It might be tiny – so tiny it’s hard to pin down on a map, but its climate is warm and welcoming all year round, its sea is deep blue, its history is intriguing, and its people are friendly. Two official languages are spoken there, and one of them is English!
Sitting right in the heart of the southern Mediterranean is the sunny island of Malta. From prehistoric temples and medieval towns and churches, to a grand fortressed capital city, stunning harbour and busy entertainment district, you will find an intriguing mix of old and new, calm and chaotic, wherever you go.
It’s this unique combination of culture and history, fun and relaxation that also makes Malta a popular language learning destination.
Read on to discover what’s great about living and learning in Malta!
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1) Ideal Location
Malta’s geographical location at the heart of the sunny Mediterranean makes it easily accessible from anywhere in Europe. This means you will find a good variety of convenient flights and routes to choose from.
2) Wonderful Weather
Boasting pleasant weather all year round, it’s never too cold to spend time exploring the Maltese islands (Malta, Gozo and Comino), or enjoying outdoor activities. If it’s not swimming, it can be cycling, hiking or even horse-riding!
3) Rich Culture & History
Immerse yourself in the richness of Malta and Gozo’s history. Did you know that Malta is home to nine UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the capital city of Valletta, which was declared European Capital of Culture 2018?
4) Entertainment
Malta’s events calendar is jam-packed with a sparkling variety of cultural occasions and seasonal celebrations. From the quaint village festivals or ‘festas’, the popular Notte Bianca, and the annual Malta Arts or Jazz Festivals, to Malta Music Week and its highly acclaimed Isle of MTV party, there’s something for everyone!
Life on the rock
Many enjoy a good quality of life during their stay on the island, one of the reasons being a reasonable cost of living. Both grocery shopping and restaurant meals are affordable, and the variety of cuisines available will add flavour to your social life and overall experience. Although the summer months can get particularly busy, the Maltese lifestyle is typically slow-paced and laid-back in comparison to other European countries.
Wherever you choose to live, you’re never too far from where you want to go! Accommodation is easy to find, and there is a wide variety of options to choose from, but it all depends on what you plan to do, and how long you would like to stay.
If you really want to spend your time immersed in a language learning environment, staying with an English-speaking host family or in a student residence will prove to be just what you need to help you reach your language goals!
5) Ideal learning destination
Most of the Maltese population speaks English fluently, and some of the island’s most popular newspapers are in English. In addition to its high academic standards and increasing repertoire of language schools, the island’s historical ties with Britain and the English language have made it one of Europe’s leading EFL destinations.
6) Convenient Transportation
Getting around is cheap and quick: there’s no such thing as being too far from your destination! You can catch a bus, hire a car, or take the ferry from Sliema to Valletta, or to the island of Gozo.
7) Low cost of living
Students enjoy a good quality of life during their stay on the island. Suitable accommodation is easy to find: renting a centrally located and comfortable apartment is simple.
Here’s an idea of what the cost of living is like in Malta in comparison to other European countries.
8) Safe
Malta was named the world’s second safest country to live in the World Risk Report (UN)… twice! This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be careful. Make sure to take the necessary precautions as you would in your home country, and take care of your personal belongings.
9) Efficient Healthcare
Did you know that Malta’s primary hospital – Mater Dei – is one of the largest medical buildings in Europe?
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can be used by all EU nationals on temporary visits to Malta, and can be obtained for free from your home country.
Getting to Malta
All major airlines fly to the island frequently, making it accessible from anywhere in Europe! Students can be accepted on to courses mid-week so you don’t have to worry about which day you arrive.
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These are only a handful of the benefits you can look forward to enjoying during your study, or work experience in Malta. If you have any questions, or need more information, click below to contact our student representatives today!
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