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<h3>What inspired you to travel abroad?</h3>
<p>My desire to expand my knowledge and make a meaningful impact in the field of nutrition and public health. I’ve always believed that learning shouldn’t be limited to the classroom, and gaining international experience is a valuable way to grow both personally and professionally.</p>
<p>Experiencing different cultures, health systems, and ways of thinking allows for a deeper understanding of global health challenges and how to address them effectively. As a Nutrition and Dietetics graduate and a current Public Health student, I am eager to see how countries apply strategies to fight malnutrition, promote healthy lifestyles, and ensure food security.</p>
<p>Being exposed to these real-world situations will help me build practical skills that I can’t develop from textbooks alone. Living and working abroad will also strengthen my adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and communication skills—traits that are essential for anyone working in global health.</p>
<p>I want to learn from others, exchange ideas, and be part of a diverse team that works toward a common goal. Going abroad inspires me because it is a step toward my dream: becoming a public health nutritionist who not only understands theory but has lived experience in helping people around the world.</p>
<h3>Why did you choose <a href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/learning-beyond-academy/programs/berlin-internships-181654 rel="" target="_self" class="link"><ins>Berlin Internships with Beyond Academy</ins></a>?</h3>
<p>I chose this program because it aligns perfectly with both my academic background and future career goals. As a graduate in Nutrition and Dietetics and a current Master’s student in Public Health, I was searching for an opportunity that would allow me to apply my knowledge in a real-world setting—especially in a multicultural environment.</p>
<p>This program stood out because of its focus on community health, nutrition, and sustainable development—areas I’m passionate about. What also drew me to this program is its commitment to creating meaningful change through collaboration with local communities.</p>
<p>I appreciate that it offers practical, hands-on experience rather than just observation. I believe this is essential for developing the problem-solving and communication skills needed in public health and nutrition work.</p>
<p>Additionally, the organization’s values—such as inclusivity, cultural respect, and empowerment—match my personal beliefs and professional vision. Choosing this program is a step toward becoming a more competent, compassionate, and culturally aware public health nutritionist. I’m confident it will prepare me for the challenges and responsibilities of working in global health.</p>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned wrap-mobile" ><img src="https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1750984545/images2/interviews/poW0GCh6YIluqFDbGGxWRnkdDLLJVxuxiO2lOGlS.jpg" alt="Sandra sitting in a car wearing a blue patterned shirt, looking at the camera with natural light coming in."><div class="caption"><p>Just me, the road, and a little peace. Loved how the light came through here.</p></div></div>
<h3>What has been your favorite part about living in Berlin so far?</h3>
<p>Currently living in Berlin, I’ve come to appreciate so many unique aspects of the city. What I love most is the incredible diversity and openness. Berlin is a place where cultures from around the world meet, and that has helped me grow personally and professionally.</p>
<p>I’ve had the chance to connect with people from various backgrounds, which has broadened my understanding of health and nutrition in different cultural contexts. One of my favorite things about Berlin is how accessible and vibrant the city is.</p>
<p>From local markets offering fresh, organic food to community-based health initiatives, Berlin has a strong focus on wellness and sustainability—values that resonate with my passion for public health and nutrition. I’ve also enjoyed the green spaces and the active lifestyle that many residents lead.</p>
<p>It’s inspiring to see how much importance people place on balance, physical activity, and mental well-being. Living here has given me the opportunity to observe how public health systems function in a European context, which adds a valuable layer to my studies. Berlin’s mix of innovation, history, and diversity makes it an ideal place for both personal growth and professional development.</p>
<h3>What has made your experience abroad extraordinary?</h3>
<p>What made my experience abroad extraordinary is the personal and professional growth I’ve gained while living in Berlin. Moving to a new country on my own, especially while pursuing my studies in Public Health, has challenged me in the best ways.</p>
<p>Berlin’s multicultural atmosphere exposed me to people, perspectives, and experiences I would have never encountered otherwise. The most extraordinary part has been learning outside the classroom—whether it’s navigating a new healthcare system, engaging with locals about food and nutrition habits, or simply adapting to a new lifestyle.</p>
<p>These real-life experiences have taught me resilience, independence, and adaptability. It’s one thing to study global health in theory; it’s another to live it day by day.</p>
<p>Berlin’s active public health scene, vibrant community initiatives, and accessibility to fresh, healthy foods have inspired me to think more creatively about how to apply my background in nutrition and dietetics in practical ways. I’ve also appreciated how open-minded and welcoming the city is, making it easier to feel at home while still being challenged to grow.</p>
<h3>How have the local program staff supported you throughout your time in Berlin?</h3>
<p>Although I haven’t yet participated in the internship program, I’ve already felt incredibly supported by the local staff during the application and preparation process. From the very beginning, they were responsive, informative, and patient in answering my questions—especially regarding logistics, finances, and how the internship fits with my background in Nutrition and Public Health.</p>
