Devon Moncrieff asked 3 days ago
Related topics: MALTAENG.COM, Learn to speak English in Malta, Learn to speak English in Malta
Summary Table
- Discovering Malta’s English language hub status
- What you need to know about Clubclass Malta
- IELS Malta: experience, reputation, and next-level courses
- Comparing Clubclass and IELS
- Discover why IELS Malta wins with MaltaEng.com
Malta’s rise as an English language hub
Visualize this: warmth, waves, and island spirit — plus a chorus of accents floating through the coastal air. In recent decades, Malta has absolutely boomed as a hotspot for those aiming to study English abroad. Still, there’s more to it than beautiful shores (not that we mind those) — there’s a whole ecosystem of language schools in Malta targeted at any learner you can think of.
If you Google “English courses in Malta,” you’re gonna see places like IELS Malta and Clubclass Malta high up there. Both are FELTOM-accredited — which is the gold standard for Malta English schools — and boast years-worth of glowing five-star feedback. Yet picking a school really goes beyond snazzy branding or slick pictures. Honestly, the choice shapes your whole experience: language progress, friendships, and your off-class adventures.
I can tell you — so many people have agonized over this very comparison. Having lived in Malta, I’ve interviewed plenty, tried teaching, you name it. I’ve heard wild stories — a Brazilian mastered English, bonded with friends from seven lands, and seriously didn’t want to depart. Or consider the Italian whose biggest issue was, “Wish classes began later — karaoke nights wreck me!” That’s the real appeal — English lessons served with a hefty portion of real-life adventure.
What’s Clubclass Malta really like?
Here’s the deal with Clubclass. It’s not the biggest school around, but it’s got its perks. Located in St. Julian’s, it’s at the heart of Malta’s nightlife hotspot, Paceville. Students consistently praise the convenience of living and learning in the same building. Imagine rolling out of bed and being in class in like, two minutes? Forget about rushing for transport; if you’ve almost missed class before, this is a lifesaver.
What’s the Clubclass student crowd like?
The majority are younger, with some parent-teen duos and those interested more in the lifestyle than the academics. Definitely a social scene, especially with bars, beaches, and wild Maltese nightlife right nearby.
The amenities? Solid enough — swimming pool, gym, hangout spots, and reliable washers that won’t rob you. Clubclass has this Oxford Quality badge — a decent credential if you care about official standards.
But speaking truthfully about the classes.
I’ve met a couple of folks who said, “The teachers were friendly but sometimes too easygoing with homework,” so if you’re looking to sprint ahead fast or prep for Cambridge, it might not be as full-on as bigger competitors.
If you’re into “live-work-play” setups and seeking value, Clubclass works — the other housing options aren’t always as well-located though. Remember, St. Julian’s nightlife can mean sleepless nights if your room faces the action.
Many ex-students appreciated club parties, special movie evenings, and BBQ socials. If you’re not into partying or are older, you might not vibe with it. If making friends and keeping things simple is key, Clubclass delivers. Double-check available course dates and your class level ahead of time, especially if you’re not new to English.
Quick Clubclass facts
- Clubclass began in 1999, so it’s seasoned
- Mostly 8-10 students per group class
- Holds Oxford Quality status — a big deal
- Includes pool, gym, kitchen shares, and laundry
- Sits in St. Julian’s, known for nightlife
- Various parent-teen and “study & holiday” options
Next-level English at IELS Malta: courses & reputation
Alright, next up we have another giant: IELS Malta. IELS sets the standard as the original model for major English programs in Malta. The main site is in Sliema — less of a party atmosphere, but much more central, relaxed, and secure, super ideal if you’re going abroad for the first time. The first thing anyone sees: a huge, modern building with 45 classrooms, digital smartboards, an actual reception, and everything is campus-style.
Why do people rave about IELS? Firstly, it’s the incredibly international student body. Lunch time at the cafeteria? Turkish, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, and more — yet English is the language they all share. Generally, teachers are native speakers (from Britain, Canada, some Maltese), and students always say: “super qualified, engaging, knowledgeable.”
