Learning English for myself and my career.

Meet Gaëlle, a 21-year-old social worker and teacher-to-be who loves meeting people and going on new adventures.

My name is Gaëlle, I am twenty-one years old and originally from Lens, a small village in the French part of Switzerland. I have always enjoyed working with people, particularly children, so I studied social work for my profession and will start my training to become a teacher in September.

Why English matters to me

My profession and future studies are very important to me, and when I decided to become a teacher, I wanted to take a sabbatical year to study English. I have been at BELS Malta since September of 2022 for a total of 5 months, and I have loved every minute of my time here.

As a future teacher, it was an absolute necessity to know English to fulfil my study requirements and be able to give lessons in English. I knew that perfecting my English skills would open up a whole new world of opportunities and possibilities for me, both personally and professionally. Another reason I wanted to study English is that my brother lives in America and when I go to visit him with my family, I would need to be able to navigate this new place. I also love travelling in general; I plan to visit as many countries as possible and know that learning English could only help me during future adventures.

Why did I choose BELS and St.Paul’s Bay in Malta?

I decided on Malta as an ideal location because I wanted to go to a country where it is sunny and warm, with a unique landscape to explore. Malta met all of those criteria. As I was looking for schools, I decided on BELS for a number of reasons: firstly, they gave me the best offer and took into account all my requirements and my budget. I loved that the BELS Malta school is in an area that mixes a city atmosphere with a quiet neighbourhood, so I could enjoy the vibe without being kept up all night. St Paul’s Bay is a great spot to enjoy a meal or drink while practising English with classmates and friends and still be close to the residences. It has been so much fun exploring the island with my friends and being able to have experiences that I would never be able to have in Switzerland. I thought that since the island is so small, and I don’t prefer nightlife activities that I would get bored, but every day has been an adventure.

Looking back at my first day

My first day at BELS was great. I met the team of teachers and got to know the staff, who are all very attentive and helpful. From the very first class, my teacher made all of the students feel comfortable and confident, which I found to be very helpful for my experience. Even the staff are open to discussion and warm with students. In class, we have the freedom for everyone to feel comfortable in expressing themselves and learning English at their own pace. At BELS, every student is important. Everyone knows each other and gets along well. The atmosphere is like a small village. The teachers don’t just teach; the students aren’t just there to learn. Everyone talked to each other, and my classmates and I got quite close in a short period of time. The classes are very interesting, and each teacher has his or her own method, diversifying the way of learning. I found this to be very engaging, and it helped me make the most of my learning experience. The classes also made it easy to make friends with my classmates. The course itself facilitates interactions between students— in class; the teacher would use games as a way for us to get to know each other and introduce ourselves to each other. So, everyone gets to know each other quite well.

Achieving my goals thanks to BELS

The courses I took helped me achieve the goals I had set for myself when I first arrived. In the five months I have been here in Malta, I have covered the intermediate level (B1-B2) and the upper intermediate level (B2). I am very satisfied with my progress because this has allowed me to reach the required levels my school in Switzerland demands. I also feel much more confident at the end of my experience than when I first arrived. Apart from my professional goals, my time here in Malta has allowed me to meet people from all walks of life and experience new cultures through my international classmates. Some Swiss students were at the school, and I could talk about my own country with them. I could try different kinds of foods and experience a whole new world of possibilities.

I would describe BELS as warm, professional, friendly, and accessible. From the moment I began communicating with the BELS team, I felt welcomed and at home with them. I could ask whatever I needed and never felt afraid to bring something up with a teacher or staff member. Overall, my time at BELS has been a wonderful experience.

 

English allows me to grow personally, and professionally.

Meet Thomas, a professional in the film industry, who has spent 3 months at BELS Malta.

My name is Thomas, I am French, and I live in the beautiful city of Paris. I work in the film industry and I’m greatly inspired by unique places. Meeting people from around the world is a passion of mine and my time at BELS connected me to different cultures in a way I never thought possible. My adventures here in Malta have been unforgettable and I know this will be a place I return to often. Travel, connection, and communication are very important to me, and that is why I will definitely return to BELS. There is still a lot for me to learn and experience.

