Over 18, 000 students attended English language schools in Ireland during the first quarter of the year , an increase of 22% on the same period last year, according to figures published today.
The figures, compiled by Marketing English in Ireland, found that overall student numbers increased from 15,509 between January and March 2010 to 18,901 during the same period this year.
Students come from a range of destinations throughout Europe, Asia and South America.
The most significant increases were in students from Saudi Arabia, followed by Brazil, France and Venezuela.
With this steady rise expected to continue it is likely to lead to the creation of more full and part time jobs in the sector, as 49% of schools anticipate taking on additional staff this year.