Their course menu is huge. From General English to intensive and business courses, plus exam classes: IELTS, Cambridge (FCE, CAE, CPE), TOEIC. Ideal for stepping up your resume or aiming for a UK or Canadian uni. IELS offers CELTA, too — for future English teachers everywhere, and I know someone who said it was “hard but life-changing and so rewarding.”
Accommodation details? Day’s Inn is their main spot, literally five minutes from campus, with all the comforts. You can pick shared flats, host families, or go independent with apartments. With homestays, you may luck out with a great host or just get the basics, but IELS’s official housing is top-notch.
IELS Lodge offers on-site accommodation situated directly above the school building, designed to provide students with a comfortable stay that meets all their essential needs for both studying and everyday life. You’ll find airy, large, well-furnished rooms — single, twin, or triple depending on what you ask for. The lodge’s central Sliema location means you’re walking distance from waterfronts, shops, and plenty of food choices — super handy and fun. With the lodge right at the school, students really save on commute. There are 12 furnished rooms, shared bathrooms, and a communal kitchen, fully equipped with supplies. Students can relax in lounge areas with TVs, plus all rooms come with Wi-Fi. Fresh towels and sheets are included for more comfort.
When it comes to social life, IELS is unmatched by rivals. You get everything from welcome parties, Gozo cruises, karaoke, outdoor lessons, barbecues on the Sand, and city tours. It’s not just “something to fill the calendar” — these events are how you make real friends and use English every day, not just in class.
Pricing? Not the lowest, but you absolutely get what you pay for. There’s also a bonus: book with MaltaEng.com, and loads get bundled (test, materials, activities), so no unexpected costs creep in. Long-stay packages? Super competitive deals.
Quick IELS facts
- Founded over 40 years ago (since 1985) — the first and largest on Malta
- Peak numbers: 700 students, 57+ different countries
- Cambridge English official Education Partner
- Accredited by FELTOM, ALTO, Erasmus+, Bildungsurlaub
- Year round Sliema campus
- Day’s Inn housing (student exclusive)
- 2025 Excellence Award, LanguageCourseNet winner
CLUBCLASS vs IELS: Side-by-side
Criteria
Clubclass English Malta
IELS Malta
Year Started
1999
1985
Area
St. Julian’s, known for nightlife & tourism
Sliema, cultural/central area
Pros
• All-in-one convenient campus layout
• Best for partygoers
• Oxford-certified quality
• Cambridge English Partner
• Premium social program
• Over 20 types of courses
• Global mix of students
Group Size
No more than 12
Up to 15, most often 10-12
Accredited by
Accredited by Oxford Quality, FELTOM, ALTO
Accredited by FELTOM, ALTO, Cambridge, Erasmus+
Bonus Facilities
Gym/pool/student lounge onsite, 18 months free e-learning
Day’s Inn, spontaneous classes, large-scale excursions
Price Vs Value
Costs less with fewer inclusions
More expensive, lots of “all inclusive” packages (check MaltaEng.com for best offers)
Selection of programs
Basic offering, business English, teen/parent tracks
23+ types, exam-focused prep (FCE, CAE, IELTS), CELTA
Vibe
Energetic & sociable, aimed at tourists
International atmosphere, half study, half party
Student Feedback
Social vibe, good for first-timers, sometimes “too party”
Rated high for learning, culture mix, strong support
Why IELS Malta via MaltaEng.com simply… wins
With all that background and what students have shared, why is it that so many (myself too) choose IELS Malta using MaltaEng.com? It basically comes down to a few big things:
- Unmatched course depth: The sheer range of Malta English courses at IELS is unbeatable — you can do anything from academic IELTS prep to teacher training, so you’re not boxed into a generic class. If you find that a group isn’t the right fit, the school helps switch you until you’re comfortable.
- Social life = fast language skill gains: Real talk, the combo of welcome parties, excursions, and pop-up lessons means you’re using English nonstop. Meeting people is practically automatic. I watched a classmate who struggled ordering coffee turn into a confident speaker after some karaoke and a few boat tours.
