GoAbroad

Alumni Interview with Alberto Portela

Here's what it's like to go on a Maltalingua Ltd. program!

Alberto Portela

Alberto Portela

Participated in 2025Language Schools | Malta
Alberto Portela, 20, from Madrid, studies International Trade with a strong interest in languages and global business. He improved his English while studying at Maltalingua in Malta and aims to grow professionally abroad, especially in English-speaking countries.
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What inspired you to travel abroad?

My passion for cultures and languages. Studying at Maltalingua in Malta and my international trade studies have motivated me to explore global opportunities.

I have always wanted to go abroad alone to grow myself and develop my personal career. As I'm studying International Trade, I believe it's essential to gain real-world global experience and see how different markets and cultures operate firsthand.

Why did you choose Maltalingua Ltd.?

I chose Maltalingua because of its strong reputation for high-quality English courses, its friendly international environment, and its location in beautiful St. Julian's, Malta. The school offers a great learning atmosphere, and the opportunity to be surrounded by English speakers helped me grow faster.

People gathered by the infinity pool at Café del Mar in Malta during a colorful sunset.

Café del Mar in Malta

What was your favorite part about Malta?

My favorite part of my host city was the amazing balance between natural beauty and cultural heritage.

I especially enjoyed walking along the coast, visiting historical sites, and soaking up the lively atmosphere. The mix of old architecture and seaside views made it a perfect place to learn and relax.

What made your experience abroad extraordinary?

What made my experience truly extraordinary was the people I met from all over the world, the supportive environment, and the chance to use English every day in real-life situations. Being surrounded by different cultures taught me a lot and made the whole stay unforgettable and personally enriching.

How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?

The local staff at Maltalingua were incredibly helpful and approachable—mentioning Arnu, the marketing manager. They always made sure I had everything I needed and were there to support me both inside and outside the classroom.

Their kindness and professionalism made me feel comfortable and supported from day one.

What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?

If I could do something differently, I would have tried to speak even more English outside of Maltalingua. Although I practiced a lot, using it in more casual settings would have helped me become even more fluent and confident.

Also, I wish I had visited more parts of Malta during my free time, as I had almost no free time.

View of Balluta Bay with people swimming and buildings lining the coast under a bright blue sky.

Balluta Bay, Malta

Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.

A typical day as a marketing intern at Maltalingua started with checking emails and social media messages. I helped create content for the school's platforms, updated the website, and assisted with marketing campaigns.

I also joined team meetings, gave support during school events, and interacted with students to collect feedback or testimonials. Every day was a great opportunity to learn and be creative in an international environment.

What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?

During my free time, I enjoyed going to the beach, exploring the island, and trying local food. I also liked spending time with other students from different countries.

These moments allowed me to relax, practice English in casual settings, and create memories that I’ll always remember. Moreover, I knew many people from my country in the same situation as me, so it helped me feel more comfortable.

What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?

I stayed in a shared apartment provided by Maltalingua. The accommodation was always clean, tidy, and well-organized.

I shared the space with other international students in Maltalingua, and we got along very well. It was a comfortable and friendly environment that helped me feel at home while I was learning at the same time.

What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?

Future students should know that being open-minded, proactive, and willing to speak English as much as possible will make a huge difference.

The more you engage in conversations and cultural activities, the more you’ll grow personally and improve your language skills. Don’t be afraid of going abroad—you will remember it for the rest of your life.

Alberto smiling by an infinity pool at sunset with the sea and sun in the background.

Me enjoying the sunset at Café del Mar in Malta

Would you recommend your program to others? Why?

Yes, I would definitely recommend this program to others because it’s a fantastic opportunity to improve your English, meet people from all over the world, and gain international experience.

The teaching quality is excellent, and the overall atmosphere is supportive and motivating. Staying there and working in the marketing department has been a perfect combination.

What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?

Gaining a global perspective and improving your communication skills. The biggest benefit of traveling abroad is that it helps you become more independent, adaptable, and culturally aware.

It gives you a broader perspective on life and teaches you how to connect with people from different backgrounds. These are valuable lessons both personally and professionally.

Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?

It made me more independent, confident, and open-minded. It helped me understand different cultures and improved my communication skills.

This experience has changed my life by boosting my confidence and communication skills. It has made me more open to new experiences and improved my understanding of different cultures. I now feel more prepared for a global career in international trade and excited about future opportunities abroad.

What does meaningful travel mean to you?

It means experiencing new cultures, deeply learning from people different from myself, and growing both personally and professionally through those experiences.

To me, meaningful travel means more than just visiting new places. It’s about truly connecting with people, understanding different ways of life, and growing through those interactions. It’s an opportunity to learn, reflect, and come back with new perspectives and personal growth.

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