Growing professionally and personally

I decided to improve my English for professional and personal reasons. For the context of my work, I am always meeting and working with people who come from all over the world. The film industry is an international one, and English is the how people communicate and collaborate. So for me, learning English was an opportunity to grow professionally and communicate with as many people as possible. Also, from a personal point of view, learning English contributes to my personal enrichment; by learning English, I have the change to evolve among English speakers and can discover other cultures more easily.

Finding my place at an ESL school

There were many important criteria that I took into account when picking a location and a school. I decided to learn English in Malta because, besides being recommended by a friend who has lived in Malta for years, it checked all my boxes. The environment is excellent and it is close enough to France in case I have to return in a hurry. It is part of the EU with a common currency and rules. I really liked how exotic and unique Malta is; there is such a mixture of stories and communities that has created a patchwork of different people and cultures that can be explored. So once I decided on Malta, I began to ask around at different English schools. After a long study of the different options, my choice naturally fell on BELS; they have an excellent reputation among former students and when I compared prices for schools, BELS offers a lot more for a greater value.

My journey in the classroom

My first days at the school will be memories I don’t forget any time soon. I got to meet my classmates and the teaching team, who answered all our questions. Classes started immediately, and it was very motivating. It helped me get into the mindset of learning. The school at BELS is a very pleasant environment. I had wonderful teachers who are all really passionate about what they do, and are very involved in the progress of each students. The pedagogical team is attentive to the students, and levels are easy to change if necessary. I found that I made progress quickly with the help of my teachers and the motivation of my classmates.

The Expat community

I didn’t expect to make friends by coming to BELS for just two months, but now I wish I came early and for a longer time! I found it very each to meet people and to connect with other students in my class. After a week, I was already invited to go out and explore the island with my classmates. All the students are ex-patriates, so everyone had a desire to help and share with each other. It was extremely motivating for me both inside and outside of the classroom to meet people from all over the world. There were more than 10 different nationalities present in my class and it was really cool to be part of the expat student community.

What I’m taking back home with me

I learned a lot about English and myself during this experience abroad. I learned to be more confident in myself when I speak in English. I was able to meet new people, boost my professional career and had the chance to be part of the larger community, which really inspired me both in and out of the classroom. When I return to BELS for further studies, I will be sure to stay longer than three months.

Final thoughts about BELS

I would describe BELS as having a professional attitude, with teachers and administrators who are always listening to the needs of their students. My time at BELS was full of great memories, and I can’t wait to come back again.

As the world of business progresses, English is becoming more prominent. 

Meet Roland, a production manager who increasingly needs English in his role. Learn how his course at BELS helped his career.

My name is Roland, I am 52 years old, and I come from German-speaking Switzerland. My hobbies are hiking and skiing in the mountains, sailing on the Zugersee lake, and travelling around the world. I work as a production manager in the electronics industry and have many international contacts that I maintain. I monitor the company’s technology and manage, train and coach the employees. I decided to take some time off for travelling, and more importantly, investing in myself and my knowledge of English.

Communication and confidence are key

At my company, English is being used more and more. A lot of internal company information is in English and more meetings with international contacts are being held in English. The language is becoming more and more the standard in business and around the world. So, I decided it would be important to improve my English so that I could communicate better in meetings and feel more confident about my own skills. That way, I can concentrate more on the content I need to manage.

Malta exceeded my expectations

I decided on Malta and BELS and arrived on January 8th. When I arrived in Malta, I immediately felt at home. The people are nice, helpful, and the school helped make my arrival easy. On the drive to my accommodations in Bugibba, I was surprised how short the distances are, and how small and clear this island is. I arrived on a Saturday, so I had all of Sunday to explore the area. I came to Malta without any special expectations. The only thing I wanted was to be surprised. I succeeded. I really enjoyed the landscape; even though the island doesn’t have any forests or many green areas, I loved the coastal areas which were exciting and beautiful. I also loved the stone towers and lighthouses.

