Inlingua compared with IELS
Related areas of interest: English studies in Malta, MALTAENG.COM, english as a foreign language
Contents
- Reasons to pick Malta for English courses
- inlingua Malta: a look inside the original
- IELS Malta: a leader in modern English education
- inlingua vs IELS: true differences revealed
- Key reasons why IELS wins via MaltaEng
Why pick Malta to study English?
Okay so, first things first — why is Malta such a big deal for anyone wanting to learn English? This is something I get asked regularly. This is what I say to anyone who wonders — like my cousin back in Brazil:
You get to experience a sun-kissed Mediterranean island, with ancient cities, laid-back energy, and the blue sea right at your door. After class, instead of heading straight to a stuffy library, you might eat a pastizz in Valletta, chat in English with locals, and make new friends from all over the globe. English immersion in Malta is genuine — English is all around you, built into the culture and the language itself. With English officially recognized in Malta, you’ll find that most locals are native-level speakers.
I remember touching down in Sliema for the initial time. Seamlessly, the airport taxi driver switched between Maltese and clear, precise English, and it hit me: “Whoa, just being here will speed up my language learning.” No bubble here — every café, bus ride, and beach day feels like being inside a giant classroom.
Another big thing: unlike the UK or US, Malta boasts affordability, the weather tends to be much better (sometimes, honestly, a bit too warm), and it fuses a European lifestyle with island calmness. Whether you’re signing up for IELS Malta, inlingua Malta, or perhaps another academy, in Malta you receive the awesome blend of studying overseas while staying on budget.
Given Malta’s size, you might see your classmates beyond class — which helps if you’re hesitant with your new language abilities.
Thus, if you’re hunting for the top English schools Malta has, you’ve actually already made a good call just by selecting Malta in the first place.
inlingua Malta: the story of the original school
Alright, now onto inlingua Malta.
Think of this as Malta’s founding English school — honestly, they’ve held that title as the first language school around, staying strong for roughly 45 years (since 1980 to be exact).
They’re part of the global inlingua big-family, so if you’ve got friends who’ve studied languages in Switzerland, Germany, or Spain, there’s a decent chance they’ve hit up another inlingua branch.
On-site features? Better than you might expect. They’re equipped with 20 chilled classrooms, which is absolutely crucial since Maltese summers get seriously hot. They’re fitted with touch screens (so outdated whiteboards aren’t an issue anymore), add in a chill student lounge, a full library, and quick WiFi — ideal if you need to tweak that perfect “study at the beach” Insta post.
Geographically, they picked a winner — Sliema, in Malta, is like a hub for students. Plenty of restaurants, shopping, stunning seaside paths, and vibrant street life. When I studied there, you’d wrap up class and almost immediately be at a café outdoors, chatting in your new language with others.
What’s it like in class? The main thing they focus on is the “inlingua method.” You’ll find it very interactive, with a strong push for speaking over copying grammar rules like in high school. I observed a trial class, and truthfully, I was impressed. Teachers had an “artistic” energy; it was clear they liked teaching, and nobody looked bored or distracted by their phones. Speaking up is encouraged, whether you mess up or not — and in my opinion, that’s how you remember things best.
Learners come in all age groups there, yet typically they’re a bit older — around 30 on average, except during the summer when things tend to get younger. The atmosphere is extremely friendly — I found myself chatting with Italians, Germans, French folks I didn’t know, and no one made you feel silly for basic questions. If becoming part of a time-honored family with extensive local networks appeals to you, inlingua is the place.
Studying for exams? They’re a Cambridge centre and FELTOM-accredited, so if you’re eyeing those official certificates, you’re sorted. What’s more — and it’s rare — if there’s a holiday during your class, you won’t lose any lessons (not all schools do that).
Negative aspects? Most people mention it’s particularly well-suited for novices or those at an intermediate level. Those at advanced stages sometimes felt they maxed out, however, honestly, it’s solid for almost everyone.
Story time: During my time with two roommates who trusted inlingua to help them overcome their fear of speaking. One even found her first bartending job in Malta, just from taking a chance and applying what she picked up post-class. She put it simply: “For anyone wanting good times, to meet others, and to practice English daily, you can’t beat this place.”
IELS Malta: modern powerhouse in English learning
Now, it’s IELS Malta’s turn. If you’re trawling Instagram or Google for “English courses in Malta“, this is probably the name popping up again and again. IELS, with 40+ years in the field, is a formidable challenger to inlingua. Their main HQ is also in Sliema (I mean, all the action is there tbh), but their campus is on a whole different level — think big, big, big, with some of the nicest facilities I’ve seen in Malta.
