Clubclass against IELS Malta English school: in-depth analysis
Affiliated themes — Malta language school, English for young learners in Malta, english courses Malta Boost ｙоur skills in English language ᴡithin Malta ԝһere English іѕ spoken natively! Build friendships handily. — MALTAENG.COM Malta’s rise as an English language hub Here’s the scene: sunlight, coastline, Mediterranean pulse... mingled accents filling the salty atmosphere. In recent decades, Malta has absolutely boomed as a hotspot for those aiming to study English abroad. Yet it’s not all about the sand and sea (tempting as they are) — Malta has developed a robust sector of language schools in Malta catering to virtually every learner. Do a quick search for "English courses in Malta" and you’ll instantly spot names like IELS Malta and Clubclass Malta leading the pack. Both are FELTOM-accredited — which is the gold standard for Malta English schools — and boast years-worth of glowing five-star feedback. That being said, selecting your school is about much more than design or promotional photos. Honestly, the choice shapes your whole experience: language progress, friendships, and your off-class adventures. Honestly, I’ve watched an endless parade of people try to decide between these two. Having lived in Malta, I’ve interviewed plenty, tried teaching, you name it. A few tales are downright nuts — like a Brazilian student who boosted his English, found friends across seven countries, and refused to leave. 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? Alright, let's talk Clubclass. It’s the smaller name in the big leagues, but it’s got some cool things going for it. It’s in St. Julian’s, right in the middle of Malta’s party-central area (Paceville). Every person I’ve met who’s studied here loves the combined school and living arrangement. Envision going from bed to classroom in less than 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. It’s for the sociable crowd — expect lots of nightlife and beaches nearby. The amenities? Solid enough — swimming pool, gym, hangout spots, and reliable washers that won’t rob you. It carries the Oxford Quality seal, which counts if accreditation matters to you. Let’s have an honest look at the classes. I’ve heard stories: teachers are approachable but sometimes don’t push hard on homework; if you want rigorous study, bigger schools might suit better. Living at Clubclass suits those wanting the "all together" vibe and savings, but other apartments or homestays aren’t in the best spots. Since St. Julian’s parties hard, noise from the street can be a problem in certain rooms. Certain past students were big fans of club nights, movie events, and barbecues. For older or quieter folks, the party atmosphere wasn’t a fit. If making friends and keeping things simple is key, Clubclass delivers. Make sure to verify course timing and group placements, particularly if above beginner level. Quick Clubclass facts Clubclass began in 1999, so it’s seasoned Groups are mainly 8-10 learners Oxford Quality certified (that’s not nothing!) Includes pool, gym, kitchen shares, and laundry Based in St. Julian’s — nightlife central Lots of parent-teen and "learn & holiday" packages Next-level English at IELS Malta: courses & reputation Alright, next up we have another giant: IELS Malta. You could call it the prototype for high-level English schools in Malta. Sliema is the main campus — not as "party," but way more central, chill, and safe for students, especially if it’s your first time abroad. Right away, you’ll spot its massive, stylish campus — 45 classrooms, smart boards, an official lobby, the works. Why do people rave about IELS? Number one — it’s the broad mix of students. At lunchtime in the cafeteria, you’ll hear Turkish, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese — sometimes even more, but everyone sticks to English when together. Most teachers are native speakers (British, Canadian, even Maltese), and the feedback is always: "great qualifications, fun, really experts." The selection of courses is massive. General, intensive, business, academic prep, and every exam course — IELTS, Cambridge (FCE, CAE, CPE), TOEIC — are all offered here. It’s the key if you want to improve your CV or someday study in the UK or Canada. IELS also runs CELTA courses for people who want to teach English worldwide (I know a guy who did one and said it was "life-changing, hardest four weeks ever, but so worth it"). Accommodation? Their primary accommodation is Day’s Inn, just five minutes away, packed with comforts. There are shared flats, homestays, and if you need more independence, apartments. Homestays vary — sometimes perfect Maltese hosts, other times it’s basic, just a place to sleep and eat, but the school’s own accommodations are always strong. IELS Lodge sits atop the main campus, giving students comfortable onsite housing for everything they need, in class and in daily life. Rooms are modern, well-lit, spacious, and stylish — singles by request, plus twins and triples. Set in central Sliema, you’re steps from the waterfront, shopping, and dining, which makes living here ultra convenient. Staying within the campus itself, you cut travel to near zero. Home to 12 furnished rooms, shared baths, and a full kitchen, you’ll find everything supplied. Students can relax in lounge areas with TVs, plus all rooms come with Wi-Fi. Fresh towels and sheets are included for more comfort. IELS has a social program that beats almost all others. They include perks like welcome