Foreign Students learn Maltese at the University of Malta Twenty-three Socrates/Erasmus students have successfully completed an Erasmus Intensive Language Course (EILC) in Maltese. The course was delivered by the Malta University Services Ltd, under the coordination of the University’s European Unit and was organised with the support of the Commission of the European Communities within the framework of the Socrates - Erasmus Programme. The course was open for Erasmus students following a period of exchange at the University of Malta during the academic year 2006/7.

The EILC aims to provide an opportunity for foreign students to acquire knowledge of the Maltese language. During the course, the students followed sixty hours of lectures and successfully passed a test. The cultural component of the course aims to expose participants to the historical and cultural aspect of the islands of Malta and Gozo, drawing them closer to the Maltese culture and lifestyle. Visits included historical tours of Valletta, Rabat, Mdina, Mosta, and walking tours in Marsaxlokk. The group also visited Hagar Qim, Ghar Dalam, and Limestone Heritage. To conclude the cultural repertoire the students were invited to a cultural evening, comprising of a talk on Maltese food and legends which was complemented by a reception at which typical Maltese food and drink were served.

During the presentation of certificates, which was held on 10 November, Jorge Mattias Determann, one of the students, gave a short speech in Maltese and later the Pro-Rector, Professor Alfred Vella, presented the certificates to the students.


The group of students who followed the Maltese couse together with their tutor, Mr Godfrey Magri (first left) and the EILC Programme Coordinator, Ms Angele Patiniott (first right)


Jorge Mattias Determann, one of the students, gives a short speech in Maltese


One of the students recieves the certificate


from right Mr Joe Grech, the Assistant Director of the International Office, Mr Godfrey Magri, the course tutor, Prof. Alfred Vella, Pro-Rector, Prof. Charles Farrugia, Director of the International School of English, Mr Adrian Tonna, the EU Programmes Unit National Coordinator, and the KSU International representatives, Ms Veronique Muscat and Christine Murphy while one of the students receives the certificate