Repubblika ta' Malta: My far away home
Introduction
I am Yolande Cassandra Newton from the tropical island state of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique in the southern Caribbean. Prior to undertaking research in Malta, my working experience mainly focused on leading the localisation of the Sustainable Development Goals and mobilizing and programming external support for Grenada’s development.
Personal Interest
Enthusiastic, optimistic and intrigued were just a few ways to describe how I felt about the opportunity to live and study in Malta. A nation that is similar to my homeland Grenada in several ways; they are both small, tri-island states and tourism is a major economic pillar. However, my fascination grew for Malta’s rich culture and medieval history, the research work within the Islands & Small States Institute at the University of Malta, and being absorbed into a diverse European population that is almost four times that of Grenada, although both nations share a similar land size.
Life in Malta
Living in Malta was exciting as fresh fruits and vegetables were very accessible, similar to Grenada. As a melting pot of cultures and nationalities, Caribbean staples were found in many small vegetable shops. The island offers diverse and flexible types of accommodation and social life. However, students from the tropics must ensure that their accommodation provides heaters indoors for the chilly winter season. Nonetheless, during the summer I enjoyed Zumba classes and the ocean scenery of busy Gzira promenade, the place that never sleeps. Travel on the island of Malta as well as between the islands was reliable except for prime travel times.
Student Life
Being a student at the University of Malta was indeed a privilege, as the staff – from administration to lecturers/tutors – were committed to my success, even in times when life became too overwhelming. International Student Affairs under the supervision of Stefania Agius-Fabri ensures that foreign students have access to varied support services for the total well-being of the student, in spite of the myriad and complex challenges.
DegreePlus events added value to students’ experiences beyond their classroom and academic pursuits. As an advocate for volunteerism, I was fortunate to be part of the 2018 facilitating team for Directed Group Learning (DGL) at St. Francis Primary School Reading Programme for ages 10 to 11. Moreover, DegreePlus allowed me the opportunity to explore the depth of Malta’s history through organised historical tours. I was introduced to mulled wine which I continue to prepare since my return to Grenada and have increased my love for pizza. Unfortunately, as a mature research student there were limited opportunities to make lasting friendships amongst the student population. However, I had the opportunity to serve on the Board of the ICCSD as the postgraduate student representative where I advocated for increased postgraduate collaborative activities to encourage peer support.
Post Student Life
Currently, I am the Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for projects and programmes to achieve the Government of Grenada’s transformational agenda. I will be eternally grateful to the Government and People of the Republic of Malta for this opportunity to be part of your community, even if for a short period. In addition to Stefania, I would like to give my heartfelt thanks to my supervisors Professors and Ambassadors Simone Borg and Godfrey Baldacchino.
I would like to encourage international students to consider the University of Malta as their choice to further their academic and career aspirations.
Yolande Cassandra Newton graduates on 7 March 2023 with a Master of Science in Sustainable Development within the Institute of Climate Change and Sustainable Development (ICCSD). She benefitted from one of four ‘Climate Action’ scholarships offered by the Government of Malta to deserving citizens from small developing states.
