ST. JULIENS, MALTA

Malta is strategically located in the central Mediterranean Sea, only 58 miles south of Sicily. The Mediterranean provides this very small, yet extremely historic island with a hot and dry climate--in fact, Malta has often been referred to as the island of "sunshine and history".

The islands of Malta (there are 5 in total) are the prefect destination for the 'active' visitor. Here, the sailor, the diver, the snorkler will find a real paradise for all sports. For the more cultural enthusiasts, the visitor who is inclined toward the heritage of the people and the history of Malta will find the island a real treasure chest, waiting to be discovered.

How do I get to your school and get around in Malta?
By Air: Malta's national airline, Air Malta, operates regular schedule flights out of 27 European airports: There are good connections with US transatlantic flights; the highest frequencies to Malta are from Heathrow (up to 14 flights a week) and Gatwick (13). In addition, Air Malta operates an extensive charter network, with 18 points in UK and 15 in mainland Europe. Major European airlines also operate schedule and charter flights into Malta.
By Sea: Passengers travelling to Malta by sea have a choice of three alternatives.
1. The Gozo Channel Co. operates a weekly service between Malta and Catania in Sicily in April and May, increasing to twice a week from June until mid July and four times a week in the summer months.
2. Virtu Ferries operates a high-speed passenger-only catamaran service from Licata Catania and Pozzallo to Malta. The service is operated daily between June and September, decreasing to three times weekly between October and May.
3. The Italian line, "Tirrenia", offers service three times a week from Malta to Syracuse, Catania and Reggio Calabria, and a weekly crossing from Naples.

Bus: Malta's public transport system offers a very cheap and efficient way to tour the island. The main bus terminal is at Valletta where buses operate to all parts of Malta. The costs for a bus ride is generally between 8 and 12 cents.
Car Rentals: Malta has the cheapest car rental rates in Europe. Driving is on the left. A valid US/Canadian drivers license is acceptable.
Taxis: Taxis can be identified by their all-white livery and red license plates and are all metered. Should you wish to know in advance how much a trip will cost, it is best to check with the driver beforehand.

Our School
The "Languages PLUS" school is ideally located, only a few minutes from Sliema and ten minutes form the islands capital, Valetta--the cultural center of the island. When you are not studying English, you can sunbathe and cool off in our Olympic sized swimming pool, play volleyball on our volleyball courts or enjoy a mid afternoon snack at our terraced restaurant.

School Accommodation
Apartment/Studio Accommodation:
Languages PLUS offers you a choice of either single or doubleroom apartments/studio, shared among other course participants. All accommodation features fully equipped kitchens and shared bathrooms. All the apartments/studios are within the school complex or 20 minutes distance from the school. Linens will be provided for you, please bring you own towels.

Host Family Accommodation:
Your host family is looking forward to your visit and they will always do their best to engage you in daily conversation while making you feel as though you are in a 'home away from home'. Please respect their house wishes and they will respect your wishes as well. Try your best to be accommodating with your host family and remember that they will have different customs and habits than perhaps you are accustomed to.

*Important: linens are provided by your family and will be changed once a week. Please do bring with you, a supply of towels, that will be washed regularly.

Typical Cultural Activities to Expect
All programs include, (normally included within the program price) a full program of cultural activities. Each program provides foreign students the opportunity to explore the city's rich past and discover architectural delights, museums, theaters and gardens. Sport activities include swimming, volley ball, diving, etc.

Prices
Programs in Malta start from $630.00 US for 2 weeks including accommodation and tuition. We have many program options and all year round start dates. If you want more detailed pricing or start date information, we suggest you request a brochure or call us Toll Free within North America at: Tel: 1 888 526 4758 (LANGPLUS) or outside of North America at 416 925 7117.

COUNTRY TIPS
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Is Malta Safe?
The people in Malta are very friendly and are always willing to help. Do however be cautious and well aware of your personal space at all times. Never let someone you do not know watch your luggage and never accept rides from anyone other than official taxi drivers.

Remember: you are in another country with a different set of social rules and regulations. What might be acceptable at home is not necessarily acceptable abroad. Ask questions and find out more about your city. Learn to adapt to different cultures and customs, part of your study abroad experience is to learn more about the world around you, be open and friendly.

