Another look behind the scenes – Part 4 of our interview series with inlingua Malta

For the fourth installment of our multi part series, Maryse Gatt provides insight into her journey with inlingua, the successes, challenges, and special experiences.

About your Path to inlingua

What originally motivated you to open your own inlingua center?

My father, Maurice Portelli, was a keen entrepreneur. On the lookout for new opportunities, he embarked on a novel platform ‘Learning English in Malta’ putting Malta on the map as a language learning destination. Joining the inlingua family was the most obvious choice and in 1980 inlingua Malta was born. We are forerunners in the industry and today many others have followed. We have retained our ’boutique school’ image and not succumbed to being a ‘quantity’ as opposed to a ‘quality’ school. Taking over the franchise from my father was a natural step and together with my two daughters Luisa and Philippa we ensure inlingua Malta is administered wisely and adheres to inlingua international guidelines.

2025 marks 45 years in operation, indeed, a milestone to be celebrated!

How did you first hear about inlingua?

inlingua was introduced to my family by another inlingua licensee. After familiarizing ourselves with the brand we knew we wanted to be part of inlingua.

What ultimately led you to become an inlingua licensee?

Our passion for learning and sharing while creating an unexplored venture in Malta.

What expectations did you have at the beginning of the partnership?

Embarking on a new venture is always daunting. However, with assistance from inlingua international we were shown how to deliver quality language courses.

Your Experience as an inlingua Licensee

What were the biggest challenges in the initial phase?

Introducing our product into a new market, ensuring our trainers were prepared to embrace this novel learning platform and building the right team for the day-to-day operation of our center.

How would you describe your journey with inlingua so far in three words?

Challenging, Evolving and Rewarding.

Were there any decisions that you found particularly difficult?

During Covid we had to reduce staff hours for one-year due to forced closure by the authorities. The support of management and staff got us through this difficult time.

What kept you motivated during difficult times?

Our team! We managed to retain all staff members through two Covid years. Sacrifices were made and we emerged together as a united team.

The Network and Support

How do you feel about working with the inlingua network and HQ?

We are an ‘importing’ school, our work is generated from abroad. Working alongside inlingua HQ we feel a strong support system and the reassurance of being part of a group experiencing similar challenges. Sharing ideas while taking advantage of the exciting learning material sets us apart from ‘the rest’. We would appreciate welcoming more students through our inlingua counterparts since this currently makes up only 5% of our workload.

In what situations did you feel especially well supported?

In the pedagogical department the material is evolving to keep up with changing trends. The online platform is effective for both trainers and students.

What advantages do you see in belonging to an international network?

We benefit from the ongoing support of inlingua international while sharing ideas and challenges with likeminded school owners. Also working within parameters, guidelines and standards that make inlingua international so renowned.

Review and Outlook

Have you ever regretted your decision to become an inlingua licensee?

There has never been any regret in taking on the role as an inlingua licensee. However, it does come with its challenges. Hard work, constant dedication and attention to detail bring the required results.

What are your greatest successes or milestones so far?

This year is another milestone year for inlingua Malta, 45 years in operation can surely be considered a success.

Are there any memorable customer experiences that stand out for you?

We have just obtained a ‘school of excellence’ certificate from a leading partner overseas Languagecourse.net with 100% excellent reviews. Our team sees this certificate as recognition of their hard work. Staff members David and Nigel deserve a special mention for ensuring the smooth running of our operation.

What are your plans or goals for the coming years?

We are currently planning to increase our ‘student accommodation’ portfolio. We are confident that selling our own accommodation/academic experience will increase our overall student satisfaction rate.

Finally

What advice would you give to someone considering becoming an inlingua licensee?

Becoming an inlingua licensee is challenging and rewarding however, one needs to delve deeply into today’s challenges. Staff shortages, stiff competition, social media advantages/disadvantages, pricing and location all deserve a mention.

What makes inlingua special to you – compared to other providers?

Our worldwide network sets us apart from ‘the rest’. We provide continuous learning where our students can move to another inlingua center and carry on with the same course book.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Onwards and upwards – we look forward to celebrating 50 years of inlingua Malta.

Sources:

https://www.inlingua.com/licensee/

https://www.inlingua.com/centers/

A look behind the scenes at inlingua Hammamet, Tunisia with licensee Said Haif

For the third installment of our multi part series, Said Haif provides insight into her journey with inlingua, the successes, challenges, and special experiences.

About your Path to inlingua

What originally motivated you to open your own inlingua center?

The world is becoming increasingly interconnected and globalized, and I realized there was great potential in this market. Opening a language school made sense given that I speak five languages and know that each new language brings a new dimension to life.

How did you first hear about inlingua?

I heard about inlingua when I was in Germany taking German courses and I met people taking language courses with inlingua. The feedback was very positive.

What ultimately led you to become an inlingua licensee?

inlingua’s method and course materials, as well as inlingua’s image around the world. Today, joining an international network has become a necessity. There are always new issues in the field of language learning, and finding solutions to these challenges in a community makes more sense than going it alone.

What expectations did you have at the beginning of the partnership?

Achieving a standardized working model, i.e. helping teachers adapt to the new method and materials, in order to guarantee standardization for all languages and all levels.

Your Experience as an inlingua Licensee

What were the biggest challenges in the initial phase?

Acceptance of the new method and new materials by teachers and learners. And for us specifically to make people forget the bad experiences they had with inlingua in Tunisia in the past.

How would you describe your journey with inlingua so far in three words?

Exchange, support and a big family.

Were there any decisions that you found particularly difficult?

Yes, changing our name, which had brought us success for 10 years.

What kept you motivated during difficult times?

Always believing that there is potential and that we are on the right path, as long as we offer a quality service and manage the school in a good way and strive to develop and improve what we have.

The Network and Support

How do you feel about working with the inlingua network and HQ?

Very satisfied

In what situations did you feel especially well supported?

Always, when we need it.

What advantages do you see in belonging to an international network?

Being part of a big family and being able to solve problems and move forward as a team.

Review and Outlook

Have you ever regretted your decision to become an inlingua licensee?

Absolutely not.

What are your greatest successes or milestones so far?

Opening three additional schools in five years, thereby establishing the brand nationwide.

Are there any memorable customer experiences that stand out for you?

Yes, an Italian customer who came to learn Arabic at the age of 76 and was able to communicate after just 2 levels.

What are your plans or goals for the coming years?

Increasing digitalization and introducing artificial intelligence into the school’s courses and management processes. Gain more market share for language holidays and B2B training.

Finally

What advice would you give to someone considering becoming an inlingua licensee?

First, they need to know inlingua’s strengths and be aware of the usefulness of these strengths so that they can make the most of them.

What makes inlingua special to you – compared to other providers?

We are inlingua and inlingua is us, not the others.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

We need to know how to make the most of this technological revolution (specifically AI).

Sources:

https://www.inlingua.com/licensee/

https://www.inlingua.com/centers/

A look behind the scenes at inlingua Ostschweiz, Switzerland with licensee Sabrina Bösch

For the second installment of our multi part series, Sabrina Bösch provides insight into her journey with inlingua, the successes, challenges, and special experiences.

About your Path to inlingua

What originally motivated you to open your own inlingua center?

Thanks to my many years of experience at the former inlingua St. Gallen, I was already familiar with inlingua and was impressed by the company. My passion for languages, education, and entrepreneurship motivated me to open my own inlingua center. I wanted to create a place where people could not only learn languages but also develop intercultural skills and self-confidence.

How did you hear about inlingua?

Through my work at the former inlingua St. Gallen.

Why did you decide to get an inlingua licensee?

I chose an inlingua license because it offers the ideal combination of entrepreneurial independence and a strong international network. The proven methodology, professional support, and high-quality standards gave me the confidence that I could successfully build my own language school. It was also important to me that inlingua offers the freedom to take local needs into account.

What were your expectations of the partnership at the beginning?

At the beginning of the partnership, my main expectation was to have competent support – both in setting up my center and in its day-to-day operations. This is exactly what I received, and the collegial exchange remains valuable.

Your Experience as an inlingua Licensee

What were the biggest challenges in the initial phase?

The biggest challenges in the initial phase were establishing the center and building a solid customer base. In addition, organizing internal processes as well as selecting and training staff were demanding tasks. There was a steep learning curve. I developed new skills, from business management to leading a team.

How would you describe your journey with inlingua so far in three words?

Informative, collaborative, challenging.

Were there any decisions that were particularly difficult for you?

Yes, there were definitely decisions that were difficult for me, especially in the early stages. Finding the right time to invest, especially in marketing and infrastructure, was and still is particularly challenging. Maintaining the balance between growth and financial stability was and still is a real balancing act. Building a team that shares the inlingua philosophy also requires careful consideration.

What motivated you to keep going during difficult moments?

In difficult moments, I was motivated above all by my belief in my goal: to create a high-quality language training program in eastern Switzerland that really helps people get ahead. The positive feedback from our customers has shown me time and again that I am on the right track. My team, family and friends are also very important. The exchange and support from the inlingua network show me that I am not alone – and that together, we can always find a way.

The Network and Support

How do you feel about working with the inlingua network and HQ?

Working with the inlingua network and HQ is very enriching. I appreciate that I can always rely on the expertise of other inlingua centers in Switzerland and inlingua International. Whether it’s strategic questions, technical developments, or methodological and didactic issues, I feel well supported.

When did you feel particularly well supported?

I felt particularly well supported during the founding and initial phase. inlingua International was there to offer good advice, and I was able to talk to my colleagues at inlingua Switzerland at any time—and still can today.

What advantages do you see in belonging to an international network?

There are numerous advantages. It lets us share best practices and experiences worldwide that can lead to innovative ideas. Plus, the benefit from a strong, globally recognized brand that builds trust with our customers. The cooperation with inlingua International helps us overcome challenges and learn from each other. I also appreciate the access to training and continuing education opportunities that keep me and my team up to date. Another big advantage is the marketing support we receive through joint campaigns and advertising materials, which help us increase our visibility and reach.

Review and Outlook

Have you ever regretted your decision to become an inlingua licensee?

No, I have never regretted my decision to become an inlingua licensee. On the contrary, it was the right decision, and I am happy to be part of this network.

What are your biggest successes or milestones to date?

I started with inlingua Ostschweiz in January 2023, and on May 1, 2025, we were able to move into larger premises. The fact that we were able to do this after only two years is a huge success for me and shows that we are on the right track.

What experiences or customer moments have been particularly memorable for you?

Every encounter with our customers is special. I greet all participants at the beginning of each course. This creates a trusting, warm atmosphere. These encounters are valuable – they strengthen trust, deepen connections and make our school a place where people feel welcome and noticed. This personal connection is at the heart of my work – and the best part of my job.

What are your plans or goals for the next few years?

I have exciting plans! My main goal is to continue expanding inlingua Ostschweiz. I would like to forge closer partnerships with regional companies and institutions and offer tailor-made language solutions for our local customers. It is also important for me to develop our range of courses and expand our digital offering to provide learners with a flexible and future-oriented learning environment.

Finally

What advice would you give to someone considering becoming an inlingua licensee?

Be aware that you are joining a strong network – make active use of it. inlingua offers an established brand, access to proven concepts, high-quality teaching materials, and a great network of partners. At the same time, you need entrepreneurial spirit, passion, and the willingness to take on local responsibility and develop your center with your own vision.

What makes inlingua special for you – compared to other providers?

Quality and personality go hand in hand. Unlike anonymous online platforms or purely standardized course models, inlingua focuses on people. The method is practical, communicative, tried and tested. At the same time, the international network offers space for exchange, innovation, and further development. We benefit from a strong brand but remain locally anchored and flexible.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Have the courage to be independent! Be brave and go for it. Set clear goals, stay focused, and never lose sight of your goal. And above all: stay true to yourself—because that’s the only way to be successful and satisfied in the long run.

Sources:

https://www.inlingua.com/licensee/

https://www.inlingua.com/centers/

What does it actually mean to be part of the international inlingua network? Who better to answer this question than our licensees themselves?

In this series, partners from different regions of the world share their personal experiences with inlingua: why they decided to become licensees, what challenges they have overcome, what successes they have celebrated – and what moments have remained particularly memorable to them. Candid, inspiring, and relatable – their stories provide insight into the everyday lives of our partners and show what drives and inspires them.

The first interview is with Ulla Kratzer from inlingua Rabat-Salé, Morocco.

About your Path to inlingua

What originally motivated you to open your own inlingua center?

As a well-known, high-quality German language school that already had a reputation in Morocco, I wanted to gain international recognition.

How did you hear about inlingua?

I know inlingua because I took English language courses at inlingua Munich.

Why did you decide to become an inlingua licensee?

To set myself apart as a language school in Morocco and gain international recognition.

What were your expectations of the partnership at the beginning?

Innovation, professionalism, and sustainability. Added value for language students through online solutions and the inlingua concept.

Your Experience as an inlingua Licensee

How would you describe your journey with inlingua so far in three words?

Innovation, partnership, international.

What were the biggest challenges in the initial phase?

The transition from the previous concept to the inlingua concept. It was important to convince existing customers and communicate the added value.

Were there any decisions that were particularly difficult for you?

The price increase for the language courses.

What motivated you to keep going during difficult moments?

The positive feedback from language students regarding the quality of learning and the e-books.

The Network and Support

How do you feel about working with the inlingua network and HQ?

The support from HQ is fast, flexible, and personal. You always feel supported. The exchange with the inlingua network has also been positive so far.

When did you feel particularly well supported?

Loyalty when faced with attacks from outsiders.

What advantages do you see in belonging to an international network?

Knowledge exchange and innovation, increased visibility and credibility.

Review and Outlook

Have you ever regretted your decision to become an inlingua licensee?

Not so far!

What are your biggest successes or milestones to date?

All students in the first B1 course completed the course and passed the exam.

What experiences or customer moments have been particularly positive for you?

When Moroccan language students manage to pronounce “inlingua” correctly.

What are your plans or goals for the next few years?

To introduce other languages to German, starting with English in the next few months. To make inlingua known throughout Morocco.

Finally

What advice would you give to someone considering becoming an inlingua licensee?

Don’t think about it for too long, just contact inlingua International.

What makes inlingua special for you – compared to other providers?

The inlingua method, which is focused on communication. In addition, digital learning offers students a great deal of flexibility.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Our students are proud to be learning at inlingua and to receive digital exam certificates from inlingua.

Sources:

https://www.inlingua.com/licensee/

https://www.inlingua.com/centers/

What it takes to write a textbook for language learners

Ever wondered what goes into making language learning materials? It is not just about throwing together a few grammar exercises and calling it a day. The process is a blend of creativity, pedagogy, and a touch of technological magic. Whether it’s for the classroom or for online learning courses, the aim is always the same – to make language learning engaging, effective, and accessible. Let’s take a behind-the-scenes look at how all of this comes together at inlingua. 

Questions, questions, questions! 

Before anything is written, wehave todo a deepdive into research. Through surveys and interviews, classroom visits and observations we try to understand our learners’ exact needs. Who are they? What challenges do they face? What keeps them motivated? What are their goals? Why do they want to learn a language? Once we have a clear picture of our learners, we start planning:How should we structure the material?Which techniquesshould we follow? A communicative approach, task-based learning, or a mix? (You’ll learn more about the unique inlingua method in next month’s blog.)What are the different components of our learning materials? What is the most sensible use of technology to go with them? What should the teachers’ resources look like? And what feels like a million more questions emergeto be answered! 

The fun part— content writing and the magic of design! 

Content writing usually happens in three stages. For the first – as ever – we start with our learners. What do we want them to learn while working through our materials? This means we have to write very clear goals for each unit and each key point of every unit. Next, we search for topics that will match the objectives and will be interesting, engaging, and relevant for the learners. Finally, catchy dialogues, real-world reading passages, and digestible grammar explanations are created to keep students interested. Exercises need to provide structured practice while also encouraging real, authentic communication. Matching audio and video materials bring language to life, making learning feel relevant. 