My learning experience at BELS

I have been studying at BELS in St. Paul’s Bay for 4 weeks. It’s something between studying, holidays and working for the company. It has been a good change from the normal everyday life at home. My first day at school was exciting. Finding the school, meeting the people, and learning the rules of the school, especially because of the Covid-19 situation, made for an exciting first day. I received a friendly welcome and felt at ease. The school is small and clearly laid out, which I really appreciate. It’s familiar and you quickly feel at home. The lessons are well designed, very interactive with the students and school material but also with material from internet. The lessons are entertaining, and we learn a lot. Since it is the winter, there aren’t as many excursions as in the summer months, so it was a little difficult to make friends at once. But between the school, the staff, teachers and students, it is a very friendly atmosphere.

What I have learned from my experience

One of the main things I got to experience was dealing with different cultures and learning about other nationalities. I got to know explore the Maltese island and learn all about Maltese cuisine. I especially enjoyed the traditional rabbit dishes. And evenings at the English cafés were very entertaining. Of course, I saw many beautiful places and sights on the islands of Malta and Gozo. BELS has been a great experience, I enjoy studying at a small school with fine teachers and staff in a great location.

Learning English as a way to connect with more people.

Meet Izak, a 26-year-old adventurer from Poland who spent 6 weeks learning English with us in St.Paul’s Bay.

Hi there, I am Isaac, a smiley and talkative 26-year-old from Cracow, one of the most beautiful cities in Poland. I work in construction and have many interests, from music to dance, adventure, and animals. I try to lead an active lifestyle and love to explore different places. Malta has become one of my favourite destinations, and I plan to come again soon.

Taking English into my own hands

I decided to learn English for myself. I realised that I could generally get along speaking English with someone but always felt it wasn’t good enough. I decided that I didn’t want to feel uncomfortable talking to someone in English anymore, so I wanted to change that and began to look for opportunities to improve my English. A friend of mine visited BELS four years ago and spoke very highly of the school and of the island. I knew I had to give it a try. I had also heard a lot about Malta and wanted to experience a new landscape, different from what we have in Poland. The warm weather in the winter was also very appealing.

Arriving in Malta and at BELS

From the window of the plane on my flight to Malta, I could almost see all of the island. I was delighted and in awe of the landscape in Malta and how small it was. I knew this would be a great place to explore. I decided to live close to the school and stayed in Bugibba, which is less than 15 minutes to school. I was still often late, but my teachers were always kind about it. Immediately upon arriving at school I was given a very warm welcome. The staff and administration would always ask how I was doing, how things were going, and if I was okay. They were always accompanied by a smile, which did not go away for the entire day at school. I quickly formed close relationships with my roommates and classmates. We would celebrate birthdays together, going out to restaurants or to Paceville. We even got to explore Gozo together. I will definitely keep in touch with all the amazing people I met here.

Learning the language

The lessons at BELS were taught in a very interesting way, and they were engaging for the whole group. The lessons and topics really got the entire group to talk and communicate with each other so we could practice English. From reading to listening and talking, we practiced all of these skills. We also worked on grammar, which I personally have to work on. But all the lessons were fun and dynamic. The teachers made classes engaging, because we played different games or had fun quizzes. Sometimes we even had to draw something, but everything we learned helped us improve our English skills. I truly feel like I was able to make the most out of the lessons that I had.

What this experience has taught me

For sure, staying in Malta and learning English at BELS helped me to open up and speak in English without feeling embarrassed about not knowing a word or not being able to explain something. I realised that to learn English, you have to practice it often and actually speak it often. It is just like dancing—studying by yourself isn’t enough, you have to practice it for real. My entire experience here was an extraordinary adventure. I got to meet amazing people, improve my English and experience a new culture. I will never forget my time at BELS.

If I had to describe BELS in three words I would say cordiality, openness, transparency. From start to finish, my experience at BELS Malta was wonderful and I hope to return again soon.

Learning English for myself, and my career.

Meet Karla, a 21-year-old working in the hospitality sector who had the time of her life at BELS Malta.

Hi, my name is Karla. I’m 21 years old and I am originally from Colombia but I live in Switzerland. This passed summer I finished my studies in hospitality and now I am working for a hotel in Zurich, in the events department. I’ve been in Malta for three weeks now and have enjoyed every minute with BELS. I’m a passionate traveller and love to experience new places.

