What inspired you to travel abroad?
As a Foreign Applied Language student, I was required to spend three months abroad to complete my first year of study at ESTRI in Lyon, France.
Going abroad was the opportunity for me to put the communication and English skills I learned into practice in an English-speaking country. The goal for me was to be confronted with real customer interactions in order to reach a C2 level.
Why did you choose the Learn English in Malta with Maltalingua School of English program?
I found an internship opportunity at Maltalingua through our Internship Coordinator at ESTRI, who transmitted the job advertisement.
Malta, as a country that is part of the European Union, was one of the most accessible destinations for my internship, as no visa was needed. The island was the perfect mix between history and the beauty of nature.
Gardens of Valletta
What was your favorite part about Malta?
My favorite part about Malta is the balance between the rich history of the ancient cities and monuments, and the hectic nightlife and leisure activities that you can find.
Additionally, the island is small, so everything is easily accessible. Going from one coast to another in the same day is feasible in a short amount of time.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
What made my experience abroad extraordinary was that this trip was the opportunity for a lot of firsts.
It was my first time taking a plane on my own, going to an unknown country with no family or friends, and where the official language was not the same as mine. In the end, the people I met here were the ones who made this trip unprecedented.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
The staff was incredibly supportive during my internship, especially the other interns.
They offered guidance, answered questions patiently, and treated me as part of the team from the very beginning. Their encouragement, feedback, and willingness to help boosted my confidence and made the experience truly valuable.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I wish I would have done more research beforehand about my destination so that I would be less surprised or disappointed with some parts of it. For instance, if I had known that there would be more than ten interns in the same department as me, I probably would have thought twice about the internship opportunity.
Clear blue waters and rocky islets in a peaceful coastal spot, perfect for swimming and relaxing.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
What I enjoyed the most during my free time abroad was how the large majority of the population here was young and approachable.
Making friends was very easy, and people would naturally come talk with each other and make plans to hang out. Moreover, staff members often invited me to join them for lunch or casual chats, making me feel welcome.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I was in accommodation provided by the school. I lived in a six-room apartment with other interns.
As a result, I liked the sense of community and shared experience. We supported each other and often relaxed together after work. It was comforting to be around people who understood the same challenges of the internship.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
One thing every future participant should know before their program begins is that the first week of the internship is going to be challenging in a lot of ways — but they should stay positive and take their time.
They will have to ask questions, observe, and learn at their own pace. Confidence will come over time.
Would you recommend your program to others? Why?
I would recommend the internship to others because it's a great opportunity to improve your English while having fun.
You learn through real-life experiences, make international friends, and be in a supportive environment that helps you grow both personally and professionally. In addition, it is a great asset for your future career if you want to work internationally.
Valletta’s lively nightlife
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
The biggest benefit of traveling abroad is getting out of your comfort zone. It challenges you to adapt, builds independence, and opens your mind to new cultures and perspectives.
You grow more confident, flexible, and aware of the world around you, as you often have no choice but to ask others for help.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
My time abroad has positively impacted both my life today as a student and as a person.
Academically, I’ve become more motivated, organized, and confident in communicating with customers — especially in English. Personally, I’m more open-minded, independent, and comfortable stepping out of my comfort zone.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To me, meaningful travel means that you come back home from your time abroad with a new perspective on life — not necessarily positive, but at least different.
Travelling must be the opportunity to expose yourself to new cultures, values, and ways of thinking, helping you see the world and yourself from a broader viewpoint.
