German teacher, students find second home in Malta

Visions of a deep blue sea and memories of strong friendships formed during his many visits to Malta keep Franz-Dieter Buchheimer returning to this Mediterranean island he has made his second home.

A German teacher of English and history, Mr Buchheimer organises student exchanges and work experience programmes to Malta and usually spends his summer vacations on the island.

"This is my 23rd visit here and every time I get off the plane I feel as if I am going home. I have so many friends here and I always return to Germany with good memories of my stay."

For the first time this year he visited in winter and says he is amazed it is "so warm here". "I left my cold, snowy hometown to arrive on a sunny island in the middle of the Mediterranean when I can enjoy the weather and relaxed lifestyle."

Since he finds the island so warm, he chose an outside table at a Sliema café overlooking the sea for our interview.

"The deep blue sea, old friendships and the hospitality of the inhabitants is how I can best describe Malta and what it means to me," says Mr Buchheimer, who came to Malta for the first time as a leader of a group of German students when he was 21 years old.

He kept up several friendships, especially with Francis Stivala of NSTS, the student travel organisation.

Mr Buchheimer's aim is to encourage young people to work abroad, exploring subjects such as the rights of employers and employees, duties and responsibilities.

He is currently in charge of a group of German students in Malta to get work experience. "Work experience in a foreign country is more than just a part of the students' education," says Mr Buchheimer who teaches students from the fifth to the 13th grade at Kopernikusschule Freigericht in Hessen.

He handles the students' arrangements in Malta, working closely with NSTS to match his students with the most suitable company according to their abilities.

He also looks after the students during their two-week experience on the island, during which they live with host families. "We believe this is a part of the experience of being abroad. It is also a good way to learn more about Maltese culture, mentality and traditions."

"Students give me very positive feedback and many plan to return. Their only complaint is that the rooms in Malta are cold at night and they cannot turn on the central heating since this does not exist here."

Mr Buchheimer says his greatest satisfaction is knowing that his students received a good experience in Malta which they will treasure throughout their life. "This is priceless and cannot be expressed in words."

Students' experience

Sabrina Schiesser, 15, of Frankfurt, works at St John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta.

"Ancient cities have always fascinated me as old buildings and churches seem to be surrounded by charm and mystery.

"Malta - with its rich cultural heritage and long history - was the perfect place for me to gain work experience and improve my English at the same time.

"I am working for two weeks in different rooms of St John's Co-Cathedral and learning many interesting things about the church, exhibits, artists and Malta's history.

"What fascinates me most is that I can literally picture how people used to live.

"My main task is to ensure that none of the treasures are damaged by visitors. I got the impression that there is a lot of awareness here as to how important cultural heritage is.

"As a result of my work experience here, I can imagine myself working in a museum later and would like to study history.

"As I enjoyed the tours around the island, I will definitely come back one day."

Jana Stein, 15, of Frankfurt, works at the reception of a Sliema hotel.

"Going abroad to gain work experience was a whole adventure for me. Now its nearly over but I can definitely say that during my work here I became much more self-confident and independent but also more critical of myself.

"I have been interested in hotel management and was also curious about Malta.

"The work project at the reception of a hotel does not only help me improve my English but I also get in contact with many people from different countries.

"My work at the reception involves dealing with guests' complaints, special wishes and booking reservations.

"Although I have to admit that it is quite exhausting, the work confirmed my decision to take up a job at a hotel when I finish school.

"I already feel at home here and this is due to the way the Maltese have welcomed me.

"The weather is great but next time I plan to come here in summer as I want to spend time at the magnificent beaches."