No better place to learn English www.visitmalta.com
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Why learn English in Malta? The Maltese archipelago, made up of the islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino, boasts an extraordinary heritage. Traces of our history are found everywhere you turn, from prehistoric temples to imposing palaces built by the Knights of St John. Every street, every corner has a bit of history to tell. Malta is ideal because it manages to combine culture and history with fun and relaxation. Nothing rivals our fabulous weather, which has contributed to make the islands a year-round destination. In summer, the long, warm days are perfect for spending some time on the beach, while our clear blue waters are perfect to practise a wide range of water sports such as swimming, water skiing, windsurfing, sailing and diving. And Malta is not just a great place to learn English in summer. It is an all-year-round destination. The weather in spring and autumn is particularly pleasant with warm temperatures and little rainfall. Our islands are never too cold for enjoying outdoor activities. Malta’s calendar of events includes a variety of cultural, sports and fun activities to suit everybody’s tastes. There are lots of opportunities for leisure. If you want to be a little more adventurous, it may be worth exploring at least some of the island on your own. In any case, there is a superb choice of extra-curricular activities to be found, including sporting activities such as golf, tennis, cycling or even horse riding – we offer all this and more. Accommodation is very easy to find here, and there is a very wide selection to choose from – hotels, school residences, apartments and guest houses, as well as host families. If you really want to spend all your time in Malta speaking English and thus get the best out of your experience amongst us, there’s nothing better than to stay with an English-speaking host family.
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Mediterranean hospitality … and more You can spend your free time doing some shopping in our capital, Valletta, while admiring its striking baroque architecture. Or visit the old capital of Mdina, with its mysterious, winding streets which have lots of stories to tell. You could even take a day or afternoon trip to our sister island, Gozo. At night, there is always something going on. Whether you prefer dining by the sea, attending a concert or theatrical production, clubbing with your new friends, Malta is the place for you. Our islands’ geographical position, at the centre of the Mediterranean sea, means that they are easily accessible from practically anywhere. Malta’s historical links with Britain go back to 1800, with the islands remaining under British rule until independence in 1964. English remains one of our official languages, the other being our native tongue, Maltese. The legacy of British rule is still very evident today. Practically all of us speak English fluently and the language is taught as a main language in every school. Our public administration and education system are based on the British model, we drive on the left side of the road and some of our most popular newspapers are in English. All this gives us the edge when it comes to welcoming visitors who are interested in learning English. You will find that the warmth of a hospitable Mediterranean people with a touch of British heritage and culture makes for the perfect mix.
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Language courses for everyone Our ties with the English language, coupled with our high academic standards, have made Malta one of Europe’s leading EFL destinations. The large number of English language schools here means that you can choose from large franchises to smaller, privately owned schools. Courses offered by the various schools in Malta vary widely, but most offer a general English course, including a number which are accredited by Cambridge, IELTS, and TOEFL. Other, more specialist courses, such as Business English and English for Special Purposes, are also available. Most schools will prepare you for English language exams such as IELTS and Cambridge ESOL, or for entry into the college or university of your choice. Most schools also offer one-to-one private intensive courses which can be tailor-made to suit your needs. Classes, on the other hand, are usually quite small with an average of ten students per class, meaning that teachers can dedicate more time to your progress. English is the only language spoken in the classroom and lessons are structured in such a way as to improve your listening, reading and writing, as well as your spoken English. At the end of the course, all students receive a certificate of attendance. Our schools also cater for children and teenagers. Parents who send their children here do so in the knowledge that they will be well cared for. In fact it is obligatory for junior students to be accompanied on all their activities. Our islands enjoy a reputation as being extremely safe and supervision is provided by the schools. Should you prefer to accompany your children, Malta is the perfect place to combine learning English with a memorable family holiday!
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An unbeatable learning experience Depending on their size, most schools usually offer facilities such as free WIFI or internet usage, cafeterias, chill-out areas, televisions, audio-visual libraries and much more. Most classes are air-conditioned and many also offer hi-tech teaching tools and modern aids. Many of our schools offer after-hours excursions with group leaders who are ready to organise almost any type of activity for you. Other schools have a fixed activity schedule with different social events every day – from cultural tours to diving and sailing, to barbeques and parties. Schools offer a number of teaching levels, so you will be able to find the right course to suit your requirements, whether you are a complete beginner or just need to brush up your English. Some schools’ curricula are in line with the CEF (Common European Framework) which includes six levels of competence. The CEF certificate can be utilised as a reference by students who wish to demonstrate language proficiency to a potential employer or academic body. The expertise and qualifications of our teachers, together with their natural linguistic ability, ensures that the level of English being taught in English Language schools is of a very high standard. Besides being professional, our teachers are dedicated, friendly and ready to go the extra mile to ensure that you get the best teaching experience that you deserve.
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Professional learning methods EFL schools in Malta are fully licensed by our Ministry of Education. Teachers must have at least a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) qualification as well as an advanced level qualification in English. Some schools also hold the prestigious ISO 9001 quality accreditation, as well as CEN (European Committee for Standardization) EN 14804:2005 Language Study Tour Provider certification. This ensures year-round quality teaching for adults, teenagers and children who wish to learn English in Malta. A number of our schools are members of FELTOM (Federation of English Language Teaching Organisation – Malta). FELTOM is a self regulating, non-profit organisation, dedicated to promoting professionalism within the Maltese language learning industry. Its codes of conduct formed the basis of national legislation which today regulates the state licensing of English Language schools on our islands. All FELTOM member schools must meet accreditation requirements before they can become fully accredited members of the Federation. Since almost everyone here speaks English, you can rest assured that you will be able to practise your speaking skills and apply the knowledge you have gained in the classroom. And even when you are out and about, visiting one of the islands’ myriad historical sites, or even doing a little shopping, we will be happy to engage in conversation with you.
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Main photography Daniel Cilia Kurt Arrigo Markus Kirchgessner Matthew Mirabelli Paolo Meitre Liberatini Clive Vella
Malta Tourism Authority Auberge d’Italie Tel.: (+356) 22915000 Merchants Street, Valletta info@visitmalta.com Tel.: (+356) 22915000 www.visitmalta.com info@visitmalta.com www.mta.com.mt www.visitmalta.com www.viewingmalta.com Ramla l-Ħamra Bay
GOZO
Inland Sea Fungus Rock
Dwejra
Xagħra
Victoria
Xlendi
Nadur Mġarr
Blue Lagoon
N
COMINO
E
25 minutes
W
Ċirkewwa S
Landmark Index Calypso’s Cave Citadel Ġgantija Prehistoric Temples Mnajdra Prehistoric Temples Ħaġar Qim Prehistoric Temples Tarxien Prehistoric Temples
Ħ
Mellieħa St Paul’s Bay Golden Bay
MALTA
Mosta Dome St John’s Co-Cathedral Għar Dalam Cave Ta’ Ħaġrat Prehistoric Temples Domus Romana St Paul’s Catacombs St Agatha’s Catacombs Fort Rinella – 100 ton gun
St Julian’s Sliema Marsamxett Harbour
Naxxar Mosta
Mġarr
Valletta
Grand Harbour
Floriana
Mdina Rabat
Marsa Paola
Dingli
Vittoriosa Cospicua Senglea Tarxien Marsaxlokk
Qrendi Birżebbuġa Żurrieq 0 0
2
1 1
3 2
kilometres
Blue Grotto
3 miles
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