  • Enjoying a meal
    Enjoying a meal14/15
  • Activities
    Activities 15/15

Student opinions about International House , Belfast

4.4

Rating: 4.4/5.0

Overall school rating of
International House , Belfast
20 authentic ratings from students who reserved with us
School
Location of the school
4.7 

Rating: 4.7/5.0

Facilities
4.2 

Rating: 4.2/5.0

Social activities
4.0 

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Organisation
4.4 

Rating: 4.4/5.0

Course
Quality of teaching
4.4 

Rating: 4.4/5.0

Value for money
4.1 

Rating: 4.1/5.0

Accommodation
Homestay
3.3 

Rating: 3.3/5.0

Shared Flat (apartment)
3.8 

Rating: 3.8/5.0

Overall school rating by student age group
Students < 18 years (2 ratings)
4.0 

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Students 18-30 years (3 ratings)
4.3 

Rating: 4.3/5.0

Students 31-49 years (9 ratings)
4.6 

Rating: 4.6/5.0

Students 50+ years (6 ratings)
4.3 

Rating: 4.3/5.0

Verified reviews only, uncensored. All student opinions from students who booked a course at the school with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
3.0

Rating: 3/5.0

Liked
The attention was good and they were very friendly and went out of their way to make you feel comfortable. The teacher Ryan was great, pity we only had him for a week for the first two hours.
Disliked
There was a teacher who all he did was make us talk to each other without correcting our mistakes. That's not a class and it's not teaching, I do that in the bar with my colleagues without having to pay anyone. I don't want to say his name so as not to harm him, but he knows who he is, because I told him personally.
Review details
Quality of teaching / language progress: There should be more groups differentiating levels. In level C1 there were people with a very low C1 and people with a C2. This makes it difficult for teachers and students.
Other comments In general it is a good school (with some exceptions).
Course: General English - 2 weeks
Review date: 18. Aug. 2023 by Rosa Gala Manuel
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Liked
The teachers made the lessons very interesting. A lot of group exercises, which help you to socialise with the others. The school is simple and organised. My English improved for sure.
Insider tip: Don't miss the social activities proposed by the school. They help you to socialise with the other students and you can visit a lot of wonderful places.
Review details
Other comments The staff are available at every request. The teachers are good. The school is near the city centre. Some classrooms are a little small.
Course: General English [English] - 3 weeks
Review date: 2. Aug. 2018 by Devis Serra
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
The varied activities they offer and the patience that the teachers have with the students and above all they did not put pressure on me and I was able to progress at my own pace.
Insider tip: The activities of the establishment
Review details
Course: General English [Anglais] - 2 weeks
Review date: 16. Oct. 2019 by Elodie Jean-De-Dieu
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
I liked the method as well as an excellent preparation of our tuition and all the conversations we were encouraged to participate in. There were very pleasant students too.
Insider tip: It is worthwhile visiting all other cities in Northern Ireland because their inhabitants are very friendly and welcoming and the scenery is beautiful.
Review details
Other comments I'll go on attending International House.
Course: General English [English] - 3 weeks
Review date: 30. Apr. 2018 by Françoise Palmade
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
The limited number of students per class. The professionalism of teachers.
Review details
Course: General English Intensive - 1 week
Review date: 14. Nov. 2016 by Mercedes Rico García
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Liked
I liked the excurcions and the English lessons the most.
Insider tip: Definitely, future students should not miss the excursion to the Stormont.
Review details
Other comments Most of the students were from Spain and Italy. During free time they only spoke in their own language. It would be better if the students would be from different locations.
Course: Queens University Programme (12-17 years) - 2 weeks
Review date: 12. Aug. 2016 by Michal Zmuda Trzebiatowski
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Liked
Friendly teachers, clean environment.
Disliked
Not many students, small size.
Review details
Course: General English - 1 week
Review date: 28. Aug. 2024 by Yingchun Lu
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Liked
The teachers are excellent
Review details
Other comments The staff are lovely
Course: General English [English] - 2 weeks
Review date: 17. Jul. 2018 by Delane Freitas Evaristo Alves
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Liked
The teachers
Insider tip: A better explanation of the planning right after the test
Review details
Course: IELTS Exam Preparation Course [Inglese] - 1 week
Review date: 19. Feb. 2018 by Valentina Leoncino
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.

Ratings of International House compared to ratings of all schools in Northern Ireland

 International House BelfastAverage of all other schools in Northern Ireland
Overall school rating4.4

Rating: 4.4/5.0

0.0

Rating: 0.0/5.0

Location of the school4.7

Rating: 4.7/5.0

0.0

Rating: 0.0/5.0

Facilities4.2

Rating: 4.2/5.0

0.0

Rating: 0.0/5.0

Social activities4.0

Rating: 4.0/5.0

0.0

Rating: 0.0/5.0

Organisation4.4

Rating: 4.4/5.0

0.0

Rating: 0.0/5.0

Quality of teaching4.4

Rating: 4.4/5.0

0.0

Rating: 0.0/5.0

Value for money4.1

Rating: 4.1/5.0

0.0

Rating: 0.0/5.0

Homestay3.4

Rating: 3.4/5.0

0.0

Rating: 0.0/5.0

Shared flat3.4

Rating: 3.4/5.0

0.0

Rating: 0.0/5.0

International House (IH)

Accreditations and Quality seals
British councilEAQUALSEnglish UKIALCPreferential Terms in Case of Visa RefusalIHWO
English teacher qualifications
100% hold a university degree
100% hold a recognised language teaching qualification
Languages spoken by school staff (cannot be guaranteed by school)
First day of course
Written and oral level test is performed. Students should arrive at 9:00
Student gender mix
43% male / 47% female
Offer for returning students
You will be refunded/waived the school's administration fee if you already attended previously a course at International House and you book here.
Payment methods accepted for payments made directly to the school
Visa - logoMastercard - logoJCB - logoDiners Club - logoPayPal - logoMaestro - logoBank Transfer - logo
Year of school foundation
2007
Legal name/parent company
International House Belfast Limited | Tax registration ID: NI061539 (company ID)
The school is an official exam center
The following language examinations can be taken directly at the school:

General school facilities

  • Kitchen for student use

  • Snack vending machine

  • Drink vending machine

  • Cafeteria

  • Fridge for student use

  • Microwave for student use

  • Computer lab

  • Library

  • Movie rental

  • Free after-class access to language learning software

  • Movie room

  • Games room

  • Lounge

  • Garden

  • Student support desk

  • Self-study areas

  • Printer for student use

  • Copy machine

  • Free parking

  • Free WIFI

  • Non-smoking (all indoor areas, but not all outdoor areas of school)

  • Smoking zones (outdoors)

  • Tourist information

  • Assistance with entrance ticket purchases

  • Assistance with reservations for restaurants, bars, clubs

  • Assistance with organizing transportation

  • Facilities for islamic students

    • Available area to pray at the school

    • Homestay option for female islamic students where no men are living in household and that prepare halal food

  • Classroom equipment

    • TV in all classrooms

    • Heating in all classrooms

    • Ample natural light in all classrooms

    • Number of classrooms: 12
    • Number of public PC workstations: 12

Student Age / Nationality

Average number of students
In summer: 40
Throughout the year: 30
Junior courses - In summer: 100
Minimum age of students
16 years
12 years for specific Junior courses
Average number of levels
Adult courses In summer: 7
Adult courses Throughout the year: 7
Junior courses In summer: 7
Junior courses Throughout the year: 7
Average age of students
In summer: 25 years
Throughout the year: 25 years

Top student nationalities

Student Nationality Percentage of students
Italy 25%
Spain 15%
Switzerland 15%
France 6%
Germany 4%
Turkey 4%
Saudi Arabia 3%
Japan 2%
Venezuela 2%
Vietnam 2%
Thailand 2%
China 2%
Korea 1%
Brazil 1%
Chile 1%
Other nationalities 15%

Information for all courses offered by International House

Lesson duration
55 minutes
School's administrative fee
50.00 £
Course material
Generally course material is distributed free to students and will stay in student property.
Individual classes
Single individual lessons of tuition can be reserved at 60 £. The combination of group and individual lessons is highly recommended. Individual lessons will encourage you to actively speak the foreign language and will offer you the opportunity to discuss individual problems and weaknesses.
Days without class
In 2024 (including national and regional bank holidays):
01 Jan 2024, 18 Mar 2024, 29 Mar 2024, 01 Apr 2024, 06 May 2024, 27 May 2024, 12 Jul 2024, 26 Aug 2024, 20 Dec 2024 - 31 Dec 2024.
In 2025 (including national and regional bank holidays):
01 Jan 2025, 17 Mar 2025, 18 Apr 2025, 21 Apr 2025, 05 May 2025, 26 May 2025, 12 Jul 2025, 25 Aug 2025, 22 Dec 2025 - 31 Dec 2025.
School policy regarding bank holidays:Private classes are recuperated or refunded. Same as for nearly all language schools, group classes falling on bank holiday are not refunded and not recuperated.
Level test
A test to assess your exact language level takes place at the school on the first day of the course.
Lessons needed per English language level
Level (CEFR) LESSONS needed per level WEEKS needed
(20 lessons per week)
A1 Beginner A1 to A2 80 4
A2 Elementary A2 to B1 160 8
B1 Intermediate B1 to B2 180 9
B2 Higher Intermediate B2 to C1 200 10
C1 Advanced C1 to C2 220 11
C2 Proficiency
Data above gives some guidance. For more details consult our page How long does it take to learn a language or reach a specific level.

Airport transfer

Belfast International Airport:
90 £ one way
180 £ return (both ways)
Dublin Airport:
300 £ one way
600 £ return (both ways)
Best arrival airport is Belfast City.
More details about airports near Belfast and how to travel independently from the airport to the city on our Belfast page. For flight comparisons to Belfast, we recommend using skyscanner.com.

Visa Documents

Nationals from USA do not require a visa to study short term courses up to 180 days. A valid passport and an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is required to enter the UK. The application for the ETA is done online https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta. The answer is expected within 3 working days, costing GBP 10. The ETA allows multiple entries in the country for up to 6 months for a maximum of 2 years or until the passport used when applying expires.
Check visa requirements for nationals from other countries.
Nationals from countries that require a visa will receive documents from the school, related to booking confirmation, which is required for the visa application.
Full payment of all fees required before school dispatches documents required for visa application
No
Express shipment fee (via courier)
60 £
Preferential cancellation terms in case of visa refusal
School agreed that students booking online on this site will benefit from preferential cancellation fees in case of visa refusal, and in this case will never exceed EUR 180.

Leisure activities

activity possibledistance from school
Ballet6 km
Basketball2 km
Cooking2 km
Cricket25 km
Dancing6 km
Diving33 km
Field Hockey8 km
Football (soccer)2 km
Golf2 km
Horse riding83 km
Ice Hockey11.6 km
Mountainbiking10 km
Music2 km
Sailing25 km
Squash1 km
Swimming1 km
Table Tennis1 km
Tennis2 km
Volleyball1 km
Windsurfing133 km
Yoga1 km

Examples of leisure activities organized by the school

Adults - Free activities

Not offered.

Adults - Paid activities

Not offered.

Accommodation

Map  

Loading map content

Questions and answers about International House

  • Yes, the school offers homestay in a single room with private bathroom.
    Sawsan Zein, LanguageCourse.Net - Jan 27, 2023
  • No problem! To confirm your place, you must indicate a specific starting date, but once the booking is confirmed, if you wish to change the dates, it won't be a problem to do so as long as there is availability. The sooner you let us know, the better, as places for juniors are quite limited.
    Rubén De Haro, LanguageCourse.Net - Mar 20, 2023
  • Please don’t bring valuables. Money and Mobile Phones can be kept in students’ rooms or given to members of staff. Students are responsible for their own belongings.
    We do ask that students bring their own phones with them so they can keep in touch with home while they are here. It is safe enough to keep these in their rooms.
    Joanna, Administration from IH Belfast - Jun 08, 2023

FAQ about International House , Belfast

  • Regarding the TKT course, unfortunately, schools in Belfast do not offer a TKT preparation course and exam at the moment. If you need any information about the B2, C1 or C2 exams, our team would be happy to help.
    Maksym Sterpul, Language Travel Consultant from LanguageCourse.Net - Mar 30, 2023
  • The accommodation City Centre Studios is the most popular among all our clients of International House
  • Yes. The school offers pickup from Belfast International Airport (90 £), Dublin Airport (300 £)
  • Depending on the chosen course, the maximum number of students at International House varies from 1 students (One-to-One) to 12 students (General English Intensive)
  • 100% of teachers at International House hold a university degree. 100% hold a recognized language teaching certificate.
  • The highest Nationality percentage at International House comes from Italy with a 25% representation, followed by students from Switzerland (15%) and Spain (15%).
  • Yes, there is an exclusive discount that only applies when booking online here.
  • International House offers courses from 16 years to 99. Average age is 25 during the summer and 25 for the rest of the year.

PDF brochure / price list of International House

pricelist 2024
pricelist 2024
International House Prices 2025
International House Prices 2025
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Starting date
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FREE cancellation
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Belfast city attractiveness rated by our students:
4.6 

Rating: 4.6/5.0

More information about Belfast including climate data and events on our Belfast page with a list of all 3 English schools in Belfast.
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