Photo credit: Rene Rossignaud

IELS celebrated its 30 year Anniversary since its inception as one of the first schools to open in Malta back in 1985 when it was set up as a joint venture between Mizzi Organisation and FTI Group.

Currently IELS operates two schools in Malta and another in Gozo with a total capacity of over 160 classrooms, making it one of the largest English language school in Malta. Recently, IELS has invested €4 million to upgrade its main school and offices as well as the three star Day’s Inn Hotel in Sliema, which is also owned and operated by IELS. IELS employs a dedicated and professional team with over 150 members of staff.

Since IELS first opened its doors, it has  welcomed over 200,000 students from all over the world. IELS employs a dedicated and professional leisure and welfare team which organises various cultural and social activities and ensures that the safety and wellbeing of the students is always a high priority. In all, IELS employs over 150 members of staff

Since 1985, IELS has contributed towards the development of the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) industry locally and has introduced various new academic programmes over the years. It has always stayed at the forefront of contemporary English Language Teaching methodologies with an effective academic ethos based on sound language learning and acquisition principles. It is also the only language school on the island that offers both Cambridge Celta and Delta courses leading to internationally recognised, high quality teaching qualifications.

“I am proud to say that over the past 30 years, thanks to our high standards, a dedicated team and the reputation all our schools enjoy worldwide, IELS has grown its business exponentially,” said General Manager Alex Lanczet. “In fact, the number of students grows substantially on a yearly basis and over the past five years alone the school registered an increase of 40%.”

The growing demand for English language courses and proficiency has seen  English as a Foreign Language (EFL)  develop into a major global educational service industry, with Malta being amongst the top eight destinations where non-native English speakers travel to learn English. Apart from the direct revenue generated through teaching, IELS has a ripple effect on the Maltese economy as it contracts not only direct employees, but also host families, hotels, personnel from the leisure and entertainment industry and catering establishments.

IELS is also part of the prestigious international group of schools LAL Language Centres, which have a portfolio of schools in the UK, US and South Africa.

The anniversary was celebrated with a lavish gala party at Xara Lodge attended by directors and shareholders from Mizzi Organisation and FTI Group, key partners from main business entities, major stakeholders, service providers, agents and IELS staff. The Big Band Brothers provided lively entertainment throughout the evening.