Deciding on a location and a school

Since I work in the hospitality industry, learning English is very important to me because it is necessary to communicate with customers and with colleagues. I felt that studying English was important for my future career and to have more opportunities. Apart from my career, I am quite passionate about travelling and I know that I can go anywhere I want to go with English. I decided to study English in Malta because my parents visited a couple of years ago and they fell in love with the country. Their first recommendation for me when I told them I wanted to learn more English was Malta. I decided on BELS after searching for different English school in Malta and Gozo. In my opinion, BELS is the best school in Malta because of the amazing people and teachers, the classes and the many activities that BELS has for students.

First day of classes

When I arrived on Sunday, I didn’t have much time to explore the area, but I was amazed by what I did get to see. On the day I arrived, it was a celebration for St. Paul, so everyone was outside and it was a very festive atmosphere. The locals were all open and very helpful. So it was a great way to start my tip. On Monday when I arrived at the school, the staff showed me and my classmates around so we could get used to the school. The administration was very efficient and there is always someone at reception to answer questions, give information or just to chat. The lessons were really well organized and the teachers are always giving their best. Because of this, I learned a lot in a short period of time.

Making friends

It was very easy to meet new people here and to make friends. Everyone, from the staff to the students, is really open and always ready to help. The school is very close to the beach so my classmates and I would go to watch the sunset there. We would all travel back home together and eat dinner together. I spent a lot of time with my classmates, in and out of the classroom, so it was very easy to make friends.

What I learned, beyond English

My time at BELS taught me a lot more than just English. One of the main things I learned was how to be more open ad just let things happen. Most of the time it will turn out to be a great experience. I learned to be ready for any adventure and the importance of putting people first.

If I had to use three words to describe BELS, it would be a place of adventure, knowledge and having the time of your life.

Watch her testimonial in Spanish:

Watch her testimonial in English:

Learning English to work in the professional aviation sector

Meet Eliott, a 24-year-old aviation enthusiast from Belgium. He’s been studying English with us for two months and seeks to advance his aviation career on a global scale.

Hello everyone, my name is Eliott, I’m a 24 years old and I come from the country of chocolate and beer, better known as Belgium. More specifically, I come from the Walloon Brabant region which is not far away from the capital city of Brussels. I graduated in aeronautical engineering: more precisely, in aerotechnics. I’m currently following some courses at an air academy in order to become an airline pilot. Aside from my love of aviation, I am passionate about swimming and outdoor sports like mountain biking or hiking trails. And of course, like any good Belgian citizen, I like chocolate and local beers!

I wanted to improve my English skills primarily because I need to do so for my current studies. English is the main language used in the world of aviation. All my student books and lessons are drafted in English so developing my English skills is quite important for me and my studies. Knowing English is very useful for other situations too, like traveling, since English is the main language spoken. I also may want to work for international companies, so I know that learning English will open the door to great opportunities.

Why did I eventually choose Malta?

The main reason I choose Malta is that English is the second national language of the country. Most people here speak English fluently, so being able to communicate with locals and get around the island was very appealing. The weather in Malta is also much nicer than other places, particularly during the winter season. Malta also has plenty of beautiful places and historic towns and cities to see, so there is always something to explore. Malta is so close to Belgium by airplane, so it is quite easy to make the journey between the two countries in cases of professional or medical emergencies.

How did I feel when I arrived?

When I settled in and got to travel around the island, I was genuinely surprised at the amount of beautiful and historic places in Malta. The beaches and countryside are also astounding, and I will always remember the clear waters around the island of Comino. I’ve been at BELS for two months now and since my first day, I feel like BELS has really prepared me for my studies and the future. On my first day, the school’s director of studies came to personally show me around the school; I learned more about the courses I was going to take. I felt totally prepared to start the course and, in addition to all the course materials that we are given, the director also gave us the important information in case of academic or administrative questions. I found this to be very useful and helped me feel completely independent in this new place. The school is very direct and clear about COVID-19 sanitation rules, which was quite reassuring. I feel really good at school; everyone is smiling and the staff always gives clear answers to my questions. The lessons are efficient especially for the short time that we have. The learning books are very good quality too.

Was it easy to meet new people?