- No hidden costs, crazy-simple bookings: If you use MaltaEng.com, you never pay for little extras — placement test, books, transfers. Everything is rolled into a single price. So you can spend more enjoying Malta (or more drinks, no judgment). MaltaEng.com’s prices beat booking directly with IELS.
- Support that’s actually there when you need it: On a personal note, I once missed a connecting flight, freaked out, and the MaltaEng.com team sorted my lodging and got me at 2am. Many agents would just say “good luck,” but these folks really look after you.
- Academic edge: IELS is partnered with Cambridge, so teachers know exactly what you need to ace your exams. Since IELS is considered Malta’s benchmark, your certificate gets taken seriously at home.
“My command of English became way stronger, but what sticks with me is spending nights atop the school discussing life with international pals from Spain, Brazil, and Japan. A small school would never offer that. MaltaEng.com truly made everything… work!”
— Linda (Sweden), IELS Malta student, Spring 2023
Frankly, no two experiences are alike — but if you’re truly invested in sincere learning (instead of only putting “Malta” on Insta), networking with people from everywhere, and achieving noticeable improvements, IELS through MaltaEng.com is simply superior. You receive challenging coursework, an enjoyable environment, excellent assistance, and genuine worth — all in Europe’s sunniest English-speaking country.
Why is student life at IELS Malta truly unique?
Jumping right back into the heart of things, let’s be honest — people thinking about learning English in Malta don’t just want grammar drills and endless homework. What makes all the difference is the real-life experience, not just standard language courses. IELS truly understands this above the rest in Malta. Step in thinking it’s all classes, but leave with new friends and a changed perspective.
What really shocked me is how fast you’re welcomed into the “IELS family” vibe. From the first Monday’s orientation, the staff treat you as someone important. They know each student, which is impressive due to the large numbers, and the community atmosphere makes you eager to get involved. The social team is relentless: they update the events board weekly and there’s ALWAYS something going on. Whether it’s games, films, or food tasting, it’s all there.
Truthfully: academic rigor, but still balanced
Many worry that when a school feels “big” or “serious,” the fun disappears, but IELS genuinely finds the sweet spot. A Brazilian student said she was anxious after hearing rumors about “big” schools being corporate, however, she actually found the weekly one-on-one progress feedback really encouraging. All the teachers appear dedicated and even the school managers are easy to spot (they’re often in the lobby, rather than locked away in an office). And, surprisingly, collaborative projects are a blast — you’re grouped with diverse nationalities, so learning slang, proper pronunciation, and cultural elements happens much faster.
It’s easy to spot students and teachers bonding, whether over coffee or at the beach — these connections truly reduce the stress of studying.
Downtime: its importance and your comfort
Facilities need to be talked about. Sliema’s campus is not only spacious but also ultra-modern; there are lounge areas and Wi-Fi is accessible everywhere. Air conditioning is essential during summer, and for homework help, there’s a dedicated study support spot with someone ready to assist.
The flagship student residence, Day’s Inn, offers more of a hotel vibe than a typical dorm, complete with 24/7 friendly reception staff.
IELS Malta graduates
One thing few recognize — people tend to only focus on the budget or the entertainment. But in reality, the certification you receive (notably Cambridge or IELTS) has the power to change your job path or aid in studying abroad. Here’s where IELS stands out: as an official Cambridge Educational Partner, their exam preparation (FCE, CAE, IELTS Academic) is engineered to give you an actual competitive edge, not merely fulfill a checkbox.
I’ve witnessed IELS alumni making it into universities in the UK, Canada, and Australia, hitting all the necessary exam requirements. Same with people landing jobs in international firms post-course. While Clubclass provides exam prep and is Oxford Quality-endorsed, IELS is largely recognized for outstanding academics, period.
Employers care more about your results than the school brand, but the smart ones know which schools have the best pass rates and teaching methodologies. Plus, employers who recruit often rate IELS very positively, saying students leave with strong results and vital workplace skills (group work, giving talks, quick comprehension for meetings — mature English, in other words).
