A couple of years ago I decided I wanted to really learn English. Not to pass an exam: to hold a conversation without freezing. A friend told me about courses in Malta and, after looking at options, I went for it. Here’s my experience in case it helps you decide.
How I chose Malta (and not London or Dublin)
I didn’t rule out other places, but I did rule them out for different reasons:
- London was tempting, but the cost of living put me off: with the same budget I could stay longer in Malta and live more comfortably.
- Dublin appealed too; what didn’t work for me was the weather. I wanted to be able to go out without a coat half the year.
- Australia felt too far for a short course.
- Malta ticked the boxes: official English, good weather, a small island (everything close), and prices that didn’t skyrocket. I went in spring and the weather was perfect for morning class and free afternoons.
For more reasons to choose the island, see our blog. If you already know the destination but not which school to pick, our article on how to choose the best English school in Malta has practical tips.
What the classes were like for me
I chose an intensive course: mornings in the classroom and, if you wanted, extra hours in the afternoon. Groups weren’t big, so you had to speak. The aim was clearly to get you talking: lots of speaking, gentle correction, and useful vocabulary, not just filling gaps in a book.
What helped me most was that combination: a few hours in class and then having to use English to order in a bar, ask for directions, or meet up with classmates. To see what types of course exist (general, intensive, business, exams), you can compare on English courses in Malta.
Where I stayed
I was in a shared room in a flat with other students. It wasn’t a hotel: it was living together, sometimes cooking together, and chatting in English. If you prefer a single room or a host family, Malta has all options; for more ideas see accommodation in Malta.
What I did after class
Malta has plenty to offer in your free time: Valletta, Sliema, St. Julians, Mdina, Comino, and Gozo. I mixed beach, walks, and plans with people from the course. At weekends I went to places a bit further out. The fact that it’s a small island means you don’t waste half the day travelling.
People and atmosphere
I wasn’t sure if it would be very young or very “corporate course”. In reality it was a mix: people in their twenties, thirties, and older; couples, people on their own, and groups of friends. I didn’t feel it was “all party” or “all study”. The people I met were easy about meeting up, suggesting things, or joining plans. That meant I practised English outside the classroom too and left with contacts from several countries.
How long I stayed and what I’d recommend
I was there for three weeks. I noticed a change, but if I could have stayed a month or two I’d have noticed more. It depends on your level, goal, and budget. If you’re not sure about dates, course type, or accommodation, you can request free advice and get guidance with no commitment.
What I took away (and what I missed)
The best: The feeling of having done it; improving my ear and fluency a bit; meeting people from other countries and places in Malta I hadn’t seen in photos.
The worst: That it ends. When you get used to the rhythm and the group, it’s time to go home. But that just means the experience was worth it.
If you’re hesitating between doing a course abroad or leaving it for “later”, my experience is that Malta is a good place to try: affordable, sunny, and with real immersion. If you want help fitting course, dates, and accommodation together, request free advice here.
To find out more: English courses in Malta, why study English in Malta, and how to choose the best school.