A greattextbookisn’tjust about words, it’s also about the design. A clear, intuitive layout makes it easier for students to navigate. Thoughtfully chosen visuals, like illustrations, infographics, and icons, support understanding without overwhelming the page. Digital elements add interactivity, from exercises with instant feedback, to quizzes that make learning more dynamic, and gamification features that motivate learners. 

The second most important people – the trainers! 

Trainer resources and training play a crucial roles in the process of writing learning materials. No matter how well-designed they are, their impact solely depends on how effectively teachers can use them in the classroom. That’s why we provide comprehensive trainertraining courses, guides, lesson plans, and additional support materials to help them bring the content to life. We support them with suggestedadditional classroom activities, differentiation strategies, as well as background information on the unit topics. These resources ensure that inlingua trainers have the confidence and flexibility to adapt lessons to their students’ needs. Our digital platformmy.inlingua offers all training courses and interactive tools that enabletrainers to have the same experience with our digital tools as our learners, so they can make the most of the resources available to them. 

Ready for publication! 

Once everything is polished, it’s time for publication. That means meticulous editing and proofreading to eliminate errors, followed by the final production process—whether that’s printing books or launching digital content. But even after release, the work isn’t done. Through a thorough feedback process, we monitor how learners and teachers interact with the materials, making regular updates to keep things fresh, relevant, and in line with new educational trends.Language learning evolves, and so must our resources. Whether it’s incorporating new research in linguistics, updating cultural references, or leveraging the latest educational technology, we are always refining and improving. This continuous development ensures that learners get the most out of their experience and stay motivated on their language-learning journey. 

Creating student books and digital learning materials is not just about assembling exercises, it is about crafting an immersive, effective learning experience. It takes research, creativity, and a lot of time to get it right, but when learners engage with the content and make progress, it is all worth it! 

Written by: Julia Silvère

 

“Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of a plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act. There is no other route to success.” Pablo Picasso

Goal setting can be overwhelming. What do you want to achieve? How can you define realistic goals? Whatever combination of goals we have, they help us see how we can personally and professionally grow in the right direction.

Discover Your Goals

To ensure you are on the right path, you need to realize which goals help get you where you want to go.  Asking yourself questions will support you in this process. Grab a piece of paper and a pen and use your intuition:

  • What have you wanted to do but were afraid to try?
  • What are your most important values right now?
  • What do you most enjoy doing?
  • Where would you like to be in five or ten years?
  • What are some short-term goals that can help you get to your long-term goals?

Make sure to cover all important areas in your life such as education, relationships, personal growth, career and fitness. Spend some time brainstorming and then select one or more goals in each category that best reflect what you want to do. As soon as you have a small number of significant goals that you can focus on, you are ready for the next step.

Set S.M.A.R.T. goals

There are many reasons why goals are not met. A lot of it has to do with how you set your goals. A useful way of making goals more powerful is to make them SMART. SMART is an acronym and means: specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound. For example, instead of having “speak French” as a goal, it is more powerful to use the SMART goal “To have completed level B2 in French by 31 December 2021.” Setting precise goals and putting in dates, times, and amounts, allows you to know exactly when you have achieved the goal and thus take complete satisfaction from having achieved it. Do not forget to state each goal as a positive statement!

Visualize your Goals

Now is the time to write your goals down to make them feel tangible. When you physically print or write down your goals, you are more likely to commit them to memory.  Think about small things you can do that will help you reach your goals. Here are some ways to visualize your goals:

  • Keep a journal.
  • Write down one sentence that describes the outcome you want. Post this statement somewhere easily visible. This keeps the positive outcome right in front of you.
  • Create a vision board: put together a collection of photographs and images that remind you of your goals and what they mean to you.

Through visualization, you will be able to boost your motivation and decrease the stress you feel as you face new challenges.

Good luck at setting your goals for the new year and remember to have fun with them as well!

…

Do you need help creating your personal learning path? inlingua has 50+ years’ experience in teaching languages in over 200 regions around the world. Get in touch here!

Sources

https://www.mindtools.com/page6.html