Today I can say that one of my biggest dreams has come true. I went to Australia with the popular Working Holiday Visa and I enjoyed a sabbatical to explore this beautiful country. If it wasn’t for the WHV I was recommended by a friend to try hotels at crownperth.com.au. Alas I didn’t need to. My experience sums up everything that WHV helps with: study, work and travel. The first three months I worked in a restaurant and did an English course in order to obtain certificates CAE and CPE. The next six months were of adventures and tours: a perfect blend for exploring this colorful and wonderful land inhabited by the world’s most diverse wildlife. Australia is certainly a place full of surprises. My adventure began in September 2012. After a long journey of 26 hours, I was ready to step on the land of my dreams, Australia!

First I stayed in Perth, the capital of Western Australia and the country’s largest state which is the most isolated city in the world. I have always been drawn by faraway countries. That’s why I chose Australia and particularly Perth. It was a decision I made after much thought that was based on my desire to improve English. I think to have entered the Working Holiday Visa was a fabulous idea because I had the opportunity to study, work and travel Australia. Now students can live, study and work in this country for a year and be able to discover this magical land.

Four days a week after school, I worked in a restaurant as a kitchen helper and waitress. Although not easy, it was a great experience I could get through the WHV. During the period of study and work, I stayed at the home of an Australian family. I think this type of accommodation is ideal because it allows one to really learn the culture.

My stay in Perth was marked not only by this interesting study experience, but also for all that the city has to offer. Perth is a city with vibrant lifestyle and a Mediterranean climate, with magnificent beaches and natural areas. It also has many museums including the famous Western Australia Museum, a wide variety of nightclubs and casino that make it a city very rich in terms of culture and entertainment. As a matter of fact I was once invited to one of the conference venues at Crown Perth.

The people of the region are characterized by being relaxed and calm. The “Aussies” are very sociable with a colorful mood, sometimes a little ironic. It’s worth talking to them and taking a Gold frost, best known beer there.

In Perth, there are many places to visit and many things to do, such as Scaborough Beach surf, have a drink and watch the sunset at Cottesloe Beach, practice sandboarding in Lancelin, visit the Pinnacle Desert and Rottnest Island and more. Not to mention the South Western Australia with its Margaret River region of perfect waves and good wine and the North Western Australia famous for the territory of Kimberly, the most remote and isolated destination from the world.

Having spent three months of study, work and travel, I packed my backpack and set off to conquer Alice Spring, region generally known as the Red Centre in the heart of Australia, the next step of my trip.

Language holidays are becoming increasingly popular nowadays but, with English speaking countries located all over the world, it is extremely difficult to choose a destination which offers a quality English course together with sun, sea, sand and a lot more to offer. Until now, that is. The island archipelago of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea is a bilingual country so learners have plenty of opportunities to practise their English language skills outside of the classroom. This can be done whilst enjoying some of Malta’s breathtaking natural beauty, numerous sporting activities and vibrant nightlife ensuring that you leave Malta with more than just a sun-tan.

Malta’s colonial architecture and pre-historic archaeology are as much an attraction as the island’s fabulous seafood restaurants, lively bars and popular night clubs. Village markets also give English learners the opportunity, not only to pick up a bargain, but also to converse with locals putting into practice the newly-acquired language skills which have been learnt in the classroom.

If you prefer your island experience to be a little more sun-kissed then simply head to one of Malta’s beautiful beaches. There are a number of larger beaches which offer all of the facilities you’d expect from a tourist destination or, also well worth a visit are the several smaller, more secluded bays and coves which are only a short journey from the main islands but their peace and tranquillity make them seem a world away. The busier beaches tend to offer all kinds of water sports and many have dive schools giving divers of all abilities the opportunity to explore the crystal clear waters which surround Malta and are home to reefs, wrecks and diverse marine life.

English language teaching is regulated by the Maltese education authorities meaning a high standard is maintained, an example of which is Maltalingua English Language School which only employs teachers with internationally recognised certification to teach English as a second language. Combined with the high quality of teaching, Maltalingua boasts an extremely friendly and relaxed atmosphere and a rooftop terrace and private pool where students are encouraged to get to know each other outside of the classroom – only speaking English of course! The school’s modern facilities and air-conditioned classrooms make learning English both inside and outside of the classroom extremely pleasant! Sound good? It gets better as Maltalingua are currently offering the chance to win a free English course including materials, transfers and accommodation; simply guess how many tiles are in their swimming pool – more details can be found at www.maltalingua.com/competition/pool/

With its natural beauty combined with its sun-kissed beaches, vibrant nightlife and high quality English courses, Malta is waiting to welcome you on your English language holiday.