The Brazilian student arrived with two priorities: studying English and continuing to work. Malta offered both, but it also brought international friendships, a closer connection to the local community and a traineeship that would influence his career plans.
“Malta gave me the opportunity to work while studying, which made it the perfect destination for me,” he says.
The climate reminded him of home, while the combination of study, work and coastal life offered the balance he was looking for.
Finding the right fit
Philippe needed a course that could fit around his working day. English Path Malta was one of the few schools offering evening classes, allowing him to work during the day and study afterwards.
The international mix of students became another important part of his education. Regular conversations with classmates from different countries exposed him to a range of accents and ways of communicating.
“The multicultural environment allows you to meet people from all over the world and become familiar with many different English accents, which really helps improve your listening skills and overall communication,” he says.
English also became the common language between new friends, giving Philippe opportunities to use what he was learning well beyond his lessons.
Malta’s coastal lifestyle added to the appeal.
“I love the fact that I can spend time at the beach before or after class,” he says. “It’s a lifestyle I had always dreamed of.”
Becoming part of Malta
Philippe’s connection with the island soon extended beyond studying and working there.
When English Path Malta organised a Beach Clean Up Day, he joined students and staff to remove rubbish from the coastline.
“I always enjoy trying new experiences, and this was a great opportunity to give something back to the island while helping protect the sea,” he says.
The initiative brought students from different backgrounds together around a shared purpose. It gave them another opportunity to practise English, work as a team and meet people outside their usual classes.
“Even though each person’s contribution seemed small, together we made a huge impact,” Philippe says. “We had fun, worked as a team and made new connections while helping the environment.”
The experience also changed how he viewed his place in Malta.
“I’m no longer just a student, I’m also a resident, so I believe it’s our responsibility to take care of the place we live,” he says. “If I want to enjoy clean beaches, I also have to do my part to keep them that way.”
He had arrived as an international student. Increasingly, he began to see himself as someone with a stake in the place where he lived.
A new professional direction
One of the most significant developments came when Philippe was offered a sales and marketing traineeship during his studies.
The role allowed him to use English in a professional setting while exploring a field he had not previously considered.
“That experience had a huge impact on my future,” he says.
The traineeship helped Philippe identify the area he now wants to pursue at university. What began as a language course had also given him practical experience and a clearer sense of what he wanted to do next.
The value beyond the classroom
For Allen Lofaro, director of English Path Malta, Philippe’s journey reflects the kind of experience international education should provide.
“Students may initially come to us with the goal of improving their English, but we want their experience to go far beyond the classroom,” he says. “It’s about becoming part of the local community, building confidence, creating meaningful connections and, in some cases, discovering a new direction for their future.”
Allen was named Tourism Worker of the Year in the English Language Learning category at the Malta Tourism Awards 2025.
“Being recognised at the Malta Tourism Awards was particularly meaningful because education and tourism in Malta are closely connected,” he says.
For Allen, international students are not only learners. During their time in Malta, they are also visitors, explorers and contributors to the local economy and community.
Philippe’s experience brings that wider contribution into focus. He came to Malta to study, but also worked, built international friendships, volunteered locally and gained experience that influenced his future plans.
“Studying at English Path Malta has given me unforgettable experiences, lifelong friendships and opportunities that have completely changed my future in such a short period of time,” he says.
He arrived wanting better English. He leaves with a stronger connection to Malta and a clearer idea of where he wants to go next.
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