Being new to a large group of people never was a problem for me, so it was very easy for me to meet new people. For people who are a bit shy, living and learning in a linguistic school where there are a lot of different ages and nationalities is a great way to improve speaking skill; because all of us are here to better our English skills, it is easily to start a conversation or discussion with someone else. These conversations between classmates will always be an incredible opportunity to learn more about other cultures and increase our general knowledge of the English language and the world.

What I have learned so far

I’ve realised that when you find the right school it’s much easier to reach your linguistic goals. If you’re well-supported and excited to go to school every day, learning the language will be faster. Secondly, being able to be fully immersed in the experience has helped me practice English all the time, which is a big opportunity to learn new vocabulary, idioms and expressions from daily life. Being in longer contact with the language and practicing more and more has really helped me improve.

And about BELS? I  would describe BELS as a well-managed school that cares about its students. The staff and teachers are altruistic and really enjoy what they do. Everything at the school is done efficiently.

Watch his testimonial in French:

‘I want to be able to communicate with the world’

Meet Cansen, a 36-year-old educator from Turkey who studied with us at BELS Malta.

My name is Cansen. I’ve been in the field of education for many years, first as a history teacher and then as an educational administrator. So, I’m very passionate about teaching, learning, and education. I also love being social and meeting new people. I enjoy discovering new places and seeing beautiful things in nature. Coming to Malta at a school like BELS combines all of these passions of mine, as I’ll share more below.

Why I choose to study English

Learning English means a lot to me. I think it’s an important skill that everyone should have. It is helpful in so many aspects of my life. English is necessary for my life, and it was very important for me to improve my skills. The first reason I wanted to study English is because of my love for travelling. So many people around the world speak English, so it is a great way to communicate with people from all backgrounds. At the same time, since I am an education manager, I need to speak English for my job. So getting better at English can improve my career and lead to new opportunities. In addition to this, I wanted to continue my own academic career and continue to learn more about the English language.

BELS Malta was the best choice for me.

Malta is an important location in every respect. First of all, since Malta is an island country, it will allow you to have fun while studying. There are so many things to do, no matter if you come in the summer or the winter. Malta contains many natural beauties and social activities. When I finished classes, there was an entire island that I could explore and find out new things about. Another of the main factors that were important to me was how easy it is to travel to other countries and not spend lots of money. So once I decided on Malta, I started to research language schools on the island. As an educator, I know how important it is to pick the right institution to receive a good education. So when I came across BELS language school, I read multiple comments from students who talked about how great their experience was. I didn’t encounter any negativity about BELS during my research, which really told me a lot about how good the school is. From the beginning, everyone at BELS was very helpful; even the Visa process was easy because the school helped me prepare the necessary documents. The entire process of registering for my studies was simple.

Malta and BELS became my home away from home

When I came to Malta, I honestly felt like I was on vacation. It did not feel like I was on a study trip. The weather was beautiful and the atmosphere on the island is very carefree. The locals are very friendly and warm; they are happy to have conversations with you or help you find your way around the island. A very important factor for me was that I always felt at peace and safe walking around the street in Malta. Even though there are many people walking around, I always felt like I was safe, during the day and at night. Malta quickly became like home. After my first day at BELS, the school began to feel like home too. Both the administrative staff and the teachers are very helpful and are incredibly friendly people. Everything was available to make me feel settled in a new environment. One of the things I liked the most about learning with BELS was that the course teachers changed periodically. Unlike a monotonous education, seeing different teachers and gaining different perspectives was proof that we were learning from people who love their jobs. From the teachers to the administrative staff, everyone was so open and friendly, and made my entire experience a pleasure. It was even easy to make friends and meet new people on the island: you can meet interesting people everywhere, from the streets and beaches to the school itself. I can say that you will make lots of friends here.

Why I love BELS Malta

I’m so glad that I decided to study with BELS. The staff here provides quality education and stays close to you throughout your studies. They are always smiling and happy to help, and they are all sincerely passionate about what they do. Their passion for English is inspiring and helped me push myself to keep doing better. I love that the school and Malta itself is a peaceful, safe and fun place where there is a lot to learn and explore.