What is the local currency?
Malta's currency is decimal. The Lira (LM) is the unit of currency and is divided into 100 cents; each cent is again divided into 10 mils. (One Malta Lira is equivalent to approximately US$2.60, as at January, 1994.) There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency visitors may bring into Malta, providing it is declared upon arrival. However, the maximum amount of Maltese currency that may be brought into Malta is LM50.) Visitors may take any unspent foreign currency out of Malta, but no more than LM25 in Maltese currency.

Are a passport, visa, or vaccinations necessary?
Citizens of the United States and Canada in possession of a valid US or Canadian passport, are not required to obtain a visa for Malta for a period of up to three months if traveling as a tourist.

Visitors from the U.S./Canada do not need inoculations.

Time?
Malta is on Central European Time, which is 6 hours a head of North American Eastern Time.

Business Hours
Shops are usually open between the hours of 9am and 7pm with a three hour lunch break in thge middle of the day. In commercial areas frequented by tourists, however, most shops remain open until approximately 10.00pm. Shops are not open on Sundays and public holidays. There are open-air markets, one day a week in most towns and villages. The largest is the Valletta market on Sunday mornings. Major credit cards, travellers cheques and Eurocheques are accepted at most leading shops and restaurants.

Banks
Usually open 8.30am to 12.30pm, Mondays through Fridays, and up to 11.30am on Saturdays. Foreign exchange facilities are available at the Airport on a 24 hour basis, year round and up to 4pm at most banks. Also available are a number of Automated Teller Machines (ATM) situated in the major commercial and touristic areas.

Should I bring local currency, travelers checks or use credit cards?
Malta is still a very traditional country, so everyone is very happy to accept local currency; after all, who doesn't like cash? But for safety and convenience sake, you might not want to have large amounts of either dollars or local currency on hand and so we would suggest you bring along travelers checks, which are accepted almost everywhere, or major credit cards to obtain cash along the way as needed. Be aware that you will charged a 'service charge' each time you cash travelers checks, so convert enough each time to cover your expenses for several days. In addition, if your travelers checks are in a foreign currency such as U.S. Dollars, you need to be aware that you will receive a much better exchange rate if they are converted at a bank.

Cash and traveler's checks can be exchanged at the official Exchange rate of the day at any bank or exchange counter (airports, railway stations, tourist offices--a small commission applies); travel agencies, hotels, restaurants and stores may accept foreign currency but give you a lower rate to cover their handling.Credit cards are accepted 50% of the time. In general, most larger hotels, car rental agencies, and upscale stores in the touristic areas will accept the major credit cards. Be aware, however, that many , restaurants, cafes and stores will only accept cash so be sure to ask in advance.

Public Holidays
Jan 1 - New Year's Day, Feb 10 - St Paul's Shipwreck, Mar 19 - Feast of St Joseph, Mar 31 - Freedom Day Floating - Good Friday, May 1 - Workers' Day, Jun 7 - Commemoration of June 9, 1919, Jun 29 - Feast of St Peter and St Paul, Aug 15 - Feast of the Assumption, Sep 8 - Feast of Our Lady of Victories Sep 21 - Independence Day, Dec 8 - Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Dec 13 - Republic Day Dec 25 - Christmas Day. ( Our school will be closed on these days).

What is the weather like?
The climate in Malta is warm and inviting. There are no biting winds, fog, snow or frost. Rain falls only for very short periods, averaging about 20 inches annually. The temperature averages 57.5 degrees Fahrenheit in winter (Nov-Apr) and 89.6 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer (May-Oct). The sun shines for an average of 6.46 hours per day in winter and 10.11 hours during summer. The hottest period is from mid-July through mid-September. The island is seldom too hot, even at the height of summer, as hot summer days and nights are regularly tempered by cool sea breezes.

Will my electrical gadgets work?
Electricity runs on 240 volts, single phase, 650 cycle. The square-fitting standard three pin British-style plugs and sockets are used and US/ Canadian visitors can obtain conversion plugs at their local hardware, electrical, or travelgoods stores.

Religion
Malta is predominantly Roman Catholic, but the Maltese Constitution guarantees freedom of worship. There are also churches belonging to various other religious denominations.

