The geographical implications of teaching English as a foreign language in the Maltese Islands

Abstract

This dissertation aims to identify and analyse the major geographic and economic issues related to Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) within the Maltese Islands. The EFL sector in Malta has grown considerably since its origins in 1963. In fact over 60,000 students, mainly brought by agents through connections with EFL schools, visit our Islands annually. This study gives a special focus on foreign teenage students with the major attention given to the revenue which they generate and their movements within the Maltese Islands during summer. 150 Questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and first-hand experience, were the main research tools used in this study. Questionnaires were designed in such a manner to allow expenditure of EFL students to be analysed in relation to their country of residence. Mobility issues are also analysed in terms of the location of schools and places of accommodation, and movements for activities. This is done with a major focus on the direction of movement, with the main analysis being that of comparing the popularity of the north against that of the south of Malta. Main findings demonstrate that, students from North European countries spend more and stay longer when compared to those coming from the Mediterranean region. Other results demonstrate the high difference between 'expenditure prior to departure', which is quite expensive, and 'expenditure during stay'. The main expenditure during stay was for food and drink, and beach lidos and kiosks resulted the most popular for such an expense. In relation to mobility, the north of Malta resulted as being more popular than the south of the Island, with Mellieha being the most popular locality. The study suggests a further improvement in the service offered to improve student numbers and thus strengthen this niche market.