St. Julian’s Bay

Mediterranean Sea

Malta

GozoComino

Valletta

San Gwann

Sliema

St. Julians

Casino

Fort Pembroke

EF Beach Club

Bus TerminalClubs & Bars

Water Polo

University of MaltaFort Manoel

Tennis Club

Spinola Bay

www.ef.comImportant Note: Factual information contained in this document is subject to change.

LanguageCourses AbroadFor adults and students aged 16 & above

EF International Language Centers

Accreditations and Memberships

The EF International Lan-guage Centers in London,

Cambridge, Brighton, Oxford, Manchester, Bristol

and Bournemouth are:

EF Dublin is accredited by:

The EF International Language Centers

in the USA are members of:

The EF Internation-al Language Cent-

ers in the USA are accredited by:

The EF International Language Centers in

Sydney, Brisbane and Perth are accredited by:

EF Nice is recognized with the Label Qual-ité Français Langue

Etrangère.

EF Vancouver and Toronto are accredited by Languages Canada.

All EF Courses are certified by Southern

New Hampshire University.

EF Education is an active participant in

the Comité Européen de Normalisation.

The EF International Language Centers

in Brisbane and Perth are mem-

bers of:

The EF International Language Centers in

Cambridge, München, Cape Town and Nice are

accredited by:

The EF International Language Centers in London, Cambridge,

Brighton, Oxford, Manchester and Bourne-mouth are members of:

All EF Courses are recog-nized by Hult International

Business School.

Federation of International Youth

Travel Organizations.

EF St Julian’s

St. Julian’sMalta’s Mediterranean climate, energetic nightlife,

fascinating attractions and beaches make it one of

the world’s best locations to study English. Get the

extra attention you need in our highly personalised

learning environment.

Contact details:EF Lower St. Augustine StSt. George’s BaySt. Julian’s STJ 3312, MaltaTel: +356 2570 2000

Watch a video

Or visit us atFacebook.com/EFMalta

Section .. Topic

1 .........Introduction to EF

2 .........Welcome to Malta

3 .........Weather watch

4 .........Travel & transfer service

5 .........School information

6 .........Academics

7 .........Accommodation & meals

8 .........Money matters

9 .........Phones, faxes & Internet

10 .......Health care & insurance

11 .......School activities & excursions

12 .......Transportation

13 .......Expectations

14 .......Maltese culture & living tips

15 .......Adjusting to a new culture

16 .......EF school calendar & holidays

17 .......Checklist

Contents - St.Julian’s

Dear Student

Welcome to the Mediterranean Island of Malta and thank you for choosing EF for your English language studies!

EF opened its school in Malta in 1994. We have been a popular EF destination since day one, even more so now, with years of experience teaching international students like you and the modern facilities of our new school building.

EF school in Malta is located in the colourful town of St Julian’s, which has features of both a small fishing village it once was and a busy contemporary resort. Whether you choose Malta for its historic sites, cul-tural variety, or sea, sun and countryside, the island will not disappoint, as everything is close by. With a perfect climate to practice outdoor land and water sports and an exciting nightlife - you will find it difficult to choose what to do next. Let us make your stay here a life-enriching experience.

We look forward to meeting you.

Best wishes,Roger Bugeja, School Director EF International Language Center, St. Julian’s

3 St. Julian’s, Malta

2. Welcome to the Maltese IslandsThe island of Malta is positioned in the middle

of the Mediterranean Sea to the south of Italy.

It forms an archipelago with its sister islands of

Gozo and Comino, both of which are accessi-

ble by ferry. The total population of the Maltese

islands is about 400,000. Malta’s history, warm

climate and clear blue waters attract hundreds

of thousands of tourists each year.

Malta has an interesting history, in fact the

Neolithic temples found on these islands have

been set under the protection of UNESCO as

World Heritage.

Malta obtained its independence from the U.K.

in 1964, becoming a Republic & Sovereign

State. Maltese and English are Malta’s two of-

ficial languages both taught and spoken.

Since May 2004, Malta has been a member of

the European Union and Maltese language is

now one of the EU official languages

3. Weather WatchLocated in the centre of the Mediterranean,

Malta enjoys a mild & sunny climate. During the

summer months the sun’s rays are very strong

and felt from early morning up to about 7 pm

in the evening. It is always advisable to wear a

hat and/or sunglasses when you’re outside and

to make sure you always carry sunscreen with

you, especially when going to one of the many

beaches or in any situation where you know

you will be outside for long periods of time.

Winter months in Malta are not very cold, but

it does rain sometimes, so bring an umbrella

with you. Rain mostly falls during the months of

November, December and January. Malta also

has a high humidity level, 50 – 80%.

Temperatures range from:

Spring: 11° to 24°C (52° to 75°F)

Summer: 20° to 32°C (68° to 90°F)

Autumn: 15° to 28°C (59° to 82°F)

Winter: 9° to 18°C (48° to 64°F)

4. Travel & Transfer serviceTransfer service

Arriving at a busy airport in a foreign city can be

confusing. EF offers a one-way transfer service

from the airport to your accommodation for an

additional fee. We highly recommend that you

take advantage of this service.