What is the best way to phone home?
It is smart to obtain an overseas phone card (they are usually free-of-charge) from your long distance carrier, such as MCI, AT&T or Sprint. MCI's Worldphone Program, for example, lets you phone the US/Canada from Malta or any other European countries at greatly reduced rates from what you would pay from the regular charge. The long distance carrier will give you a special number to call when placing your call.

Dress
In summer, very light and informal clothing. In winter, some lightweight dress for the warm, sunny days, together with some warmer clothing for the cooler days and evenings as in other parts of Southern Europe.

Health
Malta enjoys a high standard of medical care. The general hospital, St Luke's, is in Guardamangia, but there are government health clinics in various towns.

Persons who are receiving medical treatment and who may need to carry medicines into Malta or purchase fresh supplies locally would be well advised to arm themselves with a letter of introduction from their doctor. Malta has special clinics for diabetes sufferers and pharmacies generally stock a wide range of diabetic products.

THINGS TO SEE IN MALTA
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Interesting sites around Malta
The National Museum of Archaeology: The more important collections covering Maltese archaeology are housed in the Auberge deProvence, Valletta, one of the Inns of the Knights of St John. Collections of prehistoric pottery,sculpture, statuettes, stone implements and personal ornaments.
National Museum of Fine Arts: This 18th century palace houses paintings, sculptures, furniture and other exhibits connected with theOrder of St John. Works by Domenico di Michelino, Carpaccio, Perugino, Tintoretto, Reni,Valentin, Mathias Stomer, Preti, Tiepolo, Favray and Vernet are permanently displayed.
St John's Co-Cathedral and Museum: St John's Co-Cathedral, formerly the Conventual Church of the Order, is historically and artistically one of the most important monuments on the island. It was built between 1573 and 1577 to the design of Gerolamo Cassar (1520-1586), chief engineer of the Order.
Palace of the Grand Masters: The Magisterial Palace was completed in 1574. It contains portraits of the Grand Masters of theOrder and European monarchs, much interesting furniture, and other works of art.
The Armory: The Armory of the Knights is in two halls in the Palace where arms and armor of various periods and description are displayed.
Upper Barrakka Gardens: This site commands a magnificent view of Grand Harbour.
Manoel Theater: The Manoel Theater was originally built as a Court Theater by Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena in 1731 and is one of the oldest theaters in Europe still in operation.
National War Museum: This museum is housed within the walls of historic Fort St Elmo.
Mediterranean Congress Centre: This building was originally the hospital or "Sacra Infermeria" of the Order of St John. It was constructed in 1574 under Grand Master Jean de la Cassiere.

The Three Cities: Across the Grand Harbour, to the south of Valletta, are the historic fortified towns of Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea, commonly referred to as the three cities, or Cottonera.
Maritime Museum: Situated at the Old Naval Bakery of the British Naval Headquarters at Fort St Angelo, the Museum relates Malta's maritime history from early times to the present day.
Folk Museum: The Folk Museum is housed in the Inquisitor's Palace in Vittoriosa, formerly the seats of the Inquisitions in Malta.
The Hypogeum (Circa 2,400BC) - Paola: This is an ancient underground monument, 13.2 yards below street level. It consists of a system of caves, passages and cubicles cut into the stone, similar to the interiors of megalithic temples.
Ghar Dalam (Cave and Museum) - Birzebbuga: This cave is a veritable depository of semi-fossilized remains and extinct species such as dwarf elephants and hippopotami which roamed the island some 250,000 years ago, ostensibly when it was still part of the Africa land mass.
Blue Grotto - Wied iz-Zurrieq: This picturesque grotto and neighboring sea caves mirror the brilliant phosphorescent colors of underwater flora.
Marsaxlokk: The Turkish forces invaded Malta in 1565 from the shores of this village. In 1798, the Knights surrendered to Napoleon's troops who also landed here.
Mdina: Mdina, the old capital of Malta, is a typical medieval town situated in the center of the island. The "Silent City", as it is known, commands a magnificent view of the island and although it is fully inhabited, silence reigns supreme.
The Cathedral: The 11th Century Siculo-Norman Cathedral was destroyed by an earthquake in 1693.
National Museum of Natural History: this museum houses seven sections comprising both local and foreign collections, including skeletal anatomy, fish, insects, birds, shells, fossils and geology.
St Paul's Grotto: St Paul lived in this cave during his three-month stay on the island after his shipwreck in 60AD.