Welcome to Shannon Academy of English
A warm welcome awaits at Shannon Academy of English, your home away from home! Situated in Athlone, a vibrant town in the heart of Ireland, Shannon Academy of English provides quality programmes in a safe and enjoyable environment. Shannon Academy of English was established in 2001 by school director Caoimhe O’Connell. What started as an English language summer school for Spanish and French students has since grown and developed into a year-round, multicultural establishment offering several innovative programmes.
Our Ethos
From the beginning, our ethos has been built on developing strong relationships with agencies, students and host families. Students are integrated not only into the school and their programme, but into the community as a whole, becoming immersed in Irish culture and developing friendships that will last a lifetime. The experience is spoken of with great enthusiasm by all students who have taken courses with Shannon Academy of English here in Athlone. What makes this experience unique is the warm family welcome and safe environment, with staff on call 24/7 to support students and host families. Today, Shannon Academy of English welcomes students from all over the world to participate in its year-round programmes, which can be tailored to suit individual or group requirements. These include a Summer Programme, Academic Programme, Cultural Stay Programme and Work Placement Programme.
Meet our Team
Caoimhe O’Connell - Managing Director
Caoimhe O’Connell has been working in the educational tourism industry since the age of 15. She started her career as a student activity co-ordinator and progressed quickly from there to becoming school director. She went on to establish Shannon Academy of English in Athlone in 2001. Caoimhe’s academic background is in Applied Social Studies, and she has experience in a variety of roles as a youth worker and a social care assistant with teenagers. Coming from a family of six children, and having children of her own, family and community are very important to her. This familial ethos permeates throughout Shannon Academy.
Aisling Kerrigan - Academic Student Co-ordinator & Host Family Liaison
Aisling Kerrigan has worked in education for several years, teaching English and advanced computing.She also has experience in assisting different nationalities from her time as a hotel front office manager. In 2014 Aisling was appointed Academic Student Coordinator at Shannon Academy of English. She liaises with students on a regular basis and is like their ‘Irish Mammy’ while they are in Ireland! As well as being our Academic Student Coordinator, Aisling also works in the office supporting our host families and group leaders. She has a great knack for multitasking! Aisling also hosts students of Shannon Academy in her home.
Claire
Caoimhe O’Connell has been working in the educational tourism industry since the age of 15. She started her career as a student activity co-ordinator and progressed quickly from there to becoming school director. She went on to establish Shannon Academy of English in Athlone in 2001. Caoimhe’s academic background is in Applied Social Studies, and she has experience in a variety of roles as a youth worker and a social care assistant with teenagers. Coming from a family of six children, and having children of her own, family and community are very important to her. This familial ethos permeates throughout Shannon Academy.
Carmel
Caoimhe O’Connell has been working in the educational tourism industry since the age of 15. She started her career as a student activity co-ordinator and progressed quickly from there to becoming school director. She went on to establish Shannon Academy of English in Athlone in 2001. Caoimhe’s academic background is in Applied Social Studies, and she has experience in a variety of roles as a youth worker and a social care assistant with teenagers. Coming from a family of six children, and having children of her own, family and community are very important to her. This familial ethos permeates throughout Shannon Academy.
Oisín
Caoimhe O’Connell has been working in the educational tourism industry since the age of 15. She started her career as a student activity co-ordinator and progressed quickly from there to becoming school director. She went on to establish Shannon Academy of English in Athlone in 2001. Caoimhe’s academic background is in Applied Social Studies, and she has experience in a variety of roles as a youth worker and a social care assistant with teenagers. Coming from a family of six children, and having children of her own, family and community are very important to her. This familial ethos permeates throughout Shannon Academy.