At least one month before your arrival, you

must inform the EF Office in your home country

or your homestay hosts of the exact details of

your flight (airline, flight number, date and time).

This will help avoid your homestay hosts wait-

ing all day for you to arrive or them not being

home when you arrive.

Malta is served by one international airport,

LUQA Airport. When you arrive, it is important

to meet the EF representative in the Arrivals Hall

before changing money or claiming any lost

baggage, etc. If you do not do this you may

miss the person who is waiting to collect you.

If for some reason you do not meet our repre-

sentative immediately, please do not leave the

airport. Someone will be along to meet you.

Independent Travel

If you have not booked a transfer, please go

straight to your accommodation - you should

have already told them when to expect you.

Customs

Read the customs notices carefully. Do not

try to bring any prohibited substances into the

country. We cannot help you if you are stopped

by customs for illegal importation of anything

that is against the law in Malta.

If you are not a European Union national, you

will need to produce the following documents

when you arrive:

z your passport (valid for at least six months

after the end of your EF course). We suggest

you keep a photo copy of your passport in

your bag.

z proof of your ability to meet the cost of the

course, to maintain yourself and your depen-

dents without needing to work during your stay

1. Introduction to EFEF Education First welcomes students of all ages from every corner of the world to learn a language where it is natively spoken. Our innovative curriculum, the EF Efekta™ System, integrates face-to-face learning in a classroom with studying outside the classroom using the interactive learn-ing tools in our online iLab. An intensively structured academic program along with an array of educational and social activi-ties results in a fast and fun way to learn a language.

EF students come from diverse back-grounds and like you, they have chosen a program to enhance their language skills as part of their academic or career plan. Many have planned for years to take advantage of this opportunity.

A large percentage of EF students apply their new language skills by taking a recog-nized exam, such as Cambridge, TOEFL, TOEIC and IELTS. Successful completion of such exams provides the necessary language qualifications for university and for professional endeavors. Many students view their time with EF as a chance to explore educational alternatives while im-proving language and study skills. Students wishing to study at university can access information and make informed academic choices through our EF University Place-ment Service.

A great aspect of an EF program is the variety of nationalities at our schools. We welcome you to join this international com-munity where you’ll experience life and language with EF. We take great pride in our continuing dedication to our mission - breaking down barriers of language and culture.

4 St. Julian’s, Malta

z your EF confirmation letter showing that you

have enrolled for a full-time course of study

5. School InformationThe School Director is assisted by an accom-

plished staff of teachers and administrators.

There is also an Activities Coordinator who

organises EF activities and excursions.

The school offers the following facilities:

z Multimedia iLabs

z Wi-Fi Internet access throughout school

z Student lounge with TV/DVD

z EF student cafeteria

z Private EF Beach Club near school (available

from Mid June to August)

z Payphones

z Fax

z Notice boards to tell you what is happening

z Bookshop and library

z Photocopy machine

z Sun Terraces

z Business lounge

6. AcademicsEF language courses give students the opportu-

nity to study the English language and the local

culture for as long, and with as much intensity,

as suits the student and his or her needs.

EF Level Placement Test

Within 24-hours after booking your course,

you’ll receive your personalized EF username

and password for the online EF campus called

My EF. Before traveling, you will take the EF

Level Placement test online. This test will mea-

sure your language level and ability, grammar

and listening comprehension abilities. Using

your test results, our academic team will place

you in one of six different language levels.

As your English language skills become stron-

ger, you will be promoted into the next language

level. You may speak with your teacher if you

feel you have been placed into the wrong level.

Orientation

During your orientation you will receive your

class schedule and other important information

about the school and the city. Fun activities are

planned to help you meet students and staff.

General English Classes

General English classes focus on the develop-

ment of the four skills of speaking, listening,

reading and writing. They also include work on

grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation. Each

lesson is 40 minutes in length.

Special Interest Classes

Depending on your course type you may also

select a number of special interest (SPIN)

classes. SPINs allow you to improve your English

through the study of a wide range of subject

options. Admission to some of these will depend

on academic and linguistic level and availability

of places. The selection of SPIN classes varies

throughout the year and a student may not be

able to repeat the same SPIN class. Each lesson

is 40 minutes in length and two lessons may be

combined into one 80-minute teaching period.

Class size

The average class size is 15 students with a

maximum of 17 students.

Class Schedule

EF St. Julian’s school is open five days per week,

Monday to Friday. Classes will be scheduled

between 9 am and 5:30 pm and you will have a

combination of morning and afternoon classes.

Attendance

You are expected to attend all classes.

Consistent failure to attend class, for what-

ever reason, may result in expulsion from the

program with no refund of course fees. In order

to be eligible for an EF certificate, students

are expected to participate in class and must

attend at least 80% of all classes. Please note:

Maltese immigration regulations require you to

attend all of your classes.