Amenities? Seriously contemporary. Classrooms are incredibly spacious, digital whiteboards cover every wall (not the useless old-school ones that always glitch), and to top it off, they’re constructing another residential block. There’s an authentic university atmosphere throughout. I love how the classrooms flood with sunlight in the morning though — way more motivating than being stuck in a basement lab. Technology-wise, they’re leagues ahead. When I attended, classes were ultra engaging, with videos, team games, and frequent presentations.
Picture this: Malta’s largest shopping centers are just under five minutes away from you, the Sliema ferry is just six minutes away (a quick ride and you’re instantly in Valletta), or about twenty-five minutes gets you to Paceville, the party capital. So, wherever you wanna go after class, you’re basically there already. It’s not simply fun; you’re practicing and learning English around the clock.
Instruction methods? Every teacher has achieved Cambridge CELTA, or TESOL approved by Trinity. The approach never gets dull — lessons are made into activities, debates, coffee breaks, or whatever format is right. Two friends of mine prepped for the Cambridge exam at the school; educators organized Friday coffee gathering sessions to get folks speaking. It reminded me of a British café, just that it was in the Mediterranean. You’ll be glad for all the “pop up” and walking classes, especially if you’re as restless as I am.
Accommodation? IELS truly shines here. Their flagship housing, “Day’s Inn,” is under 5 minutes from your lessons — safe, modern, and full of social life. If building friendships with global students beyond classes is your goal, this arrangement is perfect. You’ll find additional choices as well (like on-campus, home stays, apartments), and the school is transparent about each, allowing you to choose your preference. My tip: If you stay at Day’s Inn, you basically guarantee you’ll leave with at least five new friends.
How’s the student vibe? Average age is 25–35, resulting in a crowd of young professionals — ample networking possibilities. But they also offer “30+ courses,”, therefore, if you’re older, you won’t be with just teens. The student body is very multinational, and I noticed that people mix and mingle — minus any cliquish feeling.
Exam prep? This is the area where IELS excels: Cambridge exam preparation is finished in only SIX weeks with IELS. That’s lightning fast – only some Maltese schools can match it. If you need your certificate for a job, you’re in and out quickly.
Costs? Normally, IELS is on the “premium” side, but that’s where things get interesting with MaltaEng.com (more on that soon).
What are students really saying? Review sites report ratings from 4.5 up to 4.9 out of 5 (remarkable, with so many students participating annually). My German pal didn’t want to go and got choked up at the goodbye celebration. “Best month of my life,” she messaged me after. That encapsulates the so-called “big family” vibe people constantly point out.
inlingua vs IELS: the real differences unpacked
| IELS school Malta | inlingua in Malta | |
|---|---|---|
| Demographics | Predominantly 25–35 age group and some 30+ | Average age: 30, attracts more starters |
| Where Located | Centrally in Sliema, close to all attractions | Located in central Sliema, near cafes and shops |
| School facilities |
• Top-notch school, bright, digital whiteboards • Both on-site and near residences available |
• 20 AC classrooms, interactive screens • No on-site modern residence |
| Instructor qualifications |
• Certified in CELTA and TESOL • Dynamic, updated methods |
• Artistic, inlingua-certified teaching staff • Worldwide franchise teaching style |
| Preparation for exams |
• Six-week Cambridge course • Great passing statistics |
• Certified Cambridge prep center • Supportive for all levels |
| Where to stay |
• Brand new IELS Lodge, 5 minutes to Day’s Inn, Tigne apartments • Screened host family stay |
• Homestays only, no residence |
| Price | • Biggest price cuts from MaltaEng.com | • Market-average rates |
| School environment |
• Feels like a big family, multicultural • Many leisure activities |
• Welcoming, helpful • Suited for novice students |
| Pros |
• Excellent facilities • Rapid exam-focused programs • Awesome accommodation • Professional consultant help |
• Creative instructors • Strong community • Basics prioritized |
| Drawbacks |
• Price (unless MaltaEng discount) • Not as much homestay |
• Fewer package deals • Lacks on-site housing |
Some time ago, I did a classic “school crawl” (like a pub crawl, but with more books) to scope out the two schools. inlingua impressed me with its calm, homey atmosphere and saw it’s a sweet spot for those who want to quietly build their skills. IELS had me wanting to join every event and talk to all the people — perfect if you wanna leave shyness at home. To be real, both are fine, but they each vibe with separate kinds of learners and energy levels.
Critical reasons IELS is best via MaltaEng
Here’s what genuinely sets things apart. For anyone after “English immersion Malta” or those unbeatable best value English courses, IELS is exceptional — but the smartest move is to book via MaltaEng.com.
