Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dublin Swahili Institute?
Dublin Swahili Institute is a college based in Dublin which is found to teach Swahili and promote Swahili language and culture. It organizes Swahili course and social cultural events to promote the language, the culture and history of Swahili speaking region.
Does the institute have branches in other cities and counties in Ireland?
At the moment the Institute is only based in Dublin. But in the near future the branches of the Institute will be opened in other major cities of Ireland. However if a group of people or an organization in any part of Ireland want to learn Swahili, the institute can send in a Swahili teacher to the locality depending on the prior agreement with the group or the organization.
How do I enrol for a course and in which level?
You can enrol in the beginners' course if you have no or a few words of Swahili. If you have basic Swahili you can join the intermediate level course. And if you have mastered the basic Swahili and want a more advanced course then you can participate in the advanced Swahili course. You can enrol by sending email to the institute, or contacting us by telephone or you may make an appointment to come to our office to enrol. You can pay for the course before it begins in cash, or by cheque at the office or at the premises where we hold classes before the first class begins.
How much does a course cost?
Our courses cost Euro 300 only. They run for 10 weeks. Once a week of two hour session.
Where can go to attend the course I chose?
The institute offers Swahili classes at the Carmelite Community Centre at 56 Aungier Street, Dublin 2. There is a possibility of getting classes at the students' premises if you request so.
Do you provide specialised Swahili courses?
Yes. Besides our general Swahili courses we offer conversation classes, business Swahili and tailor-made courses for individuals, groups, and companies.
Do you have Swahili courses for children and young people?
Yes we do. We teach children in schools on request but we also organizes own children and young people classes as it is requested.
What are your teachers' qualifications?
All our teachers are native Swahili speakers who have got specialized training to teach the language. Our Teachers are highly experienced and very enthusiastic.
How many students are there in a class?
We need a minimum of 6 students to open the class and we do not enrol more than 10 students for a class. For big groups which want to learn together we make an arrangement of having the split groups interact.
What kind of qualifications do you offer? Are they recognised?
Dublin Swahili Institute offers attendance certificates. At the moment the institute is making arrangement to make these certificates recognized and acquire more status.
Do you organise exchange programs or trips to East Africa?
We don't. We organize loads of different courses, internal and external, but only in the Dublin area and other areas on request. But through other organizations and links that the institute has we can direct you to them for exchange programs. They can provide you with an opportunity to travel and work in the country where Swahili is spoken in Tanzania and Kenya.
Do you provide translation service?
At Dublin Swahili Institute we specialize and provide translation of literature and educational materials.
Do you provide English classes to Swahili Speakers
Yes, to enable Swahili speakers learn English fast we provide them with English classes which teach English using Swahili unlike the conventional English classes which use English to teach English.
Do you have a library?
No, we do not have a library yet, but one will be set when we acquire a premise for that purpose.
How do I join the Dublin Swahili Speakers Club
If you like to practice your Swahili, or simply want to meet Swahili Speakers you can join the Swahili Speakers Club anytime. Just send a request to join the club to the secretary of the club, and you will be admitted to join and attend the social evenings of the club. The club is autonomous organization supported by the institute.