What inspired you to travel abroad?
As part of my studies (a Bachelor's in Applied Languages), I was required to spend three months abroad to practice speaking English at work. I had to immerse myself in an English-speaking environment and in a country where the national language is English, in order to speak English on a daily basis.
Why did you choose Maltalingua Ltd.?
At first, I had other options in mind, in other countries, but due to mishaps, these opportunities did not lead to anything. When I saw the opportunity for an internship at Maltalingua, I was attracted by the fact that I would be required to speak to people from different countries.
I also loved the fact that I would be able to visit the island while working.
What was your favorite part about Malta?
My favorite part about my host country is the fact that there are many people from all around the world. I also feel like it is really easy to meet people.
Moreover, Malta is a beautiful country, rich in history and magnificent landscapes. I love going to the coast and admiring the view of the ocean.
Scenic view of Balluta Bay and its calm waters.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
Even if I wouldn’t qualify my experience abroad as extraordinary, I still feel like it has taught me multiple things that I would not have been taught if I had stayed in my home country.
It has made me become more independent and more outgoing. One element that has made my experience unforgettable, though, is meeting new people every day, with different backgrounds.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
Maltalingua provided me with a shared apartment and was able to answer any of the questions that I had.
If I had to use one word to describe Maltalingua's staff, it would be friendly. Everybody is nice and always ready to kindly answer any questions—especially the interns, with whom I got along quite well.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
If I had to do something differently during my time abroad, I would try to speak English more with my roommates.
Three of us were French, and even if we spoke English for the first few days, we quickly lost this habit as it was so tempting to speak French. I would also try to be less anxious, especially prior to my arrival.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
I usually start work at 8:30 in the morning. My first tasks are opening the classrooms and ensuring that everything is ready to welcome the students.
Then, I am in charge of welcoming students, answering any questions they might have, and selling the activities of the leisure program to them. I go home at 5 p.m.
Boats cruising through Blue Grotto.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
What I enjoyed the most during my free time abroad is cooking delicious meals and getting to meet new people with whom I could hang out.
I also loved going to the beach with my friends, sunbathing, and reading by the sea. Spending time inside with my roommates, watching TV shows, was also something I really enjoyed. Going out was nice too, whether it was for parties or discovering the island.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
During my time abroad, I stayed in a shared flat with five roommates. The flat was self-catering.
What I liked the most about it was the fact that I always had people to talk to, as my roommates quickly became my friends. It was particularly nice to plan fun activities together or simply stay at home and chat.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
One thing that every future participant should know about the program is that they are really going to be working and that they will not be on holiday. They should also know that even if it is scary to move abroad, everything will turn out just fine and it is not worth worrying too much.
Walking through Mdina’s ancient streets.
Would you recommend your program to others? Why?
I would recommend my program to others because moving abroad and getting to meet new people every day is deeply enriching.
I would recommend the program because it gives you the opportunity to speak to people that you normally would not have talked to, and who turn out to be really interesting and funny.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
The biggest benefit of traveling abroad, in my opinion, is becoming independent and learning how to manage difficult situations and find solutions.
Traveling to a new country and working there also opens up your mind and gives you a different perspective on life and on the world, as you meet so many people and leave behind everything and everyone you knew at home.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
Now that I am home, my time abroad has deeply impacted my life. It has made me more outgoing and less scared of talking to people I don't know.
My experience abroad has also impacted my professional life, as it has truly made me discover what it’s like to work for a business with an international dimension.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
For me, meaningful travel means finding yourself abroad, in a different country, and still embracing its culture and being grateful for what you are living.
Meaningful travel means making the most out of your time abroad. It is also about respecting the country's inhabitants, nature, and traditions—regardless of where you come from.