Let me share my story: Upon signing up my little cousin, we checked out every school website, read every review (honestly, almost died of boredom), and eventually landed on MaltaEng.com. We wrote to Nataliya, the consultant, and she got back to us quickly with a discounted quote. No prepayment scams, no odd additional charges, it was all absolutely transparent. Truthfully, it was like getting away with something — identical classes, cheaper rate.
Speaking of packages, If you’re staying for 3 weeks or more, your lodging is covered at better prices than the school’s own reception can offer. That truly shifts the game, particularly given Malta’s costly summers.
“In just 6 weeks, I earned the Cambridge First Certificate, stayed at Day’s Inn, and paid significantly less than anyone else in my group. When booking IELS, always enquire about MaltaEng. It’s simply the clever choice.”
— Helen (Germany), once an IELS student
Tailored recommendations also count. A true educator (possessing a Master’s in Language Education, real Cambridge CELTA accreditation) assists you throughout the process — making sure you avoid the wrong course level or administrative hassles. I’ve seen so many folks book schools, play guessing games, and waste time or money. Here, you’re sorted from day one.
Booking is hassle-free: you receive confirmation before you pay, choose when to pay (you pay direct to IELS, not a different portal), and you know exactly what’s included.
What’s more, IELS really stands out with its activities — Friday coffee clubs, urban excursions, exam study sessions, pop-up language meetups, just to name a few. You’ll always find something extra to keep you interested. For me, learning a language isn’t just grammar or vocab; it means living through the language, which IELS really delivers.
Discover the Real Malta: Daily Life and Activities
Let’s be honest, selecting a school isn’t solely about grammar like the past perfect tense. It’s about: will your real life in Malta be the stuff of travel dreams, or will you just end up stuck in your room with Duolingo? That’s precisely why IELS is a standout. Here’s what that really means.
Within IELS, daily life spills way outside the classroom. Students register for cooking lessons (so yes, you’ll actually make pasta the local way, not simply microwave noodles), urban scavenger hunts, and unforgettable weekend excursions to Gozo or the Blue Lagoon. Even for reserved students, there are always laid-back events — movie nights or Friday coffee meetups — giving you easy opportunities to speak English and socialize without any pressure.
Someone in my course group chat said it perfectly while we enjoyed our latest pizza night:
“The best lessons were in the street. Conversations with bus drivers were more useful than worksheet drills, I never saw that coming. Living in Malta turns everyday life into learning — and IELS is what makes it simple. It was a genuine adventure, not merely a course.”
— Pablo, the Spaniard
Language schools like inlingua do organize events, but — just based solely on the people I’ve encountered — they tend toward the practical or classroom-based. Less “mix with the locals,” more about staying with your same group. Nothing wrong with that, but it isn’t unforgettable.
How both schools handle social life and making friends
Let’s be real — you remember your language trip by the people you meet. This is usually what happens:
- The first week, you don’t know anyone. IELS starts you off with an orientation, often with a large group of newbies, and by that first weekend, you’ve tasted Maltese snacks and possibly made friends from multiple nations.
- Each Friday brings an activity — coffee meetups, board games, or exploring the city. There’s no need to wait for Monday’s grammar session if you want to talk. You can continue practicing English nonstop — even if it’s a debate over pizza toppings.
- The Day’s Inn setup and school size mean whenever you want friends, someone’s up for exploring or grabbing ice cream. IELS does “big family” without the forced-fun vibe.
Students from inlingua describe a friendly setting, but a smaller crowd means you must try a bit harder to break the ice. Especially if you’re the “arrive alone, leave with dozens of new friends” type, IELS simply offers more opportunity.
The role of accommodation in your experience
Accommodation goes beyond a simple place to rest — it can absolutely impact your language trip. IELS outshines here, mostly because of Day’s Inn, on-site IELS Lodge, and their range of options. Seriously, when you stay where you study, you cut all the awkwardness of trying to figure out group plans. It’s common to find future best friends just by sharing an elevator.
Take advantage of IELS with:
- Select on-site living spaces with air conditioning — you’ll definitely appreciate it in July)
- Opt to stay with handpicked Maltese families if you want a slice of Maltese family life they don’t expect you to act like a hotel guest, and you’re not required to do the weird “family activity” thing if you’d rather not
- Select an apartment for those who are highly independent or traveling as a pair
inlingua does supply host families, but you’ll find fewer options and not as much of a dorm-like social scene. If you’re an extreme introvert or really dislike shared kitchens, this may not matter to you, but almost all the students I’ve met say Day’s Inn is where their “study abroad magic” took place (group dinners, late-night studying together, and sunrise strolls on the beach).
