Work & Study in Ireland: What Nobody Tells You (But You Should Know)

Thanks to the Work & Study program, every year thousands of people from Latin America and Asia radically change their lives with just one plane ticket.
Destination? Ireland. Reason? Starting from scratch, learning English, and gaining international work experience.

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If that’s your goal, you’ve probably already searched for images of green cliffs, centuries-old castles, and cozy pubs in Dublin. You’ve likely also read about English schools, shared accommodation, and the possibility of working while studying.
But let’s be honest: there are many things that pretty videos and brochures don’t tell you.

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1. It’s not a cheap destination (but with the Work & Study program, you can live well)
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Let’s be clear: Ireland is an incredible opportunity, but it’s not a cheap place to live. If you’re planning to come with a Work & Study program, it’s important that you understand what daily life is really like here.

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How much does rent cost in Ireland?

Dublin, as a European capital, has a high demand for housing—and you’ll notice it. A room in a shared house can cost around €600 per month, and that’s without utilities. If you come expecting lower rent, you’re in for a shock.

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And food?

While there are affordable options, many fresh or imported items can be quite expensive compared to your home country.

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But here comes the good news: with some planning, you can live very well.

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Many of our Work & Study students choose to live farther from the city center (but with good public transport). Others shop at local markets, cook at home, and become experts at spotting weekly deals. Don’t underestimate the power of small adjustments.

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The true value of the Work & Study program is that with your Stamp 2 visa, you can legally work 20 hours per week during your course and up to 40 hours during holidays. That allows you to earn real income, gain local experience, and ease your monthly budget.

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2. English isn’t the only challenge: the Irish accent is real
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Yes, English is spoken in Ireland. But it’s not the English you hear in Hollywood movies. Nor is it the British English taught in many schools. There’s an extra ingredient here: the Irish accent. And be warned—it varies by region, neighborhood, and even by the age of the person you're talking to.

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But don’t worry—there’s something no one tells you, but you should know: you’ll get used to it in a couple of weeks. Your ears adapt faster than you think, especially when you’re immersed in real-life conversations every day.

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The Work & Study program is about living the language: working with Irish people, speaking with customers, understanding instructions, asking questions, requesting help… and that accelerates your learning like nothing else. And even if your first “What’s the craic?” leaves you confused, trust us—you’ll soon be saying it too.

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3. The best and worst of living in Ireland (spoiler: there’s more good than bad)
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When you choose a Work & Study program, you’re also choosing where to live, what kind of people to live with, and what kind of lifestyle you’ll have for the next few months—or even years.

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At Neko Travels, we’ve accompanied hundreds of students, and we can confidently say: Ireland has a lot of things that make it special, although there are some aspects that may be challenging. Here’s an honest summary:

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The best things about living in Ireland - VS - The less ideal ones

✔️ Friendly and approachable people
❌ Unpredictable and rainy weather

✔️ High level of safety
❌ Social life can be reserved at first

✔️ Breathtaking nature and landscapes
❌ High prices (see section 1)

✔️ International environment
❌ It takes time to adapt

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But the key is this: with the right support—like what we offer at Neko Travels—and the Work & Study program, you can maximize the good and soften the not-so-good.

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4. Working while studying: this is what really happens
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When you sign up for a Work & Study program, one of the biggest motivations is clear: to study English and work at the same time to support yourself. Sounds perfect. But here’s what you need to know: jobs don’t fall from the sky.

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Many arrive thinking that getting a job will be instant. And yes, it’s possible to get one quickly—but not without effort. You have to hustle. A lot.

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Be ready to walk around with your CV in hand, step into businesses, ask with a smile, and sometimes hear a few “no’s” before you get a “yes.” The Irish job market is dynamic, but also competitive. The important thing is: don’t give up.

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The most common jobs among our students are flexible ones: cafés, restaurants, shops, and delivery services. They might not be glamorous, but they’re honest, stable, and—most importantly—a real-life school. That’s where you truly practice English, learn how to solve problems, and connect with locals.

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Will it be tough? A little, yes. But you’ll be surprised at what you’re capable of achieving in a new country. And that first paycheck you earn here—trust us—tastes like pure pride.

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5. Is Ireland the best option to start a new life?
Ireland may not have the marketing of other countries or show up much on social media. But if you’re looking for a real way to start over in Europe—with a legal path and a clear plan—then yes: Ireland is an excellent option. And more and more students from LATAM and Asia are discovering it.

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With the Work & Study program, you can enter the country with a student visa, study English for 25 weeks, and legally work up to 20 hours per week during the course and 40 hours during holidays. That already makes a huge difference: you improve your language skills while gaining experience, income, and new contacts.

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If you plan well, you may even extend your stay. Many students, after finishing their first course, decide to continue with another program, specialize, or even apply for higher education options. Ireland, in that sense, isn’t just a stopover—it can become your new home.

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With a backpack and a dream: that’s how your Work & Study experience begins
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At Neko Travels, we see it every day: students arriving with a backpack and a dream, and just months later, they’re working, making friends, traveling, and growing.

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The Work & Study program is a springboard to transform your life. It challenges you, yes. But it also opens doors you may have never imagined. Ireland demands your best—but it gives back real opportunities.

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Is Ireland for everyone?

If you’re willing to learn, adapt, and grow, it might be exactly the place you’ve been looking for. Ready to take the first step? We’re here to listen, to understand, and to help you.