Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth. To its east is the larger island of Great Britain, from which the Irish Sea separates it.

Pathway programs are designed to initially help many international students improve written and oral communication skills in preparation for study abroad. Intensive language classes help students reach the language proficiency levels needed for advanced studies. Classes often cover educational and cultural differences experienced when studying in another country.