Frequently asked questions
Thank you for completing your Fáilte Isteach training and joining our community of volunteers. We’ve put together this FAQ to answer some of the most common questions new tutors have. It’s here to support you as you get started, and to give you a quick reference for key information about your role, resources, and where to find help if you need it.
Fáilte Isteach is a volunteer-led community project offering free conversational English classes for migrants and refugees. It is a national programme of Third Age, a voluntary organisation dedicated to empowering and supporting older people.
No special qualifications are required. You simply need to be over 18, speak English confidently, and have a genuine interest in helping people who are new to Ireland.
Yes, all volunteers are asked to complete a new volunteer training session, either in person or online. We also offer many additional training opportunities throughout the year, but these are optional.
We ask tutors to commit to one class per week (about two hours). Depending on the group, some classes may be slightly shorter.
We supply:
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Course books at four levels (elementary to advanced)
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Notebooks and pencils for learners
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Additional resources such as grammar guides, vocabulary books, and multilingual picture dictionaries
Anyone aged 18 or over is welcome to join a Fáilte Isteach class.
Every group has a Coordinator (Local Leader). Coordinators are often volunteers themselves, though some work within community organisations. The Fáilte Isteach National offer groups and coordinator ongoing support and advice.
The coordinator:
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Manages the day-to-day running of the class
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Communicates with volunteers about logistics
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Welcomes learners and places them into groups
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Acts as the link between the group and the Fáilte Isteach national team
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Orders resources and helps resolve any issues
The programme is free for all learners, and is volunteer-led. It is funded by SOLAS and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY).
Class sizes vary greatly. Attendance can change from week to week, which is why keeping the sessions flexible, friendly, and practical works best.
Your group coordinator can order books and supplies directly from Fáilte Isteach. If your class is running low, please let them know.
Yes. We run training sessions throughout the year on different aspects of the tutor role, often in partnership with experts. Training topics are shaped by feedback from volunteers and coordinators. Suggestions are always welcome – email us at failteisteach@thirdageireland.ie.
For most issues, your coordinator is the first point of contact. You can also reach the Fáilte Isteach national team at any time.
All volunteers receive a volunteer pack with our policies after completing training. If you haven’t received your pack, please email failteisteach@thirdageireland.ie