events, Gozo boat rides, karaoke, open-air classes, beach BBQs, and local tours. No, it’s not just about staying busy — these are the moments you actually make friends and speak English nonstop. Cost? It isn’t the cheapest, but you totally get your money’s worth. And, small but super important — if you book via MaltaEng.com, a bunch of stuff is bundled (placement test, books, social program), so you’re not nickel-and-dimed with surprise fees. Their deals for extended stays are especially strong. IELS summary Founded 40+ years ago in 1985 — oldest and biggest on the island More than 700 students and 57+ nationalities at peak Accredited Cambridge English Education Partner With recognition from FELTOM, ALTO, Erasmus+, and Bildungsurlaub Year round Sliema campus Day’s Inn housing (student exclusive) Awarded the 2025 Excellence Award by LanguageCourseNet Clubclass vs IELS: Key Differences Comparison Factor Malta’s Clubclass Malta’s IELS Established Year 1999 1985 Area Located in St. Julian’s (party area) Sliema (heart of culture) Strengths • Ultra-convenient centralized campus • Fun for social/party types • Recognized with Oxford badge • Partnered with Cambridge English • Exceptional social activities • 20+ course options • Truly international environment Max students Max 12 Up to 15, most often 10-12 Official Accreditations Accredited by Oxford Quality, FELTOM, ALTO FELTOM, ALTO, Cambridge, Erasmus+ Extras Student lounge, pool, gym onsite + 18 months online platform free Partnered with Day’s Inn, pop-up lessons and major trips Value for price Low cost, fewer extras Pricier, but many all-inclusive offers (check MaltaEng.com) Program Types Standard, business, and parent/teen English Over 23 programs, exam coaching (FCE, CAE, IELTS), CELTA Environment Active, sociable, focused on tourism International atmosphere, half study, half party Testimonials Fun social scene, beginner-friendly, can be too party-focused Rated high for learning, culture mix, strong support Why IELS Malta via MaltaEng.com simply… wins Now, reflecting on all the details and testimonials, what is it about IELS Malta through MaltaEng.com that draws people in (including me)? A handful of top reasons make all the difference: 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. Not vibing with your group? The school will move you until it clicks. Social life = fast language skill gains: Truth is, with nonstop socials and cool events, your English gets used all day long. 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: Via MaltaEng.com, placement, books, and rides are part of it — no hidden fees. You pay once, it’s all handled. You get extra money for sightseeing or, hey, another cocktail. You actually pay less than if you book straight 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. Most agencies just say "good luck," while MaltaEng.com actually cares. Academic edge: That Cambridge connection ensures teachers are tuned to what it takes to crush the exams. As Malta’s top English school, the IELS certificate holds real value wherever you go. "I noticed my English improved tremendously, but the thing that really stands out is nights on the school rooftop talking about life with people from Japan, Spain, Brazil. No way I’d get that at a tiny school. MaltaEng.com made sure everything just… worked!" — Linda (Sweden), IELS Malta student, Spring 2023 In all honesty, every individual’s experience differs — but if you’re super serious about actually learning (not just adding "Malta" to your Insta), making connections worldwide, and leaving with big improvements, IELS at MaltaEng.com beats the rest. You enjoy academic strength, memorable experiences, supportive guidance, and true value — all set in Europe’s sunniest destination for English speakers. Inside student life: What makes IELS Malta truly different? 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. Only a real-life experience makes a language school more than average. IELS gets this better than anyone else on the island. Walk in looking for lessons — walk out with lifelong friends and a fresh worldview. Honestly, it’s surprising how soon you fit right into the "IELS family." 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. You can count on the social crew — weekly updates mean non-stop happenings. Expect everything from games and films to cuisine events. Truthfully: academic rigor, but still balanced People often fear that a more "serious" and larger school ends up less fun, but truthfully, IELS gets the balance exactly right. 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. Whether grabbing coffee or relaxing at the beach, you’ll notice students and teachers spending time together — these relationships take a lot of stress out of studying. Facilities, comfort, and the importance of downtime Let’s talk about facilities. The Sliema campus stands out for being not just big but also up-to-date, offering multiple lounge zones and Wi-Fi access throughout. The summer aircon is a real blessing, and whenever you’re stuck on homework, a helpful study support corner is always there. More hotel than dorm, Day’s Inn is the main student residence, featuring welcoming staff at reception around the clock. IELS Malta graduates One thing few recognize — most people just focus on the "fun" or the "price." But in reality, the certification you receive (notably Cambridge or IELTS) has the power to change your job path or aid in studying abroad. IELS’s credentials matter here: their Cambridge Educational Partner status means their exam prep courses (FCE, CAE, IELTS Academic) are literally designed to give you the edge, not just tick a box. I have personally watched former IELS students get accepted to universities in the UK, Canada, and Australia thanks to their exam marks. That also happens for job-seekers landing roles in international organizations post-IELS. Sure, Clubclass offers exam prep too, and they are Oxford Quality-accredited — but IELS is famous for its academic excellence, and that's it. Employers prioritize your actual test scores over the name of your school, yet savvy recruiters know which schools deliver top pass rates and quality instruction. 