I am to write something about my 3 months of internship inLingua, a not usual English school language here in Malta: and the motivation of this, you can understand it only reading this brief testimonial of mine..
InLingua Malta was the first English school language for foreigners in Malta. It’s located in Sliema, which is, in tourism terms, one of the most “vivid” locations in Malta. Precisely, InLingua is in the nearby of wonderful Sliema’s promenade, a place that presents an ideal mix of locals, shops, hotels and sidewalks for enjoying the Malta’s blue sea, the sunsets and the spectacular views of Valletta (so its churches, fortifications and its fascinating palaces’ facades in English style..) As told like that, this story is just beautiful: but the best has to come yet..
Inlingua is so special that while I was starting my internship, the school gave me the possibility to attend some English lessons, just like a real student. In fact inLingua interns aren’t considered as young to exploit (like unfortunately it often happens in Italy), but they are seen like resources, and so the staff try to make them learn English well: afterwards, for them, English will be the fundamental language for communications with the staff, the customers and the suppliers as well, which is also a lesson learnt in being customer centric after the completion of the course. So I remember with pleasure the morning lessons with Ms Maud, a Maltese teacher (who talks in perfect British English, as anyway all the inLingua teachers): she is very methodical in her work and we made with her group lessons (of about 5-6 students every week). All these were well prepared about grammar, listening, writing, reading, and oriented-focus conversations as well. Then, I remember the afternoon lessons by Ms May, another Maltese teacher: we did with her mostly group conversations. Lessons with her were more informal than that ones in the morning: just to permit students to take confidence more and more with English. In this way, I created friends connections in the school (and with my dear May, it’s impossible not to become friends..) InLingua students aren’t only customers who study English: but they become also protagonist of an international friends’ network: so they often keep on contacts outside the school contest. While I was attending English lessons, I worked inLingua as well, doing hours, mostly in the afternoon, and learning more and more English and basics for work.
After a month of English lessons I worked for another month at the school reception, and also sometimes as a tour leader for students’ group (in locations as the Blue Lagoon in Comino, one of the most beautiful rock seaside in the world). At reception was always been assisted by Kelly: I learnt from her much about this busy front-office job, in fact this needs patience, a multitasking approach, resistance to stress, and above of all, several sweets to eat during the breaks (and only me and Kelly know how many of these we ate together while were working side by side..) After a month I worked on the first floor, in the administration offices, doing various back office activities and tasks: so I could know better all the Inlingua staff (Analise, David, Francesca, Gabriella, Maria Chiara, Nigel, Will). These people make me know how a real working team works: that is thanks to the reliability, competence, diligence, communication, and each other respect and comprehension by all. I found the same approach from the InLingua teachers, who always collaborate very well with the staff for the organization of the didactics activities.
I have left for last ones (but obviously not the least ones) some people: my colleagues, the interns, good guys like me from all over the world (Albania, Ecuador, France, Germany, Italy, Hungary). With all of them I always learnt and worked in a climate of fun, affinity and mutual respect. And in the end, Anthony, my business English course tutor here InLingua: he is the person who permitted me to do this internship, and in particular to do it in the good way in which I have written so far.. He taught me much about marketing and communication, but in particular he taught to me that, for doing well own work, you need passion, energy and enthusiasm. Every person here inLingua has got these qualities: because in these three months I hadn’t got only colleagues, but also friends with who I passed a fantastic and really useful working experience.