‘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 word

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:

‘Expanding my knowledge of English and different cultures.’

Meet Catalina, a young journalist from Chile who moved to Malta for 6 months to radically change her life.

Hello, my name is Catalina, I’m 23 years old and I’m from Chile. I love animals and nature and I’ve been a vegetarian for 6 years. In my country, I studied journalism and I would like to travel around the world investigating different cultures and places.

English as a part of my life

English has always been important to me, especially as a tool to get to know the world. Since I was a child I had found it difficult to incorporate it into my life and learn it in depth, so I decided to make a radical change. Now I see English as an opportunity. I am a journalist, and it will undoubtedly be fundamental in the development of my career.

So at this point in my life, it felt essential to focus on English studies. I have been at BELS for almost 3 months and I will stay 6 months in total.

Why Malta and BELS was my choice

I chose Malta because it is in Europe, which could allow me to travel to many countries. Also, I found the climate in Malta very attractive, especially for enjoying the beaches.

I chose BELS because of the value for money it offered. When you look at the reviews, you know right away that it’s the best school on the island. Then we needed to choose between their branch in Malta or Gozo so we contacted the school, talked about our preferences and lifestyle, and they told us that the school in Malta was the best option for us. It is also located in St Pawls Bay, a quiet area which makes it easy to walk everywhere.

The first day in Malta and at school

When I first arrived, I was a bit nervous and scared. I come from Latin America, and it was almost 15 hours traveling by plane to get here, so I had a long way to go. Once on the island I was excited to explore every corner. At first, I was shocked by the lack of green spaces, but that was compensated by the blue sea.

My first day at school was simply amazing. I got to meet my classmates and I loved my teacher. I was able to make friends that I still have to this day. On the first day they explained to us how the course works and the activities that Bels offers. In addition, they give you a small tour around the school so that you are always oriented.

The people behind BELS

BELS is a good place to learn. The people who work here are friendly and professional. I think the teachers are a strength that the school offers. They are dedicated people who really care about your learning, but they are also kind and caring people who are willing to help you with any problems. They are excellent people with good teaching methods.

The student community

Making friends was easy because I was very interested in meeting new people, especially from different countries. Today I know people from France, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Turkey, Georgia, Colombia, Brazil, Ukraine, Albania, Switzerland, Germany, Latvia, Czech Republic, Peru, Venezuela, Japan, Korea, Russia, etc. The important thing is to dare and remember that we are all here to learn and have new experiences.

Learning Experience (apart from English!)

One of the things I have learned during this experience is to appreciate the differences between different cultures. I love learning about the different traditions of different countries. On the other hand, different languages are something that really catches my attention. I have taken this opportunity to learn some words from different parts of the world. Also, this experience has helped me to test myself and grow as a person.

BELS in three words

If I had to sum up my experience here in three words, it would be ‘welcoming, exciting and diverse. That’s about the school, and the overall study abroad experience.

Watch her testimonial video in English here:

Watch her testimonial video in Spanish here:

‘English is the window to an international career’.

Meet Batuhan, a 21-year-old budding architect and digital content creator who joined us for 8 weeks. Read his story.

Hello, I’m Batuhan. I am 21 years old, I live in Istanbul. I am a fourth-year architecture student and I am also a digital content producer. I’m currently halfway through my English language study abroad program in Malta.

So, why did I come here?

I want to take part in architectural projects abroad – it’s my dream and to realise that, I need English.

There were various countries to choose from but Malta was the best fit for me. The cost of living here is lower than in other European countries and since I was studying during the summer months, Malta was the clear choice because it’s actually a popular summer destination. I wanted to take both my education and my summer vacation together with its beaches and entertainment venues. And I found all that I wanted here.

And how did I choose BELS as my school?

I did a lot of research before I came, which is the reason I picked BELS. I wanted to pick a school where there is a lower percentage of Turkish students so that I could practice speaking English more. That was my first reason, and my other main reason was that BELS is located outside the city, outside the center, in a more tranquil and decent area. When you are staying here for a long time the choice of town is important for your happiness. These were the two main factors in my decision to choose BELS.

