The sense of belonging at GBS Malta
She'd chosen the master’s degree at GBS Malta for its bite-sized intensity, one year to acquire skills that would last a lifetime. From day one, group projects forced reliance on each other's unique strengths.
The environment put her at ease immediately. "Everyone's treated the same," she states, her conviction clear.
Gender, race, origin, none of it drew lines. Instead, it built bridges. For a Colombian student in Malta, this welcoming space turned a potentially solitary journey into a shared adventure.
Mariana doesn't just list modules, she talks about people. “What truly made the difference were the lessons I learned from my mentors and tutors, not just academically, but also in terms of life advice,” she explains.
There were mentors who transformed Mariana’s study routine into something electric. Her dissertation supervisor was a particular force.
“She constantly encouraged me to dig deeper and truly understand my topic.” This tutor’s faith was a catalyst. “You can do better. You have so much potential.”
It wasn’t just praise; it was a belief that Mariana began to internalise. The advice got practical, too. “Upgrade your LinkedIn. Put yourself out there.” This push to build her professional identity shaped her career perspective.
Practical skills flowed from this environment. She learned to write with power, not just to fill pages, but to master a topic through intense research and craft words with impact.
This aspect of her Malta higher education experience was priceless. The mentors at GBS Malta encourage creativity, demand better work, and challenge students to see the world through entirely new lenses.
Reflecting on her GBS Malta student experience, Mariana notes how the institution actively fosters respect. “GBS Malta is an amazing place with a truly diverse environment.”
“What I really appreciate about GBS Malta is that everyone is treated equally.” The faculty itself is diverse, and the effort to make every single person feel valued is palpable.
“At GBS Malta, every person is seen as someone who matters.”
This unique blend of academic rigour and real-world guidance makes GBS Malta student experiences so distinct.
Her first steps on the Malta island
Then there’s the daily rhythm of life. The GBS Malta campus in St Julians became a versatile hub. Sure, it was a quiet sanctuary for study. Her favourite moments, however, were more social in nature.
“Going out for lunch or grabbing a coffee with my classmates. Those moments were pure connection and joy.” This is the heart of international student life in Malta, forging global friendships over a simple coffee.
Mariana was wrapped up in Malta in no time. Sure, the left-side driving had her crossing streets like a startled cat at first. Architecture threw her off too, those honey-stone buildings were so unlike Valletta’s buzz.
A few days in, though? Love at first sight. She fell hard for the island's easy rhythm, the way history peeked from every corner.
Navigating the island was a breeze, thanks to one secret weapon. “I love the Tallinja card!” Mariana exclaims.
The bus system became her gateway to adventure. She’d use it to find new beaches, to explore, to think. The fact that it is free was just the cherry on top.
Her pro tip is to always use the Tallinja app for real-time updates. From her base in buzzing St Julians, the stylish streets of Sliema or Valletta's historic grandeur were just a short walk away.
Those walks home, with the sea breeze on her face, became cherished therapy with a view.
The language and learning
The trickiest adjustment wasn't cultural, but linguistic. The initial language barrier seemed like a tall wall. Conversational English was one thing; academic lectures and a symphony of global accents were another.
Tackling a master's degree in English is a formidable challenge. “It can be especially hard to understand the different accents because Malta is so diverse.”
Her solution was total immersion. “You have to talk to people from every country you can. Make friends from different backgrounds. Speak English as much as possible,” she advises.
She streamed shows, read books, all in English, forcing her brain into new gear. Slowly, the once-foreign accents became distinct.
Lectures felt lighter. Her own words flowed freely. She credits this approach as a total game-changer, making lectures, class discussions and assignments far more manageable.
This GBS Malta student experience transformed a potential limitation into a tool of liberation.
The local Malta from Mariana’s eyes
The best discoveries are never in guidebooks.
Outside of studies, she found her own hidden gem, a beach near the Blue Grotto called Għar Lapsi. A perfect spot for snorkelling or just watching a breathtaking sunset. And Malta’s location made her a true European explorer.
“It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen in my life,” she says.
She brought her parents there, and they were equally awestruck. The sunsets? They didn't just end the day; they stirred the soul. With great restaurants nearby, it was a perfect local escape.
This was the reward for living like a local, a gem most tourists rush past. And Malta’s location made her a weekend explorer.
She mastered the mini break: leave Thursday, return Sunday, full of new stories. Affordable hostels weren’t just budget-friendly; they were social hubs for meeting instant friends.
Spain left her utterly awe-struck; Sardinia's beaches were unreal. For a Colombian student in Malta, these easy excursions fed a deep wanderlust, making studying abroad in Malta a doubly enriching experience.
The food and feel home
To feel at home, she didn’t need a physical object from Colombia. She brought her culture with her through food. She discovered a different kind of magic in her own kitchen.
A trip to a local street and finding a Latin American market felt like striking gold. Suddenly, she could recreate the flavours of home, and cooking her 'soul food’, the meals her mum made, became a comforting ritual.
“Whenever I feel a bit nostalgic or down, cooking these familiar dishes lifts my spirits.” These small, personal rituals are the unsung heroes of international student life in Malta.
The support system
There were tough moments, naturally. Waves of nostalgia, the odd language stumbles, the constant mental note about traffic. But the support system never wavered.
Her mentors offered guidance that went far beyond textbooks, providing steadying life advice. "Push yourself," they encouraged. And she did.
She advanced her analytical skills and tapped into a deep well of creativity. Now, in her professional life, she relies on same research skills and voice of confidence.
This student success story was built exactly like that: turning stumbles into strides, one supportive nudge at a time.
So, what’s her golden nugget for the next wide-eyed international student?
“Be open-minded, push your boundaries, and trust yourself.” She believes the desire to do this already proves you have what it takes.
Now, looking ahead, Mariana feels equipped for anything. She's packed her toolkit: persuasive writing, innovative thinking and leadership confidence.
Her path is wide open, Europe calls, Colombia pulls, perhaps a blend of both.
Her mentor's LinkedIn nudge? She’s taken it to heart, actively building her network.
Experiencia 20/10 super top
For anyone reading this with a dream, her message is simple and strong. "Be open," she urges. Stretch your boundaries. Trust that you already have what it takes; this experience simply polishes it.
“Moving abroad and studying away from your family and culture is a brave step; only very courageous people take it.” Her voice is firm and encouraging. “If you’re thinking about it, just do it. It is completely worth the effort.”
How would she sum it all up for someone back in Medellin?
“Take the jump, the learnings will be huge.” She grins, using the local slang that says it all about GBS Malta, “Experiencia 20/10 super top!”
This is more than just a student success story. It's proof that the right environment – a supportive institution, inspiring mentors and a vibrant international setting, can turn a study abroad chapter into a life-defining adventure.
Mariana, a Colombian student in Malta, thrived in it. "Everyone matters," she concludes.
Indeed, Mariana’s journey at GBS Malta from the moment of arrival at an airport to being a confident, globally minded graduate is the real proof of a transformative Malta higher education experience.
