Maltese English-language group EC invests in further US expansion

The past 12 months have been a major period of growth for EC, which 21 years ago began as a single English-language school in Malta. As well as acquiring three new schools in Canada last October, the award-winning group has also focused on US expansion, relocating its Boston school to an incredible new location in the very centre of the city, and opening new, equally impressive operations in Miami and Los Angeles.

These three new schools are in prime locations in their respective cities, a common feature amongst all EC destinations. EC Boston is now based at Faneuil Hall, a major site in the history of American independence, which is today the most vibrant, 'happening' area in Boston. The group has also moved its Higher Education Division HQ to these new premises, for their proximity to the large number of world-class academic institutions in the region.

EC Miami is in an incredible landmark building amongst the bars, shops and restaurants of Lincoln Road and a short walk from Miami Beach. EC Los Angeles is also in the centre of the action, and just five minutes' walk from Santa Monica Beach.

The sleek, modern facilities at the new schools also demonstrate the commitment to quality of service and the student experience that saw EC win the study travel industry's most prestigious international award, STM Star Chain School, last year. Each school has bright, spacious classrooms, state-of-the-art teaching technology, library and self-study facilities, student lounges with new computers and free Wi-Fi. All buildings have been refurbished to bring in as much natural light as possible to the classrooms, aiding learning and positive interaction.

EC's CEO Michael Xuereb said of this recent period of expansion: "The USA has been tremendous for us and, over the past five years, our revenue has grown by over 300%. We are now one of the leading players in the market in terms of size, but we have also revolutionised the concept of language schools in the US. All our schools are fantastic properties in highly desirable locations and this has raised the bar amongst our competitors. In fact, most of them are following our cue and investing heavily in their product and facilities."

EC now has a presence in six major English language learning destinations in the USA. EC Los Angeles joins EC San Francisco and EC San Diego, becoming the group's third school in California. And the Miami school brings the EC name to the state of Florida for the first time.

"Despite its rapidly expanding international presence, EC is still proudly Maltese, and continues to champion the name of its Mediterranean home around the world," Xuereb said.