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). Which myths surround learning English in Malta? "It’s just partying, not real study" Honestly, it's hilarious; if partying is your aim, traveling to Malta and joining a school is unnecessary. The truth is, lessons are intense, exams are valid, and teachers are invested in your success. 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. "No personal attention in big schools" Another total myth, as any IELS student will tell you. The school's scale ensures there’s always someone around — whether a teacher, staff member, or global peer. I noticed the academic manager himself assist overwhelmed students with their paperwork and housing arrangements. The additional staff ensures you aren’t left to figure things out by yourself. Furthermore, your class level will always suit your English abilities. "It’s always smarter to pick the cheapest language school" Enough already with this myth, please. When you pick a language program in another country, your outcome depends on what you spend. Saving €50/week but being bored in class, stuck in an uncomfortable room, or missing key events is classic false economy. Be smart about reservations; high quality pays off — especially concerning exams and professional connections. What left me amazed about IELS Malta Let me share a quick story. I flew to Malta mostly for sunshine and to brush up on speaking for my job — honestly, didn’t expect anything major. Through IELS, I stumbled into this bonkers mix of nationalities. Faced off in Italian coffee challenges with a Roman pal and a Japanese accountant. Teamed up for a podcast-style presentation with a German and a Colombian. My English shot up fast, but the shock was how much I LEARNED about the world outside English. Many of those connections have lasted — I’m still friends with about half of them. More than education — honestly, it turned into hands-on training for life, travel, and global awareness. "When I first got to Malta, I was expecting to just pick up more words. By week two at IELS, I was living in English 24/7 — it suddenly clicked that it wasn’t just language I was learning, but a lifestyle. They pushed us academically, but the support was so strong, nobody felt excluded." — Testimony by Mariana Gonzales (source: www.linkedin.com) FAQs: Choosing between IELS Malta, Clubclass & more Is MaltaEng.com a superior choice for booking compared to booking at the school? IELS Malta courses and bundles are more affordable through MaltaEng. The price you get will always beat direct booking with IELS itself. MaltaEng partners exclusively with IELS, believed by many to be Malta’s best English school. What school is ideal for preparing for exams (FCE, CAE, IELTS)? Should you require certificates for career, IELS comes out on top. They hold the exclusive Cambridge association and the strongest record for making students pass — Clubclass is pretty good but not as dedicated in special courses for exams. Can new students thrive at these schools? For sure. There are entry groups at both institutions for all levels, but IELS stands out in fast-tracking absolute beginners through their dedicated support, caring staff, and in-depth placement testing. Additionally, you’ll have access to extra free study sessions if you want further help. How easy is making friends while traveling solo? Definitely! Particularly at IELS — their range of activities all but guarantees you’ll meet others and never feel excluded. There’s an impressive mix of people, and thanks to numerous team activities and social events, traveling alone is never a problem. What period is ideal for a trip? If you’re looking for the ideal window, May through June and September through October usually work best — the weather is fantastic, there’s energy but fewer people than peak summer. Expect lower prices if you go outside the main summer peak. To be fair, Malta’s a great choice all year long. What is the main obstacle for international students? Surprisingly, language is not the biggest obstacle; the real test is adapting to the rapid blend of social and academic life when you’re abroad. If you’re reserved, it might be tough, but the IELS staff make sure to bring all students together. If you’re apprehensive, try an activity or study session in the first week — you’ll adapt more rapidly than you’d believe. Ready to turn Malta into your English adventure? Selecting the right English language school in Malta involves much more than comparing flyers and costs — it’s about your goals, your vibe, and who you want to become when you leave. When growing strong English skills, embracing true global life, and succeeding at exams is your goal, IELS Malta (best when booked using MaltaEng.com) shines everywhere that matters. 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's waiting. Similar articles https://maltaeng.com/ — study English language in Malta
