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British Council Accredited · Est. 1990 Derry, Northern Ireland

Learn English.

Northern Ireland's longest-established English language school. Quality courses, a unique location, an experience you'll never forget!

35+ Years of excellence
1st British Council school in NI
15+ Partner school countries
1000s Students welcomed
01 — Our story

A family-run school in the heart of Ireland.

Founded in 1990 by Director Paul Murray, Foyle International has spent more than three decades helping students from around the world improve their English and broaden their horizons.

Foyle International is a private English language school specialising in educational tourism. We deliver a complete experience: language classes, local accommodation, summer schools, cultural activities and weekend excursions, all wrapped in the famously warm Irish welcome that brings students back year after year.

As the longest-established language school in Northern Ireland, and the first ever to receive the prestigious British Council Accreditation, we hold ourselves to the highest standards in everything we do. Our friendly staff and experienced teachers make sure every student's time in Derry is time well spent.

We attract students from all over the world and it's no accident that so many come back. Derry has a way of staying with you.

Paul Murray Director & Founder · Est. 1990
Paul Murray, Director of Foyle International
Director & Founder
Paul Murray · Est. 1990
02 — Our courses

Programmes for every goal.

From EU-funded Erasmus+ placements to summer schools, vocational training and professional English testing, there's a programme here for you.

British Council Accredited
Explore our programmes
01 —

Erasmus+
Programmes

We facilitate Staff Mobilities (Job Shadowing) and Student Mobilities (Internships) in Derry, Dublin and Donegal. An official Erasmus+ partner with years of experience placing students and professionals from across Europe.

EU Funded Internships Mobility
02 —

Junior Summer
Schools

English courses for groups and individuals aged 13–17. A full programme of language learning, excursions, sport and social activities in a safe and welcoming environment.

Ages 13–17 Summer Groups & Individuals
Also offered
03 —

Vocational &
Educational Training

Structured VET programmes combining English language learning with practical vocational skills. Designed for students and organisations across Europe looking to build sector-specific expertise.

Professional Sector-specific European Framework
04 —

General English
& Exam Prep

All levels welcome, from beginner to advanced. Small, friendly classes with experienced teachers, plus dedicated preparation for major English exams.

All Levels Small Classes Exam Preparation
03 — Your home in Ireland

About Derry.

Set on the banks of the River Foyle, Derry/Londonderry is one of the most welcoming cities in Ireland and one of the best places in the world to learn English.

"Students come to Foyle for one unforgettable experience and leave with the language skills, the memories, and the friendships to prove it." Aine Murray, Programmes Manager

Derry is Ireland's only completely intact walled city — safe, walkable, and alive with culture, history and music. It's the perfect place to practise English outside the classroom, make friends from across Europe, and discover a part of Ireland that most tourists miss.

Our students improve their English through real-life immersion: cafés, city walks, local events, and the kind of conversations you can only have in a small, friendly city.

Discover Derry →

Historic walls

Walk the last fully intact city walls in Europe, right in your front garden.

Culture & music

A city of festivals, arts and traditional Irish music woven into everyday life.

Safe & small

A close-knit community famous for its warmth — everything a short walk away.

Easy to reach

Direct flights to City of Derry Airport and easy connections via Belfast & Dublin.

04 — Student voices

From France, Germany,
Italy and beyond.

A small selection of feedback from students who've studied with us over the years.

Students on a Foyle trip
Students on the Derry walls
Students at the Peace Bridge
Students at the Derry Girls mural
Lucas from La Réunion in Derry
"
On growing in confidence
This experience made me realise that I'm capable of more than I thought.
C
Cassandra S.
France · Erasmus+ Programme
"
On Derry in one sentence
Derry and its people are welcoming and very accepting and create a cosy and pleasant atmosphere.
D
Dennis S.
Germany · Short Course English
"
On advice for future students
I'm speaking English better and I'm proud of my achievements. Take it one day at a time — and give it everything you have.
C
Chiara
Italy · Erasmus+ Programme

Open your home, open your world.

We're always looking for friendly families across Derry to host our international students. Hosting is flexible, rewarding, and suits all kinds of households.

05 — Get in touch

We'd love to hear from you.

Tell us about your goals and we'll help you find the right course.

Visit, call or write.

Address
72 Great James Street
Derry, BT48 7DE
Northern Ireland

Send us an enquiry

We'll reply as soon as possible.

Thank you!

We'll reply to as soon as possible.