Major investment at language school

EF International has invested €1 million in refurbishing its school premises at St Julian’s.

Speaking during a visit to the school yesterday, EF president Eva Kockum said an additional €1 million will be invested in further renovations and in promoting Malta as the ideal location to learn English.

Of the 70,000 English language students who will visit Malta this year, nearly one third are EF students. The school employs 400 staff members during the summer.

While the main market is Europe, Ms Kockum said the school also aims at increasing numbers from other countries, such as Japan, China, Brazil and Mexico.

“Acquiring visas can often be quite a challenge. We hope that the process will be a smoother one in the near future.

“We are also aiming to attract mature students, as this would allow a year-round influx of students.”

Tourism Minister Mario de Marco praised the school’s efforts to reach different markets.

He noted that 1,400 people worked as English language teachers in Malta, but the spillover effect was even wider as there were 1,100 host families on the island, 500 of which employed by EF. The school is currently preparing to welcome 400 sales managers and school directors from around the world for a five-day conference.

The school has been equipped with the latest technology, including iPads and two computer labs, EF Malta director Roger Bugeja said.

Teaching staff use iPad software applications that enhance students’ learning experience and the school has also developed a comprehensive online system, which remains accessible to students for some time after their courses end.

From mid-October, the school will also introduce evening classes between 6pm and 7pm.