Was it easy to obtain a study visa?

If you submit all the required documents to the consulate accurately, I don’t think there will be any problems. As soon as you have enrollmed with the school for your courses and accommodation, you will be provided a confirmation document to present to the consulate. When you all your documents, you just have to wait. For example, my visa came in five days, since all the required documents were provided properly in my application process.

Arriving in Malta and my first impression

Before coming to Malta I actually thought it was a smaller place. Contrary to what I thought, I saw that it is a bigger place than described online sometimes. I got another chance to come in the summer so I enjoyed both my education and my summer vacation at the same time.

What about the classes?

Our classes are a lot of fun. Speaking practice is given a lot of emphasis in lessons, which is something that is really essential to me. Our teachers are more like friends to us. Whenever we have a question, we can ask them. I spent a total of eight weeks here. Since then, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my English proficiency. After I return to Turkey, I intend to continue my online education with BELS.

Was it easy to make friends?

It was simply because everyone here has the same objectives and mindset despite coming from different places. I made a lot of friends who came from many countries, and somehow I learned about their cultures along the way. For instance, when we dine out at work, we merely order various meals, or on some days, we prepare our own cultural cuisine and compare them, etc. Naturally, this helped me learn about a variety of cultures.

How would I describe BELS?

Overall, if I had to choose three ways to describe the school, it would be professional, solution-oriented and fun.

Watch his video testimonial in Turkish here:

English will open many doors personally and professionally. 

Meet Laura, a 32-year-old industrial engineer from Colombia who joined us for 6 months. Read her story.

Hi everyone, I’m Laura Duque, I’m 32 years and I’m an Industrial Engineering from Colombia. I have been in Malta and learning English at BELS for 5 Months. My course is coming to an end soon and I would like to describe the steps that brought me to this place and the experience I had here also.

Step one: Realising English is essential for my future

English is a universal language, almost all people around the world speak English and for that reason, it´s an important bridge to establish a conversation with different cultures. Speaking English can open many doors in the personal and professional fields. Personally, I like traveling and English has allowed me to enjoy more my experiences abroad and connect with new people, that if I spoke English, I wouldn´t have known. Professionally, speaking a second language will allow me to get better jobs opportunities in my country and abroad, to manage international clients and business

Step two: Choosing a location

I made the decision to come to Malta based on the fact that that English is one of the main languages of the country. I was confident that I could fully immerse myself in the language as a result. I may use it to practice English in a variety of settings during my daily life. Additionally, Malta has three qualities that I look for in a new place: stunning landscapes, a rich culture, and a fascinating history. These qualities combine to make Malta the perfect place to learn English, experience a different culture, discover the country’s history, and take in the beautiful natural surroundings.

Step three: Choosing the school

I chose BELS because it’s a medium-size school and I knew I I could get personalised attention that focuses on my individual learning needs at an affordable price. Also, BELS is located in a relaxing coastal city far away from the tourist places which would really allow me to live an authentic Maltese experience.

Step four: Arriving in Malta and the first day at school

When I arrived in Malta, I was very excited. Finally, my dream was becoming true. had been waiting for a long time to be here, due pandemic I had to postpone my trip twice. I had a good experience with the airport staff and driver who took me to the BELS Residence, for that my first impression of the island was that the people here were very kind and charismatic.

I was a little apprehensive and nervous on my first day of school because it was the first time I had to really rely on speaking a foreign language to express myself. I did, fortunately, find all the information I required at the school to start my new life in Malta. At the welcome meeting, I got information about the schedule, school staff, lessons, public transport service, and mobile phone service. I really felt that the staff of the school was willing to help me en each step of my learning process and settle in.

Step five: Making friends

It´s easy to meet new people, the school and the BELS residence are a point of meeting of different nationalities. So, it´s a great experience to practice English and learn about other cultures

Step six: The visa process

At the School, I got all the needed information about documents required for the visa application. Also, the school advised and supported me in all steps during the process, from checking the documents, application, interview scheduling, document preparation, and tracking of my passport returning.