<p>Their clear communication helped ease the stress of planning for an international experience, especially as I manage my university responsibilities here in Berlin. The staff took the time to explain how the program aligns with my career goals and provided helpful guidance on how to tailor my application and prepare for what to expect.</p>
<p>I’ve appreciated how approachable and understanding they are. They made me feel like I’m not just another applicant, but someone whose growth and success they genuinely care about.</p>
<p>Knowing that there is a team ready to support me every step of the way makes me feel more confident and excited to begin this new chapter. I’m truly looking forward to continuing this journey with their support once the internship starts.</p>
<h3>What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?</h3>
<p>One thing I wish I would have done differently during my time abroad in Berlin is getting involved in local health or nutrition-related volunteer opportunities sooner.</p>
<p>When I first arrived, I focused mainly on settling in, adjusting to a new environment, and managing my studies. While that was important, I now realize how valuable it would have been to engage with local organizations early on to gain hands-on experience and build stronger connections within the public health community here.</p>
<p>Berlin has so many community-based programs, food initiatives, and health-focused events that align perfectly with my academic background and career goals. Looking back, I think I missed an opportunity to combine learning with practical experience right from the start.</p>
<p>Volunteering or shadowing professionals in my field would have helped me better understand how public health and nutrition are implemented on a local level and enriched my experience overall. Thankfully, I’ve started to explore these options now, and I’m excited to get more involved. But if I could do it again, I would have taken that step much earlier.</p>
<h3>What does a typical day in your life abroad look like?</h3>
<p>A typical day in my life abroad in Berlin begins with a relaxed breakfast, often enjoying local fresh bread with fruit and yogurt. I take time in the morning to catch up on readings and assignments for my Public Health Master’s program, which I balance with personal reflection on my nutrition and dietetics background.</p>
<p>In the afternoons, I often head out to explore the city—whether it’s visiting a local market or attending a seminar or lecture at my university. I’ve enjoyed discovering Berlin’s vibrant food scene, especially its focus on organic, sustainable, and locally sourced ingredients, which align with my studies in nutrition.</p>
<p>On days when I have classes, I usually meet with classmates afterward to discuss assignments or collaborate on projects. I also take advantage of the city’s numerous green spaces to walk, run, or bike—activities that contribute to my own health and wellness.</p>
<p>Evenings in Berlin are often spent socializing with friends or participating in cultural events. Whether it’s attending a public health talk, visiting a museum, or simply exploring the city’s diverse neighborhoods, each day brings something new and enriching.</p>
<p>Living in Berlin has allowed me to create a balanced routine that fosters both my personal growth and professional development.</p>
<div class="awesome-image left-aligned wrap-mobile" ><img src="https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1750985100/images2/interviews/pYx35MBhdBtF8IWmgL1hU3ETBbzPldo61lzfQQm8.jpg" alt="Sandra indoors in a relaxed setting, wearing a black top and smiling softly at the camera."><div class="caption"><p>Simple setting, soft light, and a quiet mood.</p></div></div>
<h3>How do you usually spend your free time in Berlin?</h3>
<p>During my free time in Berlin, I’ve truly enjoyed exploring the city’s vibrant cultural and food scenes. I love visiting the local markets, especially the ones with fresh, organic produce.</p>
<p>As someone with a background in nutrition, it’s inspiring to see how Berlin prioritizes sustainability and healthy living—values that align with my personal goals. Berlin also offers a lot of green spaces, and I make it a point to visit parks like Tiergarten or Tempelhofer Feld, where I can relax, read, or take long walks.</p>
<p>I also enjoy biking around the city, which gives me a chance to see different neighborhoods and discover hidden gems, like local cafés or health-conscious restaurants. In the evenings, I often meet up with friends or classmates to explore the city’s rich history and nightlife.</p>
<p>I’ve enjoyed visiting museums, attending public health events, and immersing myself in Berlin’s dynamic arts scene. I’ve also taken part in various cooking classes and workshops, where I’ve learned about healthy cooking techniques and regional cuisines. These experiences have helped me connect more deeply with the city’s culture and lifestyle.</p>
<h3>What type of accommodation do you have, and what do you like best about it?</h3>
<p>Currently, I live in Berlin with my uncle, and it has been a wonderful arrangement that made my transition to life abroad much smoother.</p>
<p>Staying with family has provided me with a supportive environment, which has been especially helpful while I focus on my studies and adjust to a new city. The best part about my accommodation is the sense of comfort and familiarity it offers.</p>
<p>It allows me to feel at home while navigating my academic and personal life. I’ve also enjoyed the opportunity to bond with my uncle, who has been a great resource for advice about living in the city and navigating daily life in Germany.</p>
<p>The apartment is located in a central area, making it easy for me to commute to university and explore the city. I appreciate being in a quieter, more residential neighborhood, which offers a balance between peaceful living and access to the vibrant culture Berlin offers.</p>
<p>Having my uncle’s guidance and support has been invaluable, and I’m grateful for the stability it provides as I focus on my studies and professional development.</p>
<h3>What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?</h3>
<p>One thing every future participant should know about my program is that it requires a high level of flexibility and adaptability. Whether it’s adjusting to a new cultural environment, navigating the healthcare system, or working with diverse teams, being open to new experiences is key to making the most of the program.</p>
