Malta's culture is at the crossroads of European and Eastern, giving it a unique, special flavor. There are all conditions for recreation: sandy and rocky beaches; good sunny weather from May to September; opportunities for active recreation (diving, windsurfing, banana boat riding, etc.); weekly summer festivals and fireworks, intense nightlife with discos (about 60 discos and night bars, often with free entry).
In addition, there is a direct charter flight to Malta, which greatly simplifies and reduces the cost of the trip. This year the charter program starts on June 20 and runs until September 5, with departures every Friday.
English as a Native Language
All Maltese speak English, which became their native language over 160 years of British presence. It is the second official language on the island. Malta's language schools successfully compete with British ones: a wide network of holiday camps; studying here is cheaper, and the charter flight also offers a good price in summer.
Many schools are part of international systems with language centers worldwide: in England, the USA and other English-speaking countries. Among them are EF, Inlingua, Berlitz Academy, International House (Gozo). Belonging to such an international system means that the methodology, teaching materials, and program are identical in any center in Malta, the UK, the USA, etc. Many educational institutions have branches in the UK and Malta, which also guarantees high teaching quality – these include European Centre, Institute of English Language Studies. There are good schools that are only represented in Malta – for example, the pioneer of the Maltese educational market NSTS, European School of English, English Language Academy, Magister Academy, and others.
In terms of teaching methodology, the British tradition dominates in Malta – the communicative method. Emphasis is placed on speaking practice, use of learned words, and grammar. Lessons involve a lot of communication, dialogues, discussion situations, and role-playing games. The motto of Maltese schools – 'Make learning fun' – is especially important for our Ukrainian schoolchildren and students. After all, many of them have a high level of grammar and vocabulary, but their speaking skills are weak. And the language environment helps overcome the language barrier. Another advantage of Malta is the international student community. Students come from Germany (25-30%), Italy (20%), Spain, France (10%), Scandinavian countries (5%), China, Japan (8%), CIS countries (15-20%). By making friends from different countries, children are simply forced to communicate in English – as the only possible means of communication.
There are more than 40 language schools in Malta. Our task is to select and present the best of them here, based on many positive reviews from students who have been there.
Entire families come to study in Malta, and everyone can find a program to their liking. For children, both group and individual trips are offered with accommodation in families, residences, hotels. For adults, there are various course options: from standard English to English for medicine, journalism, etc. Sometimes parents go to Malta just to relax, while the children study.
Among children's programs, it is worth noting the affordable programs at NSTS school (Gzira and Lija). Accommodation is possible both in a family and in a college – a closed territory like an English camp. NSTS is famous for quality teaching, as it is under the patronage of the University of Malta. One of the school's advantages is a small percentage of Russian-speaking children (as it is focused on the Western European market). It has good service, all necessary equipment, including printer paper and toner oki 5600 for cartridges in the library, a professional team of animators and a rich leisure program, and its own beach.
For teenagers, it is worth noting the programs of European Centre and EF schools, with accommodation mainly in residences, although family stay is also possible. For children seriously committed to learning, attention should be paid to Magister Academy (St. Julian's), where in one month (with a good level of language preparation) they can prepare for the IELTS exam.
Among educational institutions for adults, one of the best and most expensive is considered EF school (St. Julian's). Teaching here uses its own patented methodology. The school has about 12 different levels, free Internet, language laboratories, a private beach. We recommend choosing accommodation in residences, which are just a few minutes' walk from the place of study.
The European Centre school (St. Julian's) offers training using a more traditional methodology based on the communicative method, grammar study, and vocabulary expansion. Accommodation – both in families and in residences.
Good value for money – the European School of English (ESE), which offers package programs that include tuition and accommodation (in a family or residence), use of the school beach, and three excursions: to Valletta, Mdina, and a sightseeing tour of Malta. There are good programs for children with parents who want to both study and relax, and all live together in a hotel. For this we recommend Magister Academy (St. Julian's) and Inlingua (Sliema).
A new product on the Maltese educational market is a language study program followed by an internship at an enterprise or hotel. The program lasts 4 or 6 weeks. Accommodation is possible both in a family and in a hotel. A good knowledge of English is required to participate.
With such a variety of schools and programs, it is best to contact a professional educational agency, where they will help you navigate and choose the best option for you.
According to info from the company «Ukrtekhtintur».
_