Step seven: Review after 5 months

After 5 months, I really feel BELS as a mini new home and the staff as my family. I’ve got exceptional treatment from teachers and other staff members, who always support me in each of the stages of my adaptation and learning process. they are always willing to listen and help for do my stay at school and in the residence really unique. The lessons at the school are dynamic and interactive, which allows the students to develop all linguistic skills. The school has highly qualified teachers, besides that, they are very kind and close to the students. They recognize the strengths, weaknesses, and needs of each one of us, and bring us to support in our learning process.

If I had to choose three words to describe BELS, they would be community, commitment, and experience.

 

Watch her video testimonial in Spanish here:

Following my intuition and leaving my home to study abroad.

Meet Madoka, a 29-year-old nurse from Japan who took a break from her routine, and came to BELS to learn English. Read her story.

Hi everyone, my name is Madoka and I am 29 years old. At the moment I am taking some time off work as I came to Malta for a long-term course. However, I am a certified nurse and was working as a nurse in Japan before coming on this trip.

I am halfway through my course at the moment, and I feel satisfied about what I have achieved, so I would like to share my story and experience with you.

My inspiration to study English abroad

At first, it was really intuitive. I was living the same routine in Japan in my job as a nurse and I needed something more stimulating. I was looking for a change and the first thing that came to mind was studying abroad.

I wanted to visit different countries and interact with many people, to grow as an individual. So I decided to learn English because that’s an important tool for travelling and connecting with people.

The reason I choose Malta as a study abroad destination

I was always interested in Malta because of the amazingly beautiful sea and buildings when I saw the images of Malta. Then because of the travel restrictions at the time, travelling to Malta was possible and also safe. So it made sense. The fact that I could travel to other European countries easily from Malta was also attractive. In fact, I have been to Barcelona and I really recommend it.

Choosing BELS as my school

I am 29 years and the students’ ages in BELS was a fit good for me, and it has a more relaxed environment.

I decided to study at BELS because I wanted to study in a calm environment. A lot of people always suggest the bigger towns or cities such as Sliema and Valletta. But I thought staying in a seaside town and close to the countryside could be a good experience and decided to study at BELS.

My first impressions of the island

When I first arrived, I honestly thought there was nothing but grass and stones in the countryside. Every time a car drove by, there was so much sand flying around and it was new to me. The ocean was beautiful and I was very impressed. If you like the countryside and nature, this is the place for you.

Making new friends

Making friends at BELS was easy. The classes are actually small, so I knew many of the people who just passed by. It was easy to talk with people in the same class because we have the same language skills – classes are all divided according to the level of English. It was also easy because I live in student accommodation, so I can talk with many people there.

My learning journey

The classes here are a lot of fun. In Japan, all classes were boring, and I always felt sleepy. At BELS it’s the complete opposite with a lot of activities and discussions. I am learning a lot by speaking up on my own.

Actually, I have made a lot of progress when I think of my first day. My stay is 20 weeks and I am now exactly 9 weeks past the halfway point. At first, I was a bit confused and my mind was like “?” all the time and I was panicking because I didn’t know what to say. Now, I can understand a little bit more. It gives me confidence that I am becoming able to speak, even if my grammar is a mess.

Also, at first, I couldn’t get into the café because I did not know any English, but when I got up the courage, I was able to get in.

Other valuable learning experiences

I have learned much more than English as well. For example, kindness – I feel a lot of kindness from people here. When I first came here, I didn’t know what was right or left.

I was like ”Where is the supermarket?” and I didn’t even know how to take a shower because everything was different. People from other countries taught me everything

Even if I couldn’t understand what they were saying, they translated it for me and I felt the kindness of people very much.

I learned two other important lessons that helped me come out of my shell – to speak up for myself and to act on my own. Even in class, if I don’t understand something, I have to inform the teachers otherwise, the class will continue and I lost.

