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Why Malta Should Be Your Destination to Learn English

Photo: Kurt Arrigo

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Why Malta Should Be Your Destination to Learn English

One of the most effective ways to study and improve your English is to travel to an English-speaking country. Malta is just one of 55 countries worldwide where English is both a legally recognised and existing official language and one of the very few countries in Europe where this is so.

Millions of people visit Malta every year, as it is a small island which boasts 300 days of sunshine annually, consisting of mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers, making it more enjoyable as both a holiday destination and a place to live and work in.

If you’re still searching for destinations to improve your English, here are some reasons why Malta should be your choice!
Students at reception signing their names

1) English-speaking

Situated between southern Europe and north Africa, Malta has two official languages – Maltese and English. The latter is spoken by about 90% of Maltese locals and is taught in schools from kindergarten upwards. The country’s most popular newspapers, such as the Times of Malta and the Malta Independent, are written and published in English.

European School of English Malta Valletta Facade

Valletta, Malta

Most colloquial things like road signs and menus are written in English, and staff at restaurants, tour guides, hotels and other establishments communicate in English. As a result, you will have many opportunities to practise your conversational skills in English, as well as meet people from other cultural backgrounds.

2) Studying English abroad opens a lot of doors

Not only will you experience visiting another country, but you will also experience studying in that country and meeting people from all over the world.

During your lessons you will be very likely to be in a classroom with students of different cultures and nationalities. Which language should you use to communicate with them? That’s right – English! You and your classmates will be able to help each other as well as ask your teachers – who are native-level English speakers – for assistance in class. By studying English abroad, you can improve your CV in both the educational experience and language level sections.
European School of English Malta

Adult classroom at ESE 

Malta is home to over 40 language schools. All teachers at ESE are qualified, and the school is highly accredited by international institutions. This proves recognition of the school’s commitment to quality and high standards across all services offered.

If you wish to stay in Malta long-term, you may also find yourself wanting to visit other countries. Travelling out of the country isn’t a problem. You may wish to travel to Sicily by both and plane in under 2 hours. Flights to other European countries from Malta are usually less than 3 hours.

3) European Union country

If you wish to travel abroad to learn English, borders will be the last of your problems. Malta is a Schengen country and non-EU students can apply for a short-stay visa, which allows for travel to other European Union nations for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. This allows you to travel freely. Other benefits include passenger rights such as the ability to complain about flight issues and not having to pay additional charges to use internet on your smartphone when in the country. You will also have a clearer idea of what to pack and what not to pack for your stay.

Like many other EU countries, Malta’s currency is the Euro. It is an internationally recognised currency in the field of tourism and does not require foreign exchange rates and transaction costs.
European School of English Malta

Malta’s currency is the Euro

Fares for public transport, food and beverages as well as entrance fees to a number of attractions such as museums and heritage sites are lower than other Eurozone countries. Not to mention, most of Malta’s money is generated by tourism, thus making it an affordable destination!

4) So much to see

With an area of 316 km2, the islands consist of several historical sites dating back to prehistory.  Maltese culture has been influenced by the Romans, Greeks, Arabs, Knights of St. John, French as well as the British, which is why English is an official language.

European School of English Malta
Ħaġar Qim temples, Qrendi, Malta
One can find temples from the Megalithic period, some of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites dating back to at least 3600 BC. There are also fortifications from the Medieval Period, which were greatly improved by the Knights, and visits to most attractions do not require travelling long distances.

Valletta is the smallest capital in the European Union. It consists of interesting 16th-century buildings constructed by the Knights of Malta influenced by the Baroque period. It also boasts fortifications, palaces, churches, and gardens. The city was considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1980.
European School of English Valletta
La Vallette

Valletta, Malta

The Maltese archipelago consists of the islands of Malta, Comino, and the sister island, Gozo. Both are accessible by boat and the choices of things to do are vast for a small nation, including historic sites, museums, diving, snorkelling, swimming, festivals, restaurants, cafes, shopping, and cultural activities.

Malta is also home to many picturesque beaches, both rocky and sandy and are of easy reach no matter where you are!
European School of English Malta Swimming beach
Valletta Caffe Cordina European School of English Malta
Isle of MTV Malta
European School of English Mdina Malta Malta

From top left: Swimming at one of Malta’s rocky beaches; Caffe Cordina, Valletta; Isle of MTV music festival at Fosos, Floriana; Mdina by night

5) Surrounded by the sea

The first few words that come to mind when one thinks of Malta are ‘sun’, ‘warmth’ and of course, ‘sea’. In August 2021, Malta’s seawater was ranked as the fourth clearest in the European Union, which makes it an ideal destination for water sports, fishing, swimming, and boating. Water temperatures usually remain warm until November; they are blue and consist of several underwater flora and fauna.

Diving in Malta

Scuba diving in Malta

Malta is also a tourist destination for diving regardless of skill. In fact, it was ranked as the second-best diving destination by DIVE Magazine in 2019, making it a paradise for divers. This is due to the numerous dive centres operating on our islands, not to mention a fascinating marine life and numerous diving spots.

6) Mild weather

The Maltese islands boast six months of summer, starting from early May to late October. Temperatures throughout these months are as high as 31°C at daytime and 20°C by night. Winters are usually mild with an average temperature of 13°C in January and about 7 days of rain a month, and there are 3000 hours of sunshine per year, making it the sunniest European country.

Blue lagoon, Comino
Cittadella a Gozo

From left: Blue Lagoon, Comino, Malta; Citadella, Gozo.

Now that you’ve learnt more about why Malta should be your number-one destination when travelling overseas to learn English, why not book a course with ESE? Our courses are made for students of all ages and abilities, and they also consist of a social programme with age-appropriate social and cultural activities, so that you can improve your English as well as explore Malta!

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