Ireland vs England: Best destination to learn English in 2025

Both countries offer tradition, rich culture, and ideal environments for language immersion, but present important differences in practical aspects. If you dream of a European experience in 2025, discover which of these destinations best aligns with your goals and needs.

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Visa and financial proof processes

The journey to study abroad begins long before boarding the plane, and understanding the visa requirements is critical to successful planning. Ireland offers a relatively simple process for language students, requiring no specific English proficiency test for English language courses, unlike other educational programs. To obtain the Irish student visa (Stamp 2), you will need to prove financial resources of approximately €7,000 for the first year, in addition to presenting documentation such as a letter of acceptance from the school, proof of health insurance, and registration when entering the country.

England, on the other hand, has a slightly stricter system. For English courses lasting 6 to 11 months, it is necessary to request a “Short-term study visa”, while longer courses require a “Student visa”. In both cases, proof of proficiency in English will be required through approved tests such as IELTS, with specific levels depending on the course chosen. Financial evidence varies by region, with approximately £1,136 per month for cities outside London and £1,483 for the capital. In addition, there is the charge of the “healthcare surcharge” (around £776 for 6-12 month visas), an important aspect to consider when planning your Learn a language abroad.

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Cost of living

Financial impact is often a decisive factor in choosing the exchange destination. The most recent analyses show significant differences between the two countries that may influence their budget in 2025:

• Ireland: The average cost of living is approximately €1,001 per month (excluding rent), with housing values ranging between €500 and €1,000 per month. Dublin stands out as one of the most expensive cities in Europe, with costs generally 9-16% higher than in England.
• Food: Between €300-400 monthly, with cheaper options in local markets.
• Transportation: Monthly student pass around €70-80, with significant student discounts.
• England: The total monthly cost is around £2,193 (approximately €2,547), with rental values ranging from £500 to £1,000 outside London. The English capital has significantly higher costs, reaching £1,200 for a one-bedroom apartment in the center.
• Food: £300-400 per month, with several budget supermarket options.
• Transportation: Comprehensive system with student passes starting at £60-80 per month.

Surprisingly, despite its expensive reputation, England has proven to be a cheaper option than Ireland, especially in smaller cities such as Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol, which offer excellent student infrastructure at reduced costs.

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Job opportunities

Complementing your studies with professional experience not only enriches your curriculum but also helps finance your stay. In Ireland, students with a Stamp 2 visa can work up to 20 hours a week during the academic period and 40 hours during holidays, a flexibility that allows immersion in the local market. Average salaries for part-time jobs range between €10 and €12 per hour, with opportunities focused primarily on coffee shops, restaurants, retail, and customer service. The Irish labor market is renowned for its receptivity to international students, making it easy to obtain employment even with initial knowledge of the language.

England offers similar conditions, allowing Student visa holders to work for up to 20 hours a week. The English differential is in salaries, with the national minimum projected for 2025 at £10.42 per hour for workers over 21, an amount that may be even more attractive in specific areas such as tutoring, where earnings reach up to £24.50 per hour. British economic diversity, especially in large centers such as London, Manchester and Birmingham, provides a wider range of sectors to operate, including technology, digital marketing, and financial services. This favorable scenario for Study and Work in Ireland or England makes both destinations excellent options for those seeking a complete experience abroad.

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Cultural adaptation and climate

The experience of living in another country goes far beyond formal language learning, involving adaptation to new customs and weather conditions. Learn about the main characteristics of each destination:

1. Irish culture: Recognized worldwide for its hospitality and relaxed environment, Ireland offers a welcoming experience for international students. Irish cities, especially Dublin, combine tradition and modernity, with a vibrant cultural scene that includes festivals, traditional pubs, and a strong connection to music and literature. Irish society is known for its openness and ease in including foreigners in everyday activities, a factor that significantly speeds up language learning.
2. English culture: More diverse and cosmopolitan, especially in London, England presents a multicultural environment where people from all over the world meet. English cities tend to maintain a faster pace, with a greater offer of cultural activities, international shows, and exhibitions. University cities such as Oxford and Cambridge offer an inspiring academic environment, while urban centers such as Manchester and Liverpool are renowned for their vibrant music and art scene.
3. Irish climate: Characterized by being temperate and oceanic, with frequent rains distributed throughout the year. Temperatures are moderate, ranging from 5-15°C in winter to 15-20°C in summer, with no significant extremes. This constant climate, despite its wet reputation, rarely features snow or freezing temperatures.
4. English climate: Similar to Irish, but with greater regional variations. The south of England tends to be milder, while the north experiences harsher winters. London and the South East enjoy warmer summers, with temperatures that can reach 25-30°C in peak months, while cities like Manchester and Newcastle have more rainy days and slightly lower average temperatures.

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Education system

The English language education system in both countries shares excellence and international recognition, but with some important distinctions. Ireland has a more personal approach to language teaching, with generally smaller class sizes and greater teacher-student interaction. Irish English schools are renowned for their focus on practical communication and cultural immersion, integrating extracurricular activities that encourage the use of the language in real situations. The Irish accent, considered more neutral and easy to understand for foreigners, can be an advantage for beginners in learning the language.

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Certifications and international recognition

A fundamental aspect when choosing where to study English is the validity and recognition of the certificates obtained. Both countries offer globally valued qualifications, but with differences that may be decisive depending on your future objectives:

• Irish certificates: The qualifications offered by accredited schools in Ireland are internationally recognized, with a special focus on practical communication and fluency. Irish schools often prepare students for certificates such as TIE (Test of Interactive English) and Cambridge English, which are highly valued in corporate environments.
• Duration of courses: Generally more flexible, with options starting from 4 weeks to annual programs.
• Methodology: Emphasis on group discussions and collaborative projects.
• English certificates: The UK is the birthplace of some of the world's most prestigious certifications, such as IELTS and Cambridge Assessment English. Studying in England allows direct access to official exam centers and specialized training with teachers experienced in these certifications.
• Duration of courses: More varied structures, with short intensive or long-term academic programs.
• Methodology: More academic and structured approach, with a strong emphasis on grammatical accuracy.

England offers a wider range of specialized courses, such as English for Business, Legal English and Academic English, ideal for those with specific professional objectives. Ireland, on the other hand, stands out for its communicative approach and cultural integration, benefiting students who seek natural fluency and immersive experience.

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Final Choice: Decisive Factors

When evaluating which destination best meets your needs to study English in 2025, consider these determining factors that can make a difference in your experience:

1. Available budget: If you are looking to maximize your investment, England offers an advantage with a cost of living 9-16% lower than Ireland, especially in cities outside of London such as Birmingham, Manchester, and Bristol.
2. Professional Objectives: For academic careers or those that require specific certifications such as IELTS, England can offer advantages with its more varied and specialized education system.
3. Cultural preferences: If you value a more welcoming and relaxed environment, Ireland tends to provide a smoother adjustment for international students, especially Brazilians.
4. Job opportunities: England has more attractive salaries for part-time jobs, especially in areas such as tutoring, which can reach up to £24.50 per hour, significantly above Irish options.
5. Future plans: If you intend to remain in the country after your studies or use the experience as a bridge to other European destinations, the different post-Brexit agreements may influence your future mobility.
6. Learning environment: For beginners to the language, the Irish accent tends to be more accessible, while the diversity of English accents offers an extra challenge that can benefit intermediate to advanced students.

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Be Easy

A Be Easy transforms your dream of studying English in Europe into reality, offering personalized programs in both Ireland and England. Our expert advisors help you assess which destination best meets your needs, taking care of the entire process: from choosing the ideal school to obtaining visa documents. With Be Easy, you receive complete guidance on housing, work, and cultural adaptation, ensuring a smooth and enriching experience abroad. Get in touch today and start planning for your future in 2025!

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