<p>In my case—living in Berlin while studying Public Health and Nutrition—I’ve learned how crucial it is to embrace new perspectives. There may be challenges in understanding local approaches to health and nutrition, but those challenges are valuable learning opportunities.</p>
<p>The program encourages participants to engage with the local community, which helps build cultural awareness and professional skills. Participants should be prepared to balance academic commitments with hands-on learning experiences, as the program is designed to immerse you in real-world projects.</p>
<p>Time management and a proactive attitude will be essential, as you’ll need to make the most of every opportunity. The experience will be rewarding if you approach it with an open mind, patience, and a willingness to learn and adapt to new settings and cultures.</p>
<h3>Would you recommend your program and provider to others? Why?</h3>
<p>Yes, I would definitely recommend my program and provider to others. The experience so far has been enriching, and I believe it offers a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth.</p>
<p>The program is designed to immerse participants in both academic and practical aspects of public health and nutrition, providing hands-on experience that goes beyond the classroom. One of the key reasons I’d recommend it is the support from the local staff and their clear communication throughout the process.</p>
<p>From application to preparation, they’ve been responsive and helpful, ensuring that participants feel guided and well-prepared. The program’s focus on cultural exchange and community engagement also makes it especially valuable.</p>
<p>It allows you to apply your knowledge in real-world settings while gaining a deeper understanding of how health and nutrition are approached in different cultural contexts. This broadens your global perspective and enhances professional development.</p>
<p>Lastly, being part of a network of like-minded individuals is an added benefit. Overall, it’s a transformative experience that prepares you for a career in global health, and I believe others would benefit greatly from it.</p>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned wrap-mobile" ><img src="https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1750985101/images2/interviews/XIDnSu7TSJ6OZ8S0dDW6ujUhrrrZiNtZNelXYRro.jpg" alt="Portrait photo of Sandra against a light background."><div class="caption"><p>This is my passport pic—simple and official, but still very me.</p></div></div>
<h3>What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?</h3>
<p>The biggest benefit of traveling abroad is the opportunity to gain a broader, more nuanced perspective on the world.</p>
<p>Living in a new country—particularly in a city like Berlin—exposes you to different cultures, values, and ways of thinking, which deeply enriches both personal and professional growth. This kind of cultural immersion helps you see the world beyond your familiar surroundings and develop a deeper understanding of global issues.</p>
<p>For me, traveling abroad has been a chance to challenge myself in new ways. Navigating daily life in a foreign environment, adapting to a different education system, and engaging with diverse communities all push you out of your comfort zone.</p>
<p>Professionally, traveling abroad provides invaluable insights into how global health and nutrition are practiced in different settings. You get to see firsthand how local systems operate, which enhances your academic learning and builds critical real-world skills.</p>
<p>Overall, traveling abroad isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about broadening your horizons, growing personally, and becoming more globally minded.</p>
<h3>How has your time living abroad in Berlin impacted your life so far?</h3>
<p>Living abroad in Berlin has profoundly impacted my life in ways I hadn’t fully anticipated. Professionally, my time there enriched my understanding of public health and nutrition, particularly in a global context. I gained hands-on experience, observed diverse approaches to health, and interacted with people from a wide variety of backgrounds.</p>
<p>This deepened my passion for working in public health and nutrition, and it gave me practical skills that will benefit my future career. On a personal level, living abroad made me more adaptable and independent. Navigating a new culture, learning a new language, and adjusting to different academic systems taught me to be more resilient and resourceful.</p>
<p>It also allowed me to reflect on my own values and goals, as I experienced firsthand how different communities approach well-being and health. The friendships and connections I made during my time abroad also left a lasting impact.</p>
<p>Interacting with individuals from different countries and cultures broadened my perspective and helped me become more open-minded and globally aware. Ultimately, my time in Berlin shaped me into a more confident, culturally aware, and globally conscious individual.</p>
<h3>What does meaningful travel mean to you?</h3>
<p>To me, meaningful travel is about more than just visiting new places—it’s about immersing myself in different cultures, learning from new experiences, and building a deeper understanding of the world. It’s about connecting with local communities, not just as a tourist, but as someone who seeks to understand and contribute in a meaningful way.</p>
<p>Meaningful travel involves being open to new perspectives, engaging with the people around you, and stepping outside your comfort zone. It’s about learning from the diverse ways that people live, eat, and approach health, and applying these lessons to both my personal life and professional goals.</p>
<p>For instance, in Berlin, I was able to observe how the city promotes sustainable living, access to healthy food, and a focus on community well-being—all of which have influenced my own approach to public health and nutrition.</p>
<p>Ultimately, meaningful travel is about growth—both personal and professional. It’s an opportunity to reflect on your own values, challenge your assumptions, and broaden your horizons. It’s not just about seeing the sights, but about learning, growing, and connecting with people in a way that leaves a lasting impact on your life.</p>