Watch her testimonial in Turkish:

‘I want to be able to communicate with the world’

Meet Alba, a 22-year-old teacher from Valencia, Spain who spent 6 months at BELS Malta.

My name is Alba Barbera Nieto, and I am a traveller who loves meeting people from different backgrounds and cultures. I’m a very out-going person and am greatly interested in making connections with people from all walks of life. Besides travelling and learning about different nationalities, I am a teacher who always wants to get better and more knowledgeable to help my students. So, I decided to focus on my English studies with BELS Malta.

Why English?

For me, learning English is important because is the official language of the world. As someone who has a passion for travelling and connecting with people around the world, it was very important to me be able to feel confident talking to the people I would meet during my travels. I wanted to be able to communicate with the world wherever I go. So, strengthening my English skills is very important for me. Also, as a teacher, knowing English is essential for my career. It can also lead to more opportunities for me and expand the places that I can possibly work. I’d love to be able to combine my passion of travelling and my teaching career, so getting better at English can open up many career opportunities for me.

How I chose Malta and BELS

I chose Malta because it was recommended to me by a friend. I did some of my own research and really liked what I saw. From the great weather and beautiful beaches, it seemed like a great place to visit. I also chose Malta because Malta’s official language is English, which meant that I could practice English outside of the classroom. I was also worried about how to communicate with locals, so knowing practically everyone speaks English was a big bonus. Malta is also close to Spain, so it would be easy to travel back home or explore other countries. Lastly, the currency in Malta is the same as in Spain, so it seemed like the perfect place to study. I chose BELS after searching on the internet for the best academies and English schools in Malta. When I found out about BELS, I saw so many good results and comments from past students who enjoyed their experiences. I chose BELS mainly because of these good results and decided on the school in St. Paul’s Bay, since it is close to the water and the school seemed very lively.

My first impressions of Malta

It was a bit strange leaving the airport, mainly because people here drive on the opposite side of the road. In Spain, we drive on the other side, so it took me some time to get used to that. But truly, the island is very beautiful and has many spectacular places to visit. There is always something to see.

My first day at the school

Well, I was definitely nervous about my first day. My English level was not very good and I was a bit scared about going into the classroom. But the teachers are all very kind and patient; they follow the rhythm of the students in the class and really helped me to improve a lot. Everything changed after the first day and I was very happy to go to school and learn. I made friends with other students, and we got to get to know each other in class and during the break. So, after my first day, everything got better.

Thoughts about my experience with BELS

The school was also beautiful and there is a very welcoming environment there. If you have any problems, the administration, staff, and teachers will solve it quickly. The staff is always very attentive; if you need anything, they always reach out to you. and always help you. Based on my experience with the lessons and teachers, I have to say that I’m very happy with my experience because the teachers make the classes very enjoyable and fun, and the student’s relationship with them is very close. I got very close to the other students too. It’s very easy to meet new people here because every week new people from all over the world arrive. Classes are shared with people from Japan, China, Colombia and more. We do a lot of group activities to get to know each other better and, if you decide to stay in the residence, you live with all your classmates. So, it is very easy to make friends.

I really enjoyed my time with BELS. The atmosphere is very fun and the lessons are engaging and interesting. I would describe BELS as a place that will always be exciting— there is always something new to do and something new to learn.

Watch her testimonial in Spanish:

 

 

‘I wanted something different, so I chose BELS’

Meet Francisca, a young journalist in the making who spent 6 months with us at BELS Malta.

My name is Francisca, I am 25 years old and I am a journalist. I love traveling and getting to know the world through different cultures. I love to get to know the architecture of the cities and the green landscapes, and also the people, making new friends is one of my main hobbies, just like theatre. That’s why in 2019 I went to live in Buenos Aires for a month and a half to be able to do theatre plays and to be able to enjoy what is this city so cultural and full of art, which is Buenos Aires. Now I’m in Malta, learning English at BELS.

So, what brought me here today??

Another thing about me is that I love to study. That’s why I’m here studying English, and I’m also looking forward to doing a master’s degree in England or the United States in the future related to my career.

