INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL COMMENCEMENT PROGRAMME

Each time I’ve moved to a new country, my biggest concern is a smooth & effortless transition. Thanks to Castel Education’s help, being available 24/7 & welcome package, my transition was much smoother than I could ever hope for. Castel Education was also open to all my constructive criticism & constantly working to improve its services. Good luck and thanks for all your help.

The Kuwait Cultural Office has engaged with Castel Education since its establishment. It delivers English Language Training to our students on the International Medical and Pharmacy Commencement Programmes through its excellent English Language School. Furthermore, Castel provides a range of supports to our students which have ensured a happy student cohort during their preparations for their professional careers and we are delighted with student performance in both their Commencement Programme and their Medical/Pharmacy studies after. More recently, Castel Education has provided crucial support to Kuwaiti doctors embarking on Postgraduate Medical Training in Ireland. We are indebted to Castel Education for their professional and thorough approach and their attention to detail in all aspects of their engagement with our students, both undergraduate and postgraduate.”

For me, the ELP course was a mix of fun and an unforgettable experience, it gave me the chance and time to practice my hobbies; I learned how to cook, travel alone and gave me confidence to join the gym and become involved in clubs and societies. I also had a great time learning about the Irish culture both in class and on organized college trips. Additionally, the Elective Modules I took were very informative and a constructive challenge that encouraged me to prepare better for my IMCP year. I was introduced to tertiary level in gradual steps, which helped me blend in easily while mixing with the many diligent students I came across during the year.

This year was totaly different and perfect experience for me. I thought there would be lots of difficulties before I came to Tralee but Castel Education really helped me to get used to my collage environment and Ireland. In the collage all teachers were so kind and helpful also they were like my friends. I learned lots of things related to English and IELTS but also I learned how to live abroad thanks to Castel.. I won’t forget my year in Tralee and I will come to Tralee and visit for many years.

Personally, I found the foundation year in Podiatric Medicine very beneficial as it gave me the time to get used to studying in English and adapt to the Irish culture. Moreover, I learned most of the basic tasks which make the first-year on the Podiatric Medicine course a lot easier to me.

One of the important factors to consider when thinking about studying abroad is the country and place, you are going to study in.  Living in Ireland is wonderful opportunity to experience another country and culture as well as gaining a professional qualification. What I like the most about Ireland is that it is very quiet and safe place, additionally, people are really friendly. They pay attention to cultural differences and try to respect it. For example,  IT Tralee were aware of the number of Muslim people who study there and they provided us  with a prayer room which I really appreciated.

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland have engaged Castel Education to deliver the English language component of the International Medical Commencement (IMCP) program at the Institute of Technology Tralee. The IMCP programme was initiated in 2009 and is a bespoke programme designed to prepare international students, who’s first language is not English, for the undergraduate programmes of medicine, physiotherapy and pharmacy that are offered in RCSI. The IMCP has students from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Iraq, Uganda and Nigeria and the challenges of integrating these young students into life in Ireland and third level education are significant. To meet this challenge, Castel provide a comprehensive range of non-academic support services to ensure the smooth transition of these students from their home Countries to life in Ireland. The services include but are not limited to, orientation, visa advice and processing, Garda Immigration, accommodation, transport, health information in addition to a range of office hours support.

Working with Castel Education has been a tremendous help to me as Head of International Affairs with the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland at two levels. Firstly, Castel Education have been invaluable to me in the planning and preparation of our entry to Postgraduate Medical Training in the Middle East;and secondly in the personal support services they provide to individual trainees we recruit as they prepare to come to Ireland for training. Their experience and networking with Middle Eastern Government Agencies, coupled with their clear focus on outcome, have contributed enormously to identifying the key agencies we engage with. All of the doctors on our new Fellowship and Residency Programmes have spoken in glowing terms of their engagement with Castel and the smooth and seamless transition to Ireland through their engagement with Castel Education.”