Another month, another newsletter — but this time, we're mixing things up! Instead of us doing all the talking about cohorts arriving, exam season, or graduation celebrations, we're handing the mic over to the people who matter most: our students.
We caught up with a few of them and asked:
Keep reading to hear what they had to say!
Lina Chentouf, Morocco
Bachelor in Computer Science
The best thing about studying in Malta is the welcoming and supportive environment. As an international student, I never felt alone. I had the opportunity to meet people from different cultures while receiving a quality education that helped me grow both academically and personally. And also you will be a good English speaker.
My advice is to stay open-minded, work hard, and never be afraid to ask for help. Studying abroad can be challenging at first, but it is also one of the most rewarding experiences. Take every opportunity to learn, make friends, and enjoy the journey.
What surprised me the most was the kindness and generosity of the people. During one of the most difficult periods of my life, Ascencia supported me with understanding, compassion, and encouragement. Your support meant so much to me, and I will always be grateful for the way you stood by me and helped me continue my studies despite the challenges I was facing.
Athira Ponthamara, India
Undergraduate Certificate in Business English
The best thing is the multicultural environment. Learn and speak English Language easily.
Get your Tallinja bus card sorted out as soon as you arrive to save on travel. Be open minded and talk to everyone.
I was most surprised by how much is packed into such a small Island! There are festivals, historic sites and a beach around almost every corner.
Aashika Silwal, Nepal
BBA
The best thing about studying in Malta is the opportunity to experience different cultures while receiving an international education. I also enjoy meeting students from many countries and improving my communication skills. I would advise new international students to be open to new experiences, manage their time well between studies and work, and not be afraid to ask for help when they need it. Making friends and exploring Malta also makes the experience more enjoyable. What surprised me the most is how safe and welcoming Malta is. I was also impressed by its beautiful coastline, rich history, and the fact that people from many different cultures live and study here together.
Penelope Fatima E. Abdoulaye, Ghana
MBA in Leadership Excellence
One of the best things about studying in Malta is how practical and convenient it is for international students. The island’s size makes it easy to get around, with key locations being accessible and well connected through public transport and other logistics.
Another highlight has been studying at Ascencia. The teaching style encourages students to step outside their comfort zones, develop confidence, and actively participate in class discussions. I have seen classmates who were initially very shy grow into confident speakers, thanks to the supportive learning environment and the encouragement to contribute alongside students from diverse cultural backgrounds. It has been inspiring to witness and experience this personal growth.
My advice would be to embrace your Malta journey by creating your own experience. Try not to base your expectations solely on what you read online or hear from others. People often tend to share their challenges more than their positive experiences, but every student’s journey is unique.
Be open-minded, make the most of every opportunity, and explore beyond the classroom. Malta has so much to offer, and some of the most valuable experiences come from immersing yourself in the local culture, meeting new people, and discovering the island for yourself.
What surprised me the most is that Malta truly feels like a year-round holiday destination. The constant flow of tourists is remarkable and often makes the island feel much larger and more vibrant than its actual size.
Another thing that stood out to me is how common shared accommodation is. At first, it was surprising, but I came to understand that, given Malta’s size and growing population, it is a practical and efficient housing solution for many students and residents.
Fatim Mansaray, Sierra Leone
MBA in Leadership Excellence
The best thing about studying in Malta is meeting people from different countries and cultures. It has helped me improve my communication skills and broaden my perspective.
Be open to making new friends, manage your time well, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Also, take time to explore Malta and enjoy the experience.
I was surprised by how safe and welcoming Malta is. I also love its beautiful beaches, rich history, and the mix of different cultures.
Mohd Tariq, India
Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership Excellence and Business Development
The best thing is the friendly environment and the opportunity to meet people from different countries.
Be confident, make new friends, and manage your time well. Explore Malta and enjoy your experience.
I was surprised by how safe, peaceful, and beautiful Malta is, especially the beaches and historic places.
Abdullah Yousuf Chowdhury, Bangladesh
BBA
Quality of education is very good. Its top notch. There are more opportunities.
Bring enough money with you, at least for 3 months. Book house in advance. Make the bus card before you come.