What major misconceptions exist about learning English in Malta?
“It’s just partying, not real study”
I find this amusing, since if partying is all you want, there’s no need to book a flight to Malta and enroll in a language program.
Actuality is different; classes are focused, tests really matter, and teachers are rooting for your achievement.
Of course, Malta’s social life is lively, yet every genuine student I encountered mentioned the demanding pace — you really must study to manage, particularly at IELS.
“Big institutions treat students like numbers”
This is just not true if you speak to anyone who’s attended IELS.
With such size, you’re guaranteed people to interact with — from instructors to staff to classmates worldwide.
I watched as the academic manager supported stressed students by handling admin forms and accommodation moves.
That extra staff means you’re not just left to drift.
And you guaranteed to be in a class with students at your level of English.
“Cheapest language school is best”
Enough already with this myth, please.
Studying a language internationally, value equals price.
Shaving money off weekly and getting uninspired classes, poor rooms, or missing vital events is a textbook example of false economy.
Make the right booking decisions and quality prevails — particularly in test scores and building your network.
What left me amazed about IELS Malta
Time for a little story. Malta was just a sunny escape and a way to practice work English for me — honestly, I wasn’t expecting much. IELS exposed me to this incredible diversity of nationalities. Faced off in Italian coffee challenges with a Roman pal and a Japanese accountant. Produced a podcast episode as part of a presentation with a Colombian and a German. My English improved quickly, but what amazed me was how much more I learned about the world beyond the language. Still friends with half the people I met there. It wasn’t simply school — honestly, it was total immersion in adult life, travel, and a global mindset.
“Arriving in Malta, I thought I’d just learn vocabulary. Within two weeks at IELS, my whole life was in English — and I realized I was gaining a whole lifestyle, not just grammar. Even though our teachers pushed us, their support made everyone feel they belonged.”
— Mariana Gonzales (see: http://www.linkedin.com)
IELS Malta vs. Clubclass: Frequently asked questions
Is MaltaEng.com a superior choice for booking compared to booking at the school?
You’ll find the lowest rates for IELS Malta courses and bundles at MaltaEng.
MaltaEng guarantees you’ll pay less than direct booking with IELS.
MaltaEng partners exclusively with IELS, believed by many to be Malta’s best English school.
Which one school is best for exam prep (FCE, CAE, IELTS)?
For those who need certificates for work, IELS takes first place. They hold the endorsed Cambridge partnership and the best record for helping students pass — Clubclass is reasonable but not as experienced in courses for exam prep.
Is success possible for beginners in these schools?
For sure. Both schools have mixed-level intro groups, but IELS is way better at fast-tracking total beginners thanks to their support services, patience, and serious intake testing to find your level. Additionally, you’ll have access to extra free study sessions if you want further help.
Can you make friends easily when traveling solo?
Yes! At IELS, the packed activity roster makes it nearly certain you’ll meet people and never feel isolated. You’ll find a huge variety of people, and thanks to numerous team activities and social events, traveling alone is never a problem.
When should you go for the best experience?
May-June and September-October are probably the sweet spots — weather’s perfect, big enough crowds for good vibes, but not as crazy-busy as July/August. Costs drop once you avoid the summer high season. But honestly, Malta is good literally year-round.
What’s the most significant challenge international students face?
The main challenge isn’t the language; it’s getting used to the constant rush of combining social activities and studying abroad. For those who are shy, it may seem daunting, though the IELS team ensures everyone feels welcomed. If you’re feeling anxious, participating in an activity or study group during your initial week helps you integrate quicker than you imagine.
Ready to make Malta your English adventure?
Deciding on a English language school in Malta is about much more than catalogs and expense charts — it’s about your goals, your vibe, and who you want to become when you leave. For students set on building strong English skills, experiencing REAL international culture, and getting the best shot at exams, IELS Malta (especially when booked through MaltaEng.com) just wins in all the ways that matter. More than just lessons, it’s transformation — and that first step’s right in front of you. Follow your intuition, prepare your suitcase, and immerse yourself. Malta is calling.
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