Describe your organisation in three words or phrases.
Collaborative. Progressive. Student-focused.
FELTOM brings together Malta’s leading English language schools with the aim of strengthening the sector as a whole, while ensuring that quality, professionalism and the student experience remain at the heart of what we do.
What is your organisation’s role in Malta’s ELT landscape?
FELTOM represents the interests of Malta’s licensed English language teaching organisations and acts as a bridge between our members, government, regulators, industry stakeholders and international partners.
Our role goes beyond representation and advocacy. We want to contribute to the development of the sector, promote Malta as a high-quality English language learning destination, encourage best practice and make sure that the voice of ELT is heard when policies affecting our students and schools are being developed.
Ultimately, we want Malta to remain competitive internationally while maintaining the quality and reputation that have made it such a strong ELT destination. Malta has a unique advantage as an English-speaking European destination: students can combine high-quality English language education with the experience of living in a safe, welcoming and culturally rich country. Our size is also an advantage – we can offer students an immersive experience where they can genuinely use English beyond the classroom and become part of an international community.
What drew you to the role?
I have spent more than 17 years working in the English language teaching sector, so FELTOM felt like a natural next step for me. I have always been passionate about ELT, but I was particularly attracted to the opportunity to work at a sector-wide level rather than within one organisation.
I saw the role as an opportunity to bring my experience closer to policy, advocacy and strategic development, while also helping schools work together rather than simply competing with one another.
There is a lot of potential in Malta’s ELT sector, and I wanted to be part of shaping what comes next.
What are the key areas you would like to concentrate on during your first year in the role?
My first priority is to strengthen FELTOM as an organisation and make sure we are delivering real value to our members. I want FELTOM to be more visible, more proactive and more closely connected with the schools it represents.
A major focus will also be advocacy and stakeholder engagement. There are a number of issues affecting international students and the competitiveness of Malta’s ELT sector – from immigration and accommodation to regulation and taxation – and I want FELTOM to be at the table when these issues are being discussed and, importantly, to bring the sector’s perspective forward with a clear and united voice.
I also want to improve the way we use sector data and evidence. We need to be able to demonstrate, clearly and credibly, the contribution ELT makes to Malta and use that evidence to influence policy and decision-making.
Finally, I want to encourage greater collaboration within the sector. Malta’s schools may compete for business, but there are many areas where working together can benefit everyone and ultimately strengthen Malta as an ELT destination.
What’s one misconception about your sector you’d love to correct?
I think there is sometimes a perception that English language schools are simply part of the tourism industry and that students come to Malta primarily for a holiday.
Of course, students enjoy Malta and everything the country has to offer, but they are here first and foremost to learn English. ELT is an education sector, and the students we welcome are international learners making a significant investment in their education and future.
ELT brings people from all over the world to Malta, creating a genuinely international environment and allowing students to experience our language, culture and way of life while they study
I would also like people to recognise the wider contribution the sector makes. ELT brings people from all over the world to Malta, creating a genuinely international environment and allowing students to experience our language, culture and way of life while they study. ELT supports accommodation providers, transport, hospitality, cultural activities and many other parts of the economy.
What keeps you energised outside of work?
My family, first and foremost. I have a young son, so life outside work is rarely quiet (and I am not complaining)!
I also love music and dancing – I particularly enjoy salsa and bachata – as well as singing, cooking and reading. I think having things completely unrelated to work that you genuinely enjoy is important, especially when your job is as demanding as running an organisation.
What initiatives are you rolling out in the near future?
We have several initiatives in the pipeline that focus on strengthening the student experience, supporting our member schools and increasing the visibility and competitiveness of Malta’s ELT sector.
We are also working on a number of projects with local and international partners, and I’m particularly excited about some of the opportunities these will create for the sector. There will be more to share on these in due course, but for now, I’m happy to say that there is a lot happening behind the scenes.
If you could accomplish one big thing in the next year, what would it be?
I would like to see FELTOM become a stronger and more influential voice for Malta’s ELT sector, with a much greater impact on the decisions that shape our industry.
For me, success would mean that our members feel genuinely represented and supported, that government and other stakeholders see FELTOM as a constructive partner, and that Malta’s ELT sector is increasingly recognised for the economic, educational and international value it brings to the country.
Most importantly, I want to build a culture of collaboration within the sector. If we can get schools, government and industry working more closely towards a common vision for ELT in Malta, I think we can achieve something much bigger than any individual organisation could achieve on its own.
About the author: Katrin De Fex Marriaga is CEO of Federation of English Language Teaching Organisations Malta (FELTOM) bringing over 17 years of experience in Malta’s English language teaching sector. Passionate about education, international student mobility, and the continued development of Malta’s ELT industry, she is focused on strengthening collaboration across the sector and ensuring Malta remains a leading destination for English language learning.