Sandra Alfares

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Sandra Alfares who participated in Beyond Academy program.

Sandra Alfares | Beyond Academy Alumni Interview

Beyond Academy Alumni Interview with Sandra Alfares

<h3>What inspired you to travel abroad?</h3>
<p>I wanted to experience a culture that contrasted with our own and have the opportunity to learn firsthand about that culture and language.</p>
<p>The opportunity to be an exchange student—alone and immersed in another culture—was different than a group tour to another country and appealed to me in that way. I did not want to be a tourist, even as a student member of a semester abroad-type program.</p>
<h3>Why did you choose <a href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/youth-for-understanding rel="" target="_self" class="link"><ins>Youth For Understanding (YFU)</ins></a>?</h3>
<p>I chose YFU from among the three or four organizations with applications available in our high school because it didn’t require my family to have existing connections to it, like the Rotary Club did.</p>
<p>Also, YFU offered a summer program. Once I learned about it, I wanted to try the summer program rather than miss a year of school.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1750984082/images2/interviews/gzFCWod99e4NtNpRQ04h67WzQyYmkpw1wNxVf07o.jpg" alt="Mountains reflecting in calm water, surrounded by grasslands and scattered flowers."><div class="caption"><p>Oberbayern am Vorabend.</p></div></div>
<h3>What was your favorite part about Germany?</h3>
<p>Being both a foreign student and accepted as a part of life in our small village.</p>
<p>I can imagine that if I were obviously racially different from the host country, there may have been some more uncomfortable encounters. But as a white-passing student of color (half white), it was easy to blend in and not be taken as a tourist—which is what I wanted to avoid.</p>
<h3>What made your experience abroad memorable?</h3>
<p>The obvious love of my host family and the care and contact from YFU while I was abroad.</p>
<p>I almost never got lonely and don’t remember being homesick. I was engaged in activities the entire time I was there and didn’t even realize how helpful the care and understanding from my host family—and the official check-ins—were to me.</p>
<h3>How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?</h3>
<p>With a couple of telephone calls, a planned and well-publicized regional meeting of exchange students in the state capital city, and face-to-face contact with a former exchange student who lived nearby.</p>
<p>That person offered me a one-on-one opportunity to socialize and ask questions. We just did normal teenager stuff in a semi-structured environment that made it easy to learn.</p>
<h3>What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?</h3>
<p>I would tell my younger self to push harder on my social awkwardness and make more friends outside my family and neighbors.</p>
<p>I was so happy to be around my family and take instruction from them in helping out around the house. I didn’t take the opportunity to make more friends from the school or neighborhood, but I think a little push to go another layer outside my comfort zone would have been that much more rewarding.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1750984083/images2/interviews/AxtgTvgPn2AaL4vUdSuoOJSuNzGIfyonZlaZb4fp.jpg" alt="A village church with a tall steeple, a striped maypole, and a small war memorial nearby."><div class="caption"><p>Wildsteig Church, Maypole, and War Memorial.</p></div></div>
<h3>What was your typical day like there?</h3>
<p>I would do my morning chores, join the family and staff of their store and bakery at breakfast, then help out in the bakery or store until lunch.</p>
<p>After lunch, I would take a walk or help out on errands or deliveries. Then, I would listen to the radio or read until dinner. After family dinner, we would watch soccer or a movie.</p>
<p>For part of my stay, I was in the same bedroom as their teenage daughter; for another part, I was in a spare bedroom in the attic.</p>
<h3>What did you enjoy doing in your free time in Germany?</h3>
<p>I enjoyed speaking the language and asking questions. They made it so easy to be curious and not be ridiculed for bad grammar or misunderstandings.</p>
<p>My host family was very generous with their time and took me on several day trips around the region to see famous castles, festivals, churches, etc. I took a walk by myself in the countryside at least once a week and got to know the area well.</p>