It has some many places to visit. Must visit Malta during the festivals and roam around like a free soul.
To more memories and Milestones
Celebrating Success: Four students, One Achievement!
Big congratulations are in order! Four of our students have successfully completed the Undergraduate Certificate in Business English at MQF Level 5 — a programme unique to Ascencia Malta that's quickly becoming a firm favourite among prospective students. Throughout the course, these students worked hard to build strong, professional-level English skills tailored to business settings.
Coming from different corners of the world, all four shared one thing in common: pure determination — and it clearly paid off!
Wahab Damilare Olayokun and Deborah Agbenu Abah
Familiar faces from a previous newsletter, Wahab and Deborah have shown consistency and dedication throughout their journey. Both travelled all the way from Nigeria to study in Malta, each bringing their own personality to the classroom.
Wahab's natural way with words made him a standout communicator, both in class and beyond, while Deborah's quieter nature never stopped her from sharing her ideas and reaching her full potential.
Arisa Loata and Al. Amin Mattabor
All the way from Thailand, Arisa began her journey with General English before moving on to the Business English certificate, powering through with hard work and motivation every step of the way. Joining her in celebration is Al. Amin Mattabor from Bangladesh, proof that determination — and the occasional sleepless night — really does pay off!
Their tutor, Chris Fenech, couldn't be prouder of all four — and honestly, neither could we!
A huge well done to each of you. We can't wait to see where your next chapter takes you, and remember: you'll always be part of the Ascencia family.
Have you ever wondered what happens before an international student arrives in Malta and begins their journey at Ascencia Malta? Behind every successful student arrival lies months of careful planning, meticulous preparation, and unwavering dedication.
This month, we are delighted to shine the spotlight on Elena Zammit, our Visa Officer, whose hard work and commitment make all of this possible.
Elena plays a pivotal role in ensuring that prospective students successfully navigate the complex visa application process. She works closely with our international agents, providing them with the training and guidance they need on visa procedures, required documentation, and the correct use of the Identità portal for visa applications.
For many of our students, Elena is also the very first member of the Ascencia Malta team they meet—albeit virtually. From the moment they begin their application, she offers reassurance, guidance, and practical support, helping them prepare for appointments at the VFS Centre in their home country and for interviews conducted by Malta's Central Visa Unit. Her expertise, patience, and attention to detail play a vital role in helping students take the first step towards achieving their educational dreams.
Much of Elena's work takes place quietly behind the scenes, away from the day-to-day activity of the Institute. It is work that often goes unnoticed, yet it is fundamental to the success of our international admissions process. Without her dedication, many of the students who enrich our classrooms and community today would never have made it to Ascencia Malta.
Elena is also one of the very first employees to have joined Ascencia Malta, and throughout the years she has remained a constant source of professionalism, reliability, and commitment. Her loyalty to the Institute and her willingness to go the extra mile for both students and colleagues are qualities we deeply value and sincerely appreciate.
Elena, thank you for everything you do. Your hard work may often happen behind the scenes, but its impact is felt throughout the entire Institute. Today, we want you to know that your contribution is recognised, appreciated, and celebrated. We are proud to have you as part of the Ascencia Malta family.
Congratulations on being our Employee of the Month—this recognition is truly well deserved.
With the new semester kicking off on 3 August, it's the perfect time to give current students a nudge — and give our incoming cohort a heads-up — about one of the most important parts of student life: attendance!
Showing up to lectures is one of your core responsibilities as a student. We keep detailed attendance records, and you'll need to request these when applying for your Temporary Residence Permit, so it really does matter. There are only two valid reasons for missing a lecture — being unwell or having an appointment with Identità — and in both cases, proof needs to be submitted to the school promptly so your absence can be marked as excused.
Running late counts too! Being punctual might seem small, but it adds up, so it's well worth building the habit of arriving on time. Think of it as practice — discipline and time management are skills that will serve you well long after your studies, especially in the professional world.
One last thing: your overall attendance is always taken into account, so staying on top of it is essential. Let's all do our part to meet the standards set by both the school and Identità!
What's the best thing about studying in Malta?
