Last weekend we had the pleasure of welcoming 10 partners to our school. Their agencies are based in different corners of the world, and they flew to Malta to explore our island and visit Maltalingua. Partners are a useful bridge between schools and students, so we like them to experience the school first hand and give their clients information based on what they have actually seen. The March sun was waiting for them, so the first day was spent outside. That was a big change for some who had just left the cold of Poland or Slovakia, so spirits were high, and we all took the chance to get to know each other in person, since we usually only talk behind a computer. Just like our students do as part of their activity programme, the group went on a guided tour of Valletta and Mdina. We picked up a lot about these two must-see cities and finished the day with a late lunch in a restaurant looking out over the old capital of Malta.
Maltalingua’s English programme is built as an immersive experience, with lessons, shared multicultural accommodation and outdoor activities that all help students practise their English outside the classroom. The guided tours are run in English, so they are a great way to learn about Maltese culture and history while practising listening and speaking in real situations.
The second day started with Maltalingua’s welcome presentation, where students get useful information about the school, their course, and of course, Malta. When you are studying in another country, it helps to be aware of any cultural differences that might get in the way of learning, so the more we explain, the easier the transition is. Our partners told us the presentation was light and relaxed, and a great first impression for students, and of course, Julian, who has worked with us for 10 years, was a really funny presenter!
Next on the plan was a tour of our 3-storey building and the school apartments. Maltalingua is in St Julian’s, and students have lessons in a renovated house of character with radiant chandeliers and beautiful tall ceilings. The star of the tour was, of course, our rooftop garden, student kitchen and swimming pool. We also walked over to the apartments, where our partners had a look at our superior and standard accommodation.
All in all, the visit was a good refresher for partners who have been working with us for some years, and a proper introduction for the new ones. The school has changed a fair bit in the past few months, so there was a lot to show, such as the two new seaview classrooms, a club 50+ course and the refurbished rooftop garden.
The visit finished on our junior programme, with a walkaround of our Junior residence and brand new junior school (video below), just five minutes away from each other. As they say, small changes make a big difference, like hot lunches instead of packed lunches, new activities, and an upgraded school with ACs and ensuite bathrooms.
We would like to thank our partners for taking time out of their busy schedules to visit us, and we really hope the visit was useful and informative. We hope to see you again, and to make your students happy in our school.
