After deciding to move to Malta to teach English, I anticipated an uncomfortable first few weeks of becoming accustomed to a foreign country.

I am used to living in a big, busy city and working in large schools. But while Malta and Sydney are different in so many ways, I have experienced none of the difficulties that usually come with starting a new job abroad.

Malta University Language School (MULS) really is a home away from home for all its students and staff. MULS makes a wonderful impression on everyone who visits. The staff has a passion for the industry and a love for the school, and the students can feel it. Our director, Jean, welcomes every visitor – new students and new teachers alike – with genuine warmth and kindness. Jean listens to students’ questions and problems with a sensitive ear and does her absolute best to find a solution.

MULS’ small size allows our team to offer a level of personalized service that is rarely found at other schools. We value each student, so there is no chance that a student will ever just be ‘a number’. There is a strong sense of community within the school – it feels like a family. You can also expect lessons with teachers from different English-speaking backgrounds, including Maltese, British, Canadian and, of course, Australian!

The atmosphere at MULS is both professional and relaxed (Malta is a Mediterranean island, after all!) Our classes are based on communication, so there are more than enough opportunities to practice speaking. After class, students meet each other in the cafeteria below the school where they can play a friendly game of pool or organise an outing together. While the students’ main goal is to learn English, they value just as highly the international friendships they make here.

The students make MULS an extra special place to study and teach. In one class, there might be students from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe and South America, and every student interacts in a respectful, tolerant manner. Opportunities for conversations about culture are endless!

Joining the MULS team has been one of the highlights of my time in Malta. If you are thinking about choosing Malta to start or continue your English language learning journey, MULS will ensure your experience is a special one.

By Jessica Farrugia, EFL teacher at Malta University Language School