The Maltese Archipelago lies virtually at the center of the Mediterranean, with Malta 93kms south of Sicily (Italy) and 288kms north of Africa. Gibraltar is 1,826kms to the West and Tel Aviv is 1,940kms to the East.
Malta’s climate is strongly influenced by the sea and is typical of the Mediterranean. The Islands have a very sunny climate with a daily average of five to six hours sunshine in mid-winter to more than 12 hours in summer.
Winters are mild, with the occasional short chilly period brought about by the north and north-easterly winds from central Europe.
Summers are hot, dry and very sunny. Day-time temperatures in summer are often mitigated by cooling sea breezes, but in spring and autumn a very hot wind from Africa occasionally brings unseasonably high temperatures and humidity. This is known as the Sirocco, or, in Maltese, the Xlokk – this wind affects Greece and Italy as well; in Malta the air is generally drier because of the short sea track from the African coast.
Annual rainfall is low, averaging 578mm a year, and the length of the dry season in summer is longer than in neighboring Italy. Sea bathing is quite possible well in to the ‘winter’ months, and the peak beach season can last until mid- to late October.
The beauty of the Maltese Islands for visitors is their size. Even if you are here for only a few days’ stay, you can see and do an incredible amount, from cultural sightseeing to action sports like diving. And you won’t waste time getting from A to B. The public transport network of buses covers nearly all the Islands. Additionally, you may wish to hop onto a Visit Malta Tourist Bus which offers two circular routes (North Route 505 & South Route 506) around Malta's main attractions. This tourist bus enables you to see the islands at your own pace, whilst riding on a typical Maltese bus, an attraction in its own right. Car rates here are good value compared to other European destinations. And for a slow-paced form of transport, why not try a horse-drawn Karrozin? They offer a by-gone way to visit the sites in the key historic places including Mdina and Valletta. If you want a leisurely day on the high seas, is to take an island or harbour ruise.
The official languages are Maltese and English. Maltese is a language of Semitic origin written in the Latin script. Over the centuries, it has incorporated many words derived from English, Italian and French.
Commercial centres and shops are usually easily accessible by public or private transport. Shops are normally open between 9.00 a.m. and 1.00 p.m. and between 4.00 p.m. and 7 p.m. In tourist areas, many shops remain open till 10.00 p.m. Shops are normally closed on Sundays and Public Holidays.
Applicants should check with the nearest Maltese embassy or consulate whether they require a visa to enter Malta. Where a visa is required, applicants should submit their request not later than 15 July for entry in October. Immigration authorities may reject a visa application, in which case the applicant would not be able to attend courses at the university.
Upon arrival in Malta, students should be in possession of a return, non-transferable, air ticket to their country of origin, or its equivalent value in cash or bank draft, together with a bank statement indicating that they have sufficient funds to cover at least one year of tuition fees plus a further amount of money which is calculated to be sufficient for one academic year’s accommodation and living expenses. Initially, a visa is issued for one month. Following arrival and registration at the university, students may apply for a visa extension.
Nationals of many countries, such as member states of the Council of Europe, the USA and most Commonwealth countries, do not require a visa to enter Malta for a stay of less than three months. However, if they stay longer than three months, they should apply for an extension of stay.
Malta has an excellent health service. Hospitals are modern and supported by a regional network of health centres. Travellers do not normally require certificates of vaccination or insulation to enter the Maltese Islands. It is advisable to take out a personal medical insurance policy. Malta has reciprocal health agreements with Australia and the United Kingdom. Nationals of these countries, visiting the Islands for no longer than one month, are entitled to free medical and hospital care in both Malta and Gozo. Visitors receiving special medical treatment should bring a medical prescription or a letter of introduction from their family doctor, in case they need to purchase particular medicines. Tap water is safe to drink.
The electrical supply is 230 volts +/- 10%. The frequency of the supply is 50 hertz. The three-pin rectangular plug system is used, as in Britain. Adapters are very easy to find.
Swimming: The Maltese coastal waters are generally clean and safe for swimming as there are no tides. Some bays are exposed to north and north-easterly winds which do produce some strong undercurrents at times. Useful Tip: Malta's beaches and seas are safe, however if you are new to the Maltese Islands, swim where the Maltese do.
Sun Bathing : The Maltese Archipelago lies virtually at the centre of the Mediterranean and has a latitude more southerly than that of northern Tunisia. You are therefore advised to take precautions to ensure you avoid over exposure to the sun. Even in winter it is advisable to wear a suitable factor sunscreen for your skin type. This is important if you are out walking, or taking part in water sports. A sun hat is a must. Children and especially babies need extra protection from the sun. If you are sunbathing, it is advisable to avoid the strongest sunlight between the hours of 11am and 3pm in peak summer months. Useful Tip: Do not wear bathing suits in public areas. Beachwear is for beaches only.
The currency in Malta is the euro. Exchange bureaux at Malta International Airport are open 24 hours a day. International bankcards are accepted and foreign currency is easily exchanged. Banks, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and exchange bureaux can be found all over the Islands. The majority of hotels, larger shops and restaurants also accept payment in the main international currencies. Conversion charges may be applied where outlets opt to accept payment in currencies other than the euro.
In line with EU legislation on controls of cash entering or leaving the Community, any person entering or leaving Malta carrying cash or other monetary value of which is equal to or in excess of €10,000 or equivalent is obliged to fill in the appropriate declaration form available from the Customs.
What banks are in Malta and what time do they open?
Banks are normally open until early afternoon from Monday to Friday, and until midday on Saturday. Some banks/branches work longer hours. Summer and winter opening hours may differ.
We don't think you'll be in the classroom all the time however much you wish to improve your English. Discovering Malta is time well spent as getting out and about means you'll practise the living language.
It also means you’ll have time to holiday here too. Schools offer organised tours and activities in the afternoons and at weekends. There are field trips to places of interest such as Malta’s baroque capital, Valletta, the old medieval walled city Mdina, the World Heritage Site prehistoric temples and other favourite spots such as the isle of Comino or the Blue Grotto in Zurrieq.
Nothing beats exploring for yourself and having a chance to chat to the locals, discover Malta’s 7000 years of history, relax with Maltese café life or do some serious shopping.
