Malta’s intriguing and fascinating history spans at least 7,000 years, and this little island is home to the world’s oldest freestanding temples, which pre-date even the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.

 

Malta has been host to many different nations over the centuries, which explains the several traditions and varied architecture. The British occupied the Maltese Islands for almost 200 years, and consequently English is one of the two official languages. Maltese is the other national tongue; however most islanders speak more than two languages. French and Italian are widely spoken too.

 

Malta has an excellent, typically Mediterranean climate; dry hot summers and mild winters. The islanders are renowned for their friendliness and the islands are very safe. The Maltese lifestyle, in true Mediterranean style, is laidback with an emphasis on socialising. BBQs and parties dot the islands during the hot, balmy summer months. Entertainment is high on the islanders’ agenda, and even during the winter there is always a party, concert, play or festival to attend.

 

The crystal clear blue Mediterranean Sea is a Mecca for all water-sports enthusiasts. Scuba Diving is possible all year round, and Malta has some of the best dive locations in the Mediterranean because of its clean waters, caves, wrecks and marine life.

 

Malta is therefore your ideal choice of location to learn English and enjoy an all-inclusive vacation.

 

Getting Here and Getting Around

The Malta International Airport is served by many airlines including (but not limited to)

AirMalta, Lufthansa, Vueling Airlines, Spanair, Emirates, SAS, Ryanair, Easyjet.

The island is served by a pretty comprehensive bus service.

Travel to the island of Gozo is by passenger ferry. This is a 20 minute journey and the service is frequent and cheap.

You can also rent a car on both islands. Driving is on the left hand side.

Taxis are either metered or have a fixed fare.

Access to the island of Comino is solely by boat.

 

Money

The currency is the Euro.

The two largest banks are Bank of Valletta and HSBC Banks are the best place to change money; they almost always offer a significantly better rate than hotels or restaurants.

All major credit cards are widely accepted on the three islands.

 

Food

Malta’s cuisine is typically Mediterranean, based on fresh seasonal locally available vegetables and seafood, with some influence from Italian cuisine.

Some key features of Maltese cuisine are:

stuffed vegetables dishes

an emphasis on different varieties of soup (often made with cereals as well as vegetables, meat and fish)

stews of vegetables, poultry, meat and octopus, squid etc

Shallow-fried patties of vegetables, salt cod, ground pork and beef.

The restaurant scene is a mix of speciality foreign and local cuisines.

 

Living Expenses

If you book a self catering apartment, keep in mind that you have to buy your own food and drinks. (Maltese bread for example costs around €0.50 a packet of six 2 litre bottles costs less than €2.50)

Soft drinks cost around €0.80 and a small bottle of water around €0.70.

A pint of beer costs around €1.50 and alcoholic drinks can range from €1.50 to €3.00 depending on the establishment.

A meal at McDonald’s costs around €6.50 and a sandwich in a local café will cost around €1.50.

Meals in restaurants range from €12 - €40 a head (a large pizza costs around €8)

Tipping is expected in Malta – at a rate of 10%

Bus fares are inexpensive and cost around €0.50

Most nightclubs have no entrance fee.

Based on these prices a student can expect to spend around €100 - €200 per week