Final thoughts

If I had to choose three ways to summarize BELS, it would be:

1. Small and homey – it was easy to fit in here.
2. Fun classes – I recommend it because many of the teachers are fun.
3. Organised and clean – the restrooms were easy to use.

Watch her video testimonial in Japanese here:

Getting out of my comfort zone with English classes

Meet Anabell, a project manager on a popular German radio station, who joined us for 3 weeks to boost her speaking skills and confidence when speaking English.

Hi everyone, I’m Anabell, I’m 28 years young and I’m from Germany, near Koblenz. I am a project manager at popular radio station, and finding joy in life is always my first priority. And part of that is just getting out of your comfort zone and daring to do something new and yes, that’s what I did and for me, that meant three weeks in Malta.

Why is learning English important to me?

My goal is just to become more confident in using the English language. I’ve had English since middle school but if you don’t use it on a daily basis, then you forget quite a lot quite quickly – although English is so important, simply in all areas of life and in almost all countries, and that’s why I just do it for myself and my feeling.

Why did I choose BELS Malta for this experience?

Firstly came the location. When I was looking for a suitable place to study, I came across Malta quite quickly because I associated the island directly with the sea and the beach and the sun and also a little holiday feeling. And if I’m going on a language study trip on my own, then at least with a cool place to learn. And Malta seemed like the perfect place for that.

Then later, when I was looking for a suitable language school, I came across BELS quite quickly, because I don’t know why, but somehow BELS made a very good impression on me right from the start.

And now at the end of my stay, I can say that my first impression was accurate. They have qualified, international teachers, they have very, very good evaluations, they have two locations in Malta and Gozo and also just here the location in St. Paul’s Bay is by the sea and those were the decisive factors for me.

How were my first few days?

I first arrive in Malta on a Sunday evening, it was completely raining, I was very overtired and I didn’t know what to expect. And that was really heavy. But I was staying in the student residence and when I met my flatmates everything changed instantly. We went out to explore the area a bit, I really felt better. And now after two weeks in Malta, I can say it’s a super beautiful island.

When I went to school on Monday morning, I was very nervous, of course, it’s always the same when you try something new and different. But when I arrived here, everyone was super, super friendly and that had a big impact on my overall stay. The staff, the teachers, the other language students – everyone was very friendly and helpful. And I was also lucky that I was in very small classes, so the teachers were able to respond to us better.

Is it easy to meet new people?

I would say that yes, because we are all in the same boat and we all had the same goal. Also, most of us travelled here alone because a language study trip with your best friend would be kind of nonsense, you’d just fall back into your old language. Staying a the residence is a big plus, as soon as you arrive you have people eager to speak with you. And BELS also made sure that we got to know each other. They organised excursions and so we were able to connect well with each other.

More than just English…

Apart from English courses there are other things I learnt from this experience. For one thing courage, just to try a new way of life, to dare something new, because experiences only make you stronger. Then there’s curiosity. Curiosity about a new country, a new culture and simply to broaden your horizons. And also tolerance – it’s an international environment and everyone is different, everyone is individual and anything else would be boring.

If I had to describe BELS in three words, it would be qualified, friendly, and well-structured.

You’re in good hands if you choose this school.

Watch her video testimonial in German here:

Taking a gap year to focus on English 

Meet Maria, a 22-year-old from Bilboa in Spain who joined us immediately after graduation.

My name is María and I´m from the north part of Spain (Bilbao). I´m 22 years old and I have already finished my university degree in Electronic Engineering.

Nowadays, it is very important to master the English language due to the fact that it is essential in all areas of life, it is the way in which we can communicate with foreign countries. In my case, it is completely necessary to continue my studies and also for the industry I am building a career in.

For this reason, I took a gap year to improve my English skills. I took advantage of my time and I choose an intensive course for three months to study in Malta.

Choosing my Location and School

To be honest, at first sight, Malta was not my leading option. I thought that maybe going to United Kingdom was the best to improve my English.

