EF Stories: Natalia from Argentina at EF Malta

Studying English in another country was one of those seemingly impossible things I used to think about many mornings before starting my day, as I reviewed my unfulfilled dreams.

I am Natalia Gatica, from Argentina, born in Bragado, Buenos Aires. I’m 43 years old, a lawyer, and I’ve been working since I was 18. In December 2023, after 8 years as a municipal government official in the city where I live, I found myself absolutely needing to reinvent myself.

The truth is, I wasn’t sure what I needed to connect with, but I definitely felt I had to take action! After turning 40, moving forward isn’t as easy as it used to be. In my case, with two teenage children, a recent divorce, and the urgent need to define my professional and career future, going to Malta to study English seemed like nothing more than madness. There were millions of other, more reasonable options, but not that one!

However, as though anticipating a phrase I would see two months later on the wall at my graduation party in Malta, "Bad decisions make good stories," I jumped into action. After two phone calls, a meeting with the lovely Jimena from the EF Buenos Aires team, and only one month’s notice, I made my reservation and bought my plane ticket. Only then did I look up where Malta was on the map — I confess, I didn’t know.

It was the first time I traveled completely alone. At 28, I had the chance to work for six months in Monmouth, Wales, UK, which allowed me to travel for three months around Europe, visiting more than 50 cities and 20 countries, but always with Argentinians by my side!

Two days ago, I returned to my country after completing my course at EF Malta. It’s incredible how an experience of just two weeks can change your life forever! If I had known it would be like this, I definitely would have stayed longer.

Not only did I improve my English, but I also had the chance to interact with people from all over the world. I heard fascinating life stories, shared experiences and opinions with men and women I would never have met if it weren’t for EF, and — the best part — made new friends with whom I still keep in touch, speaking English.

Achieving the ability to 'be yourself' in another language is a fascinating feeling. There is definitely a world in motion, with no borders, and we can be a part of it.

Thank you, EF, for giving us this incredible opportunity. Maybe you don’t realize it, but while teaching English, you are truly changing lives!