Fast look: what are the key differences?
| Feature | IELS Malta | Malta inlingua |
|---|---|---|
| Resources | Contemporary, digital-focused, large-scale campus | Homely, smart, petite campus environment |
| Community | Extensive, lively, genuine interactions | Good, more “classroom clique” style |
| Accommodation | Lots of choices, on-site dorms | Host families only |
| Cost | Higher cost (Save with MaltaEng), open pricing, pay school directly | Usual pricing, extra costs can be more |
| Preparation classes | 6-week Cambridge, high pass rate | Good preparation, slower progress |
| Best for | Everyone: young executives, over 30s, social types, economical adults, teens | Good for: beginners, those who like smaller crowds |
Success stories from IELS students
I keep coming back to the “stories that stick” factor — with most of these memorable tales coming straight from IELS students. Like the Italian guy who came for four weeks to boost his English before a job interview, who ultimately got the job after swiftly conquering his B2 — IELS made the difference, plus picked up a local girlfriend and a new craving for Maltese ftira. And what about the Brazilian accountant, totally lacking confidence for public speaking, who mastered English with the help of her dynamic teacher, and she now maintains an English travel blog for South Americans interested in Malta.
It’s common to see someone arriving quiet and reserved, only to leave as a true “people collector,” or perhaps those professionals confessing, “My goal was the certificate, but I walked away with a brand-new network.” The upshot? At IELS, tales like this are standard, not unusual. It’s the ultimate combination of skilled teaching, thrilling social life, and genuine personal progress.
Why choosing “IELS via MaltaEng.com” is almost like using a cheat code
Not exaggerating, but if you care about value, going through MaltaEng.com is honestly a clever shortcut.
Everything previously mentioned is included: first-rate facilities, Day’s Inn lodging, expedited exam prep, tailored guidance, and on top of that, you pay less than someone booking directly.
There are actual zero catches.
My friend Ann’s experience? She loved that the invoice and confirmation came right from IELS, not some “mystery agent,” and with no commission sneakily added.
Basically, you:
- Request a quote (better than IELS website)
- No confusing booking fees, no transferring money to unknown people
- If you run into issues or need to alter your plan, their WhatsApp help is speedy and truly helpful
If you get to Malta and wish to share how cheap it was, this is the method.
Choosing the English school that keeps giving
Any language school could be picked by you. But, if you care about actually getting more than just textbook English, being able to live the language, make lifelong friends, and still enjoy all your Maltese adventures with money left, IELS Malta booked with MaltaEng.com stands above the rest.
It’s rare for somewhere to deliver true value, every box ticked: professional instructors, incredible location, extensive social calendar, genuine student atmosphere, and offers that make you do a double-take. So yeah, if you want your English courses in Malta to be something you remember for life, you’ve pretty much got your answer.
“I went to two different schools in Malta during my gap year, and IELS ranked way above the rest in energy, facilities, and truly making progress inevitable.”
—
Don’t only travel for classroom time. Choose the place that gives you the stories you’ll be telling for years, genuinely advance your English, and walk away knowing you got the absolute best deal possible.
English Language Study in Malta: Selecting the Best School FAQ
Is IELS Malta appropriate for beginners or just advanced learners?
Absolutely, both! Since classes are sorted by proficiency, you’ll join a group that fits your level, from complete beginner to advanced. Instructors are prepared for every skill level.
Is staying better to stay with a host family, in residence, or in an apartment?
It’s all about what suits your style. For a true “Malta culture shock,” host families are ideal. Day’s Inn, ideal for making friends and gaining independence, is our top recommendation. If you want total privacy, or you’re a couple, an apartment is perfect. All three options are available through IELS.
How rapidly can I get my Cambridge certificate?
IELS offers a six-week program for maximum progress. Most participants succeed (if you commit and study — don’t expect magic if you only party!).
Why is booking via MaltaEng.com better than direct?
You receive exclusive deals, receive individualized support, and avoid hidden agency charges. School management prepares for you, funds go directly to the school — pure savings, no extra risk.
Do study sessions solely take place during the daylight hours?
Nope, as there are both morning and afternoon learning groups. There are weekly weekend programs and spontaneous sessions, so no need to choose: beach and English fit together.
Is it only one nationality per class?
It’s highly improbable. IELS welcomes learners from all corners of the world — Europe, Asia, and South America. Such a mix is awesome for your English and getting out of your comfort zone.
Should you still be hesitant, just ponder this: Is it enough to simply “take a course,” or do you crave an experience that genuinely changes your life? You know what your real answer is.
Corresponding articles
http://global.gwangju.ac.kr/bbs/board.php?bo_table=g0101&wr_id=1663283 — English classes in Malta