However, one day I met a friend from the past and she told me she has been studying here in Malta one year, and she also told me that it has been an incredible experience. She said to me that it was beautiful, she had met lots of people of different countries and she had learned a lot of English naturally, and without trying too much. Furthermore, it was cheaper than other countries, so keeping this in mind, I decided to choose BELS and start my journey.

The first impressions

From the first day I arrived here I have felt very well informed and the communication with the school is being very suitable. It is the first time that I moved from the country and I thought it was going to be costly for me at first, but with the help of my flatmates, classmates and the attention of the school I found it very enjoyable and nowadays, I am very grateful to be living this experience.

The lessons, teachers, and staff

The team at BELS is very kind, they are always at your disposal to help you at any time. I´m taking the intensive course in advanced, so that, I´ve got morning and afternoon lessons.

Generally, the teachers are good, some better than others, but everyone has their own preference. They try to use unique methods to develop your English language skills and they are always willing to answer any questions that may arise to you. Since I have arrived here, I have greatly improved my English speaking, and now I’m more fluent.

Final thoughts

I would recommend BELS to other students because it is a very good school, with good staff and with a wide range of benefits and activities that allow you to have on hand many facilities to move around and get to know the island of Malta, at the same time you are constantly activating your English skills.

About Malta, I have to say that I am in love with this small island. Although transport is quite bad compared to my town, you can easily travel the whole island by bus and see all the beautiful corners with gorgeous landscapes that inhabit here, also I have to say that the sunset here is unique.

You meet students from all around the world and you learn a lot of English, just because English connects the world.

Spending 5 months in Malta, after my studies.

Meet Elizabeth, a tourism student from Spain who came to Malta to focus on her English to improve her job prospects. Read about her experience.

Hello, I’m Elizabeth and I’m twenty-four years old. I’m Spanish, from Valencia, and I studied here in Malta for five months in BELS Malta school. The main reason I wanted to study English is to improve my language skills and have a better CV. English is important to me for work, career, travel and personally because it’s a good way to meet people.

Why did I choose Malta?

I chose Malta because I wanted to spend a long time on the island, which includes summertime. I thought it was a great idea. And I don’t regret it! Here at the school, BELS Malta, there’s a lot of young people from other countries you can meet and make friends with. On top of that, the school is well located so it connects easily with public transport.

A friend of mine came here before and told me that coming to BELS really helped her to improve her English level. And also, that the staff was really good and they cared about her progress. So I decided to study at the same school.

How did I plan the trip?

It was easy to contact the school and get all the information I needed before landing in Malta. I emailed the school directly and they gave me a lot of support all the time. Within a few days, everything was organised. Then before my departure I completed the online English test and found out I was in the advanced class on my first day.

How were the lessons?

The thing I loved the most was interacting with other students and knowing about them or their culture. It helps you a lot with how to relate with others and understand other points of view you may never have thought about. My teacher was Victoria, she was a good teacher and did a lot of interesting activities during the lessons. We did a lot of individual and team activities as well.

I learnt a lot of things, honestly. But the most important thing I learnt here is how to keep a conversation with other people no matter the topic we are talking about. Also, I improved my grammar skills a lot. And I can understand so much better people with different accents too, that’s something I couldn’t do before coming here.

Also, it was really easy to make friends. The school is full of people from other countries you can make friends with. There is always a kind atmosphere at the school, it’s easy to feel comfortable.

Where did I stay?

I had my own accommodation because I love being on my own. I rented an apartment that was near to the school so I could attend the lessons by walking everyday. I’m someone that needs a lot of space for myself, so that’s why.

Why would I suggest this experience?

Life here is truly relaxing, you have different areas to do any activity you want to. So no matter what your lifestyle is, you can fit in Malta for sure. One of the things I love the most from Malta is the beach, the clear water is the best. Also, I enjoy seeing classic cars every single day on the road!

About the school, everything was perfect from start to finish. If I had to describe BELS in three words, it would be experience, care, commitment.