<p>Since it was summer, we also went swimming and hiking. Mostly, these trips took place on Sundays or Saturdays after the half-day the family worked in their business, a small grocery store.</p>
<h3>What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?</h3>
<p>I was living in the family house, a typical country farmhouse over 250 years old, with the family of four. We also had bakery apprentices who sometimes stayed overnight.</p>
<p>I shared the daughter’s bedroom for part of my stay and had a spare room of my own for part of the time. I had my own bed. Upstairs, there was one bathroom with a shower shared by the family, and downstairs was a small bathroom with a toilet and sink.</p>
<p>We either ate at the table in the kitchen or at the table in the front room.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1750984084/images2/interviews/72LyxhALn5xUx01EsJETQKMALjVBYKbiNZJTX2go.jpg" alt="A long row of hops beside a rural walking path."><div class="caption"><p>Hops growing in the country.</p></div></div>
<h3>What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?</h3>
<p>Every future participant should know and be prepared for the amount of travel required to get to their host family.</p>
<p>You are not traveling directly to one destination; the group needs to take time to make sure everyone is assembled as you travel cross-country leaving the U.S., and that everyone disembarks in order of destination in the group country or region.</p>
<p>This includes all mass transit needed and waiting for drivers to arrive at the final train terminal. I traveled at least 24 hours each way, and then I was told I slept for almost 20 hours.</p>
<h3>Would you recommend <a href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/youth-for-understanding rel="" target="_self" class="link"><ins>Youth For Understanding (YFU)</ins></a> to others? Why?</h3>
<p>I would absolutely recommend YFU to any prospective high school student interested in traveling abroad and interested in cultural immersion.</p>
<p>Their support was hands-off and not intrusive. I never felt like they expected problems or that they were snooping, but I also knew they would be able to provide any support I needed.</p>
<p>This was in the days when long-distance phone calls were expensive, so we didn’t communicate every week. Their information before my trip was as comprehensive as my prospective host family was able to provide.</p>
<p>The program was very well-run. After my trip, I was inspired to become a volunteer at our local international airport to meet foreign students coming to the U.S.</p>
<h3>What do you feel is the biggest benefit of traveling abroad?</h3>
<p>I think the biggest benefit is firsthand experience.</p>
<p>Travel shows, books, magazines, and other media expose you to ideas, but having your own experience is irreplaceable. It helps you build self-confidence, self-awareness, and memories that keep bringing you benefits and understanding long after you get off the plane.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1750984084/images2/interviews/qFAj8y5kAm8YeGPYDCwu9dMTkjrNNzzPneUE2VTP.jpg" alt="Mountains reflecting in calm water, surrounded by grasslands and scattered flowers."><div class="caption"><p>Oberbayern am Vorabend.</p></div></div>
<h3>Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?</h3>
<p>As mentioned above, the immersive contact with another culture and community brings so many gifts that you don’t even know about at the time.</p>
<p>I’ve used what I learned in 15 short weeks to develop those skills further and to interpret social interactions and world events differently than many of my peers.</p>
<p>My trip helped me develop an interest in social sciences and a curiosity about people around the world that I didn’t have before—not that broadly and deeply. At the same time, I also understood many things about the United States differently after I got back home.</p>
<h3>What does meaningful travel mean to you?</h3>
<p>Meaningful travel combines the goals of traveling without harming others, without prejudgment, and with the intent of expanding personal experience.</p>
<p>Within a safe environment, it means having the confidence to move out of your comfort zone and learn directly about other people and places—even to understand history and geography in a different way.</p>
<p>Meaningful travel is open to whatever you want it to be—and sometimes to what you don’t expect it to be. You’ll come away with unexpected gifts and memories.</p>


Sandra Monk

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Sandra Monk who participated in Youth For Understanding (YFU) program.

Sandra Monk | Youth For Understanding (YFU) Alumni Interview

Youth For Understanding (YFU) Alumni Interview with Sandra Monk

<h3>What inspired you to travel abroad?</h3>
<p>Since I was little, I’ve been travelling to a lot of countries, and I know that I will continue to do it. That’s one of the reasons why I chose my degree—Communication and Business in English and Chinese.</p>
<p>It was because I knew that, thanks to that, I could pursue my ambition to go work or travel abroad. The first time I went abroad alone, without my family, it was a totally new experience, and I knew at that moment that I wanted to continue to do so.</p>
<h3>Why did you choose the <a href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/maltalingua-ltd/programs/study-the-english-language-in-malta-with-maltalingua-112600 rel="" target="_self" class="link"><ins>Learn English in Malta with Maltalingua School of English</ins></a> program?</h3>
<p>I came across this school in Malta while looking for an internship to do abroad. Honestly, I was a bit desperate to find an internship and I was just sending my application to every possible institute that I came across.</p>
<p>I was really glad that they accepted me to come help them at the school. It seemed like a really great school, so I was a bit excited to learn that they took me in.</p>
<div class="awesome-image left-aligned wrap-mobile" ><img src="https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1751013419/images2/interviews/nUjdoWxyMgjBWJNpw1MVlh7AncqS74IMjIGazO33.jpg" alt="A fisherman under an umbrella prepares fresh fish at a seaside market stall with people watching."><div class="caption"><p>Fisherman selling his morning’s catch near Marsaskala.</p></div></div>
<h3>What was your favorite part about St. Julian’s, Malta?</h3>
<p>I was already a bit familiar with warm or hot environments since I had already spent six months abroad in hot countries like Japan and China.</p>
<p>But what really surprised me, and what I really liked, was the buildings—the houses. Their colour really spoke to me. I really liked the beige colour on the houses with their colourful doors.</p>
<h3>What made your experience abroad extraordinary?</h3>
<p>I’ve been abroad a lot, and to be honest, the country itself wasn’t that extraordinary. But what I really adored was my colleagues at Maltalingua, and I think that’s what made my stay here really meaningful.</p>
<p>I’ve had several jobs in my life, but this one—because of the atmosphere at the school—really stands out to me. I don’t think I would’ve liked Malta as much if it wasn’t like that.</p>
<h3>How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?</h3>
<p>They really helped me adapt to a new work environment. They took the time to explain everything to me, and if there was something I didn’t understand, they weren’t bothered to re-explain it, which I was really grateful for.</p>
<p>They also encouraged me to take initiative with my work, and if I had any questions, I could come to them at any moment.</p>
<h3>What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?</h3>
<p>Since Malta is quite an expensive country, I think I would have spent my money more wisely, especially in the first month. But I really feel like it was because it was my first time alone in a European country where everything is quite expensive.</p>
<p>I also would have done more things, like visit a lot more places and enjoy more of Malta’s nightlife, since they are quite known for that.</p>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned wrap-mobile" ><img src="https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1751013419/images2/interviews/Uy6OW5wZPcInV0LAUrfoAX6SZ5DiQQN09uy5hsYF.jpg" alt="Coastal cliffs with natural rock formations overlooking the sea beneath a cloudy sky."><div class="caption"><p>First look at the coastal cliffs along the Munxar Path.</p></div></div>
<h3>Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.</h3>
<p>After waking up around 8 a.m., I would come to work at 9 and begin my work in the internet studio, which is where I spent most of my day since I was a marketing intern and it’s the place with the computers.</p>
<p>After my lunch break around 1 p.m., I would just continue my work in the same place. On some days, I would begin work a bit later if I was going on activities with students, like visits around Malta and things like that.</p>
<p>After the workday, I would just go home or sometimes wander around.</p>
<h3>What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?</h3>
<p>Visiting new places was really the best part of my stay here. I really enjoy discovering places, and in Malta, every weekend, I would go to different cities to explore them.</p>
<p>What I really liked, and what sets Malta apart from the other countries I’ve visited, was how easy it was to communicate with everyone here.</p>
<h3>What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?</h3>
<p>Maltalingua offered accommodation, but I preferred to arrange my own so I could have a private room. At first, I stayed in an Airbnb with a bedroom and a private bathroom.</p>
<p>Later, I moved into a shared apartment where I also had my own room, plus access to a kitchen, washing machine, and other facilities. What I liked best was having my own space while still enjoying the comfort of a real home—and it was only a 15-minute walk from the school.</p>
<h3>What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?</h3>
<p>As a Business and Communication student, I spent a lot of time at the front desk at the beginning. Even though I enjoyed what I was doing, it wasn’t exactly related to my studies.</p>
<p>So I think it’s important for future participants to be clear about what they want to gain from the experience and communicate it early on. For example, I explained that I needed to do marketing tasks to match my degree, and the team was very understanding and quickly agreed to adjust my duties.</p>
<p>One really great thing about this program is the work schedule—it’s usually 9 to 5—but time goes by quickly because there’s always something to do. Also, talking with the students is a great part of the job. It helps you learn more about different cultures and makes the experience even more rewarding.</p>
<div class="awesome-image left-aligned wrap-mobile" ><img src="https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1751013420/images2/interviews/vq3Gje7iQRuIxLjuhe3F5SE1ShKk3iaGVVdQWG92.jpg" alt="View of a coastal city skyline across the water with a sailboat docked in the foreground."><div class="caption"><p>While waiting to take a ferry to go from Sliema to Valletta.</p></div></div>
<h3>Would you recommend your program to others? Why?</h3>
<p>Yes, I would definitely recommend this program because it’s a great opportunity to learn and grow in an international environment.</p>
<p>As I mentioned before, it’s important to be clear about what you want to do so you can make the most of the experience, but the team is very understanding and supportive. Also, if you like the sun and the beach, Malta is a perfect place. It’s a beautiful and lively island, which makes the whole experience even more enjoyable.</p>
<p>It’s a great mix of professional experience and personal discovery that can really help for the future.</p>
<h3>What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?</h3>
<p>Learning to be independent. I think that’s what travelling abroad brought me the most.</p>
<p>For example, when I was in China, it was for my studies and I was there with some friends, but I still had a lot to do alone and had to know how to take care of things—even administrative stuff, for instance.</p>
<p>There’s the whole “discovering new cultures and people” aspect, but I feel like learning to be independent is what you benefit the most from going abroad.</p>
<h3>Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?</h3>
<p>Now that I’m back home, I can see how much my time abroad has impacted me.</p>
<p>It helped me grow both personally and professionally. I became more confident, independent, and open-minded. Working in an international environment taught me how to adapt, communicate with people from different backgrounds, and handle new situations.</p>
<p>It also confirmed my interest in working in multicultural settings in the future. Overall, it was a really valuable experience that gave me new perspectives and skills I’ll carry with me.</p>
<h3>What does meaningful travel mean to you?</h3>
<p>Meaningful travel is going somewhere you’ve never been. It’s going out of your comfort zone to discover places, people, and environments you wouldn’t have come across if you didn’t tell yourself to go and explore the world.</p>
<p>It’s also when you go somewhere without much expectation and come back with so many meaningful memories and thoughts you learned throughout your time abroad.</p>


Joséphine Henry

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Joséphine Henry who participated in Maltalingua Ltd. program.

Joséphine Henry | Maltalingua Ltd. Alumni Interview

Maltalingua Ltd. Alumni Interview with Joséphine Henry

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