A Stranger in Malta
a student’s story
The Maltese archipelago was washed in bright sunlight, the limestone shimmering in the afternoon summer heat. the deep blue waters of the ocean was like glass, as the plane descended onto the airstrip. as the tyres made sudden contact on the hot tarmac, Paul looked out of the aircraft window at the low buildings that crowded over the sun scorched grass bordering the apron, until the plane taxied to its holding position. His mind wandered to some twelve weeks ago, when his ignorance of geography was apparent when he didn’t even know where the Mediterranean sea could be found let alone this Island right in the middle …
A dream …
His Country was developing, but at a much slower rate than other parts of the world. Paul knew he had one opportunity to make his fortune, and be able to help get himself and his family into a new life. He was a bright young man, just turned 18 years last month, and had always taken interest in the world around him. He always yearned to leave his hometown and dreamt he would set up his own business and make it big. Since he was young he followed closely the world renowned American entrepreneurs, and he had made up his mind to save up so that one day he would be able to travel to the U.S. to study in one of the top Universities of this great nation. When he plucked up the courage to speak to his father, to his surprise, he was not told off. His father wasn’t one of a lot of words, and Paul thought his father had seemed to be amiable, but in reality was simply ignoring him. Until one day, some weeks later, when they needed to drive in to town, Paul’s father told him; ‘Paul, you will be coming with me tomorrow to town. We have an appointment with an international education agency to check out how best to pursue your education overseas!’. Paul simply could not believe he had heard right, and could barely sleep thinking of what might be, and where he would go to in the United States! Paul fell asleep imagining skyscrapers, University libraries, young people all intent on their studies…
International education
Paul and his father walked in the education agency and they were greeted by a collage of posters depicting a multitude of colourful flags, Country maps, and other eclectic bric e brac that made the place look energized with a number of students in deep conversation with consultants explaining all the salient points to attentive young men and women, who sometimes were accompanied by their parents. Paul’s father went straight to the receptionist and asked for his appointment. they didn’t have to wait long before a lady in her early 30s greeted them, and sat them down on an empty table, offering them cool bottled water as refreshment. Paul immediately burst out demanding information to study business entrepreneurship in the US, and the consultant obliged explaining to them the benefits of an international education, and proudly mentioning individual students who hailed from the same neighborhood as Paul, and how they had succeeded with the help of the agency. Paul was already day dreaming on his journey, when he heard his father ask how much an business entrepreneurship education would cost.
Suddenly, Paul’s dream seemed to implode with a force of thunder. Tuition would cost you one hundred thousand dollars, and this excludes expense for accommodation and obviously food, clothing, transport, books and school supplies. He knew instantly that the combined wealth of hid family would not even be able to afford a year of tuition let alone graduate! The consultant must have seen Paul’s face, because her voice trailed until there was what appeared a never ending heavy silence between the three. Paul’s father’s shoulders slumped suddenly, and he let out his breadth in a long sigh, whilst turning his gaze towards Paul. The consultant understood the signs and seemed to snap into action.
Malta the best unknown location
‘I bet you have never heard of Malta’, she said before Paul’s father could voice his dismay at the cost. ‘Malta, is an English speaking Island in the Mediterranean, that i visited two years ago. I was dumbfounded on the very high standards that I found on the Island. No wonder’, she continued, ‘after more than two centuries as a colony of the British, and fifty years from independence, Malta joined the European Union and is a Eurozone country and member of the Schengen region. Their economy is booming, and the economy is diversified with full employment. Their Universities are second to none, and one of the world renowned Universities is present on the Island. The University of London has an excellent business entrepreneurship programme that leads to an international business degree. and my biggest surprise is that the whole degree costs just twenty five thousand Euro, and the Government of the Island offers internship and work opportunities even after graduation, offering a tax free period up to the value of half the tuition fees!’
Paul’s father perked up because the amounts being mentioned now were more in his budget. ‘But, what about the standard of education’, he asked. The consultant did not miss a beat. ‘we would not be recommending this Institution if we were not 100% sure that Paul will gain immensely from them. We have sent students, just listen to what these students have to say’.
The agent prepared a folder with all the information sheets and the necessary details that Paul would have to do if he were to go ahead with his decision.
Education is the new gold rush
The air-hostess’s voice cut through Paul’s reminiscence and jolted him to the reality of the moment. Passengers around him were already undoing their seat belts.
Paul had left home and landed in Malta in search of his fortune.
He wondered what the future held for him!
