Foreign Students Learn Maltese Fourteen Socrates/Erasmus students have successfully completed an Erasmus Intensive Language Course (EILC) held between the 29th January 2007 and the 23rd February 2007. The course was delivered by the Malta University Services Limited, under the coordination of the University’s International and EU Office 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 students with an opportunity to acquire knowledge of the Maltese language. The students followed sixty hours in a lecture setting and successfully passed the test held at the end of the course. 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. Other places of interest visited were Hagar Qim, and Ghar Dalam. The cultural repertoire ended with a Maltese 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.

The presentation of certificates was held on the 16th March at the University’s Council Room.

Presenting the certificates was Pro Rector (Student and Institutional Affairs) Dr Mary Anne Lauri. Also attending were the Chairman of the ISE Professor Charles J. Farrugia, the Director of the International and EU Office Dr Omar Grech, the European Union Programmes Unit Socrates Manager; Mr Silvano Cristuaro, the Administration and Marketing Executive MUS Ms Katia Saliba, EILC Programme Coordinator; Ms Angele Patiniott and Mr Godfrey Magri the course tutor.