As I said before, I am a journalist, I want to work in an international context and that is why English is very important: to be able to understand the statements of politicians around the world, to be able to do interviews in English, and to be able to write articles also in English. And another thing is that I want to study in England or the U.S. for a master’s degree related to international journalism.

And why did I choose Malta?

Mainly because I love the summer, I like sunny days and here in Malta, at least in the summer, it is very sunny, you have very bright days, you have beaches around every corner. I love being able to go to the beach, to be with my friends outdoors, to go out at night partying and not get cold… I think that is fantastic here in Malta. Most importantly, I think it is a different country from the rest of Europe, it has a mix of cultures and you can meet people from all over the world in this country. That was what caught my attention the most.

How did I choose my school?

I chose BELS because looking at the market of English schools here in Malta, for me it is one of the ones that has the best references in terms of the quality of the teachers, and also overall with the administration team. When it comes to prices, they were more or less the same as the rest of the schools in Malta. So, the quality is very high, and the price is fine – it was an easy choice for me.

And, I chose it because of the location: it is in St Paul’s Bay, and St Paul’s is a very quiet place, very calm, very different from my city which is Santiago in Chile (the capital). So I wanted something different, I wanted more calm, I wanted the beach… that’s why I chose BELS.

Looking back at my first day

Well, my first day at BELS I felt very relaxed because I came with my best friend to study here. I remember that the staff was very friendly, I felt very comfortable with them because they wanted to show me how the school works and what is around the school. I think it is a staff that makes you feel very comfortable on your first day. Also, on the first day of classes, the teacher immediately asked me to introduce myself to everyone but in a very creative way. And the best of all was that I already knew people because BELS had organised a Karaoke the week before and I had been there and made new friends, so I had classmates that I already knew in that class, so I felt very comfortable and very calm on my first day at BELS.

When the moment finally came

As the trip got closer I was a bit scared – I was going to experience living alone and far from my family for the first time. When I got to Malta, I immediately managed to adapt to the lifestyle and atmosphere I found myself in. This was made easier by the friends I made along the way.

Looking back at my first week, my first impression of the island was that it is different from the rest of the cities in Europe. The architecture has Arabic elements – it’s difficult to describe without seeing it since it’s unique and it’s not easy to compare with other countries.

Adapting and feeling at home in Malta is easy – and I found it especially so in St. Paul’s Bay. In part it’s because it’s a small town – big enough to have a great energy, but without the chaos and pace of a big city.

The vibe at school

The same can be said about the school. I feel very comfortable at BELS because I think the teachers here really have a vocation for what they do. It’s clear that they really believe that the English language is an important tool, and that they want to transmit their knowledge to you in the best possible way. Lessons are pedagogically sound as well – you can tell a lot of thought goes into the preparation of lessons. When you come to class, you’re in a safe space to learn- the teachers encourage you to learn without pressuring you, and without judging you. This is something that stood out to me because it was different in my schooling back home.

And the best part? English classes at BELS are very engaging. We don’t just do grammar in a traditional way, but also converse, debate, play with the language and of course make some mistakes along the way. But that’s fine because through making mistakes, you learn more. And you feel very comfortable making mistakes because the teachers support you.

Becoming a part of the student community

Meeting new people was very easy because BELS organizes activities for this purpose. In my time here I’ve attended dance activities, karaoke nights and regular get-togethers. The school creates opportunities to make first connections with other students. From then on, genuine friendships are built, and you always have a group to hang out with.

Another aspect is that all the students come with the same desire: to take in the world around them, and to get to know new cultures, to make new friends… so naturally everyone you meet at BELS wants to make new friends. And that’s why it’s very easy to meet people here. I have met people from Italy, Turkey, Colombia, Albania… and I envision them being a part of my life for a long time after our courses finish and we go our separate ways.

Learning, beyond the English language

The thing about the having international classes that you end up learning much more than just the English language. If I had to list three things I learn in my time here, it would be to tolerate people from different cultures, to regulate my own frustrations, and to allow myself to make mistakes and to never be afraid of asking questions.

BELS in three words

If I had to describe BELS and my student experience here in three words, it would be: challenges, vocation, and friends.

Watch her testimonial in English:

Watch her testimonial in Spanish: