Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the average age of participants?
The average age is between 18-25. Usually there are about 16 persons on
the program, most of them are Irish, with 2-4 students from USA/Canada.
And 2-4 continental Europeans. Most students come by themselves,
although a few have come with friends. It is extremely friendly, so
don’t worry about being lonely or left out.
I can swim, but I am not super-fit. I can’t surf,
or am at beginner level. Can I do this Program?
This program is sports-focused, and four days per week will involve
outdoor sports, so you need to be enthusiastic about it. We don’t mind
if you are not fit now, but you will be encouraged to get fit! There are
options for assessment at the end of the program, these are
world-recognised qualifications which you can take, if you feel
competent enough. You do not have to take any assessments if you do not
want to, and the program is not competitive, but you are expected to
participate to the best of your ability.
PLEASE NOTE that we cannot guarantee that by signing up with this
program, you will receive qualifications – these assessments are totally
independent, and will depend on your own success in training and
preparation. The RLSS Beach Lifeguard Award requires that you
to swim 400 metres in a time of 7.5 minutes. This will require strong
swimming skills. You will receive swimming coaching and training. You
are also expected to practice your swimming in your own time, and to
maintain a fit and healthy lifestyle. Please note that we cannot
guarantee that you will pass either the RLSS Beach Lifeguard
examination, or the ISA Surf Coach examination. This will depend on your
level of fitness, and your adherence to the swim and surf training
sessions. The RLSS and ISA examinations are assessed by assessors of the
governing bodies, and not by DAC coaching staff. The ISA are also
offering an alternative to the Beach Lifeguard award, which allows
candidates to work as surf instructors. Candidates who are not likely to
pass the RLSS Beach Lifeguard award will be offered the opportunity to
take this ISA/IWS award. We recommend that all our trainees take the
RLSS Beach Lifeguard award, but this is a good alternative for
candidates who may be struggling with the Beach lifeguard award. The
coaching staff at DAC will monitor your progress and test your swim
times. You will be kept very aware of how you are doing. You do not have
to pay for, or take these awards if you do not feel that you will pass
them. However, we would hope that you will. You will become a better
surfer and swimmer in any event.
What opportunities for employment will I have if I
do this Program?
If you are travelling from outside the EU, you need a visa to work in
Ireland. It is highly unlikely that you will be hired if you do not have
a work visa, and it is against the law. If you are coming on the
program, you should consider it an eleven-week training course, and have
your money saved. The 3,000 euro fee covers all tuition and
accommodation.
How long has this Program been running?
Adventure Ireland has been running programs for USA/Euro students since
1996. We work with many reputable agents, colleges and universities to
provide excellent opportunities for visitors. Below are two of the
institutions for whom we have provided programs: please feel free to
contact re your decision to choose a program here if you require some
reference. We also have many individual students and parents who will be
happy to discuss their experiences with you, please contact us and we
will share email addresses.
