In this interview we speak with Venezuelan 3rd cohort student representative Estefany Madeleine Afkerian Colmenares about her first semester in the Joint Master in Resilience in Educational Contexts at the University of Malta.
How was your Semester at the University of Malta?
My semester at the University of Malta was incredible. Throughout the first semester of my Master’s, I felt that my academic skills truly developed. The workload was balanced but still challenging, and it reminded me (once again) not to overestimate my ability to work well under pressure. I really enjoyed the university environment and facilities. One of my favorite things to do was walking around campus and taking photos for my photography extra course. On a personal note, one of my favorite perks of university life was getting free lunches every Wednesday at the Chaplaincy, while one of the biggest struggles was figuring out how to print documents without assistance.
What did you think of the study units?
I had a very positive experience with the study units. The elective A Systemic and Family Understanding of Resilience stood out to me because it connected closely with my previous experience as a systemic psychologist. It felt meaningful to build on what I already knew while also exploring new ways of thinking about resilience. I also appreciated that the study units combined theory with practical work. Designing lesson plans and planning projects helped me apply what I learned in a more grounded and useful way. The professors were approachable and open to questions, which made the classes feel supportive while still challenging enough to encourage critical thinking.
What was the highlight of the semester?
The highlight of the semester was celebrating our birthdays with my classmates. It was so much fun to connect outside of the academic setting and explore different spots around the island together, which really helped us build a strong sense of community. A particularly special memory with my cohort was watching the sunset at Golden Bay. I felt incredibly happy, calm, and fully present. It was one of those experiences that made me truly appreciate both the friendships I had built and the beauty of the place I was living in.
How was it living in Malta?
Month by month, I fell in love with the country to the point that now I find it hard to leave. I love the diversity, the interculturality and the unpredictability of Malta. I still cannot believe how many beautiful yet different places there are here, and even though I went to many, I still have much left to explore. Living in Malta could sometimes be difficult; I had a hard time figuring out how the buses worked, dealing with streets that were hard to walk on, the unpredictable weather, recycling properly, catching the quick ferry to Gozo, or even trusting Google Maps. But over time, what was once tricky became simpler, and now it feels normal. However, next time I will definitely come better prepared. I am really grateful for the support I received from different networks which made me thrive and flourish. I will carry the word “Mela” with me. This has been an unforgettable experience that I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone.