Homework

You are expected to complete all assignments

set by your teachers in General English and

Special Interest classes. If you are taking an

examination preparation class you should ex-

pect at least one hour of homework per night.

Assessment

You will be assessed at regular intervals through-

out the course. Assessment is based on atten-

dance, participation, attitude and performance.

Course books

As part of your academic program, you’ll be

expected to buy the books and classroom

materials that you will use in class. The exact

number of books that you’ll need is determined

by your academic level, progress and choice of

special interest classes. If you wish to buy ad-

ditional books you may need more money. The

books you buy are yours to keep, write in and

take home with you for future reference.

iLab Learning

All English language school courses include six

iLab sessions per week. iLab sessions comple-

ment and reinforce classroom learning in an inter-

active online learning environment. Please note:

iLab is not included in the EF Basic Course.

Exams

Prepare for the Cambridge, TOEFL, IELTS and

City & Guiles exams during your stay in St.

Julian’s. You may also enrol for several different

public examinations during your course. Some

can be taken at the school itself, others must

be taken at an external examination center and

booked several months in advance. You will

need to pay fees to register for public exams

in Malta. Advice as to the most appropriate

examination to sit for will be given to you by

your Director of Studies.

Cancellation of course or school transfer

If you decide to downgrade, cancel or transfer

your course to another EF school, please talk

to our Customer Support team. They will advise

you of any transfer charges and visa restrictions.

Further study at the University of Malta

With the right qualifications, including a high

enough score on an English exam, you can

apply to study at the University of Malta. It is

an international university, so lectures, assign-

ments and exams are in English. Although

Malta is part of the European Union, courses

are less expensive than elsewhere on the con-

tinent and the cost of living tends to be more

affordable too. The University of Malta also of-

fers a one-year course in Foundation Studies.

EF University Placement Service

EF offers a University Placement Service (UPS)

that provides guaranteed admission into a

university or college for qualified students. If

you are interested in continuing your studies,

5 St. Julian’s, Malta

you are encouraged to talk with the University

Pathways Manager at your school.

University Transfer Credit

Through our partnership with Southern New

Hampshire University (SNHU), EF students

may be eligible to receive university credit for

their coursework.

7. Accommodation & MealsHomestay and student residence accom-

modations are available at the EF St. Julian’s

school. All homestay and student residence

issues during your stay should be directed to

the Accommodation Coordinator.

Life with a Maltese Host Family

Students staying in a homestay will have the

opportunity to experience Maltese life and

also have the chance to practice their new

language skills with fluent English speakers.

Students who choose homestay accommoda-

tion should do so because they want to live

in a family environment and interact with the

family members. Families choose to host inter-

national students because they want to learn

about other cultures and people.

Students who live in a homestay must respect

the family and their home. Likewise, the family

will respect the student. As you get an in-depth

look at the Maltese way of life, you will realize

that the Maltese culture is not the same as

your culture, and therefore, family life may be

quite different. The relationships and roles of

family members and the relationship with pets

are just some examples. If you are open-mind-

ed about these differences, life in the family will

be a great learning experience.

There is no stereotypical family. Hosts may

consist of 1) mother and father without chil-

dren, 2) single mother with children, 3) mother,

father and children, 4) retired couple, 5) wid-

owed woman, or 6) single father with children.

EF has two different types of homestay accom-

modation; Homestay, which has a maximum of

four students per house and two students per

room; and Homeshare which has up to eight

students in one house and two students per

room. Homeshare offers a more independent

atmosphere and students have less direct

contact with the homestay hosts.

You are responsible for all transportation costs

to and from the host’s home. You may be

placed up to one hour away from the school.

Before you leave your home country, please

let your homestay hosts know the date and

estimated time of your arrival at their home.

If you do not do this, they may not be home

when you arrive.

Laundry and Facilities

Your bed sheets and towels will be changed

once a week, but you will be responsible for

your own laundry and keeping your room tidy.

Please remember that the towels issued are

for home use only, beach towels will not be

provided by your hosts. You are responsible for

your personal items such as shampoo, condi-

tioner, soap and other items. In Malta, not all

bathrooms have showers – it is very common

to just have a bath. You will probably share the

bathroom with others. This means that you

may need to be flexible about shower and bath

times. If you want to take a long time in the

bath or shower check to see that nobody else

is waiting to use the bathroom.

Accommodation in a homestay includes a bed

and a shared bathroom. Unless you have paid

the single supplement and a single placement

has been confirmed to you by EF, you will be

placed in a double room with another student.

Always remember to keep your room clean

and tidy. Make your bed, and put your belong-

ings away. You are also responsible for clean-

ing up after snacks and for washing your own

dishes after breakfast. It is also polite to help

clear the table after dinner.

Transporation to the school

You are responsible for all transportation costs

to and from the host’s home. During the months

of September to May, your homestay will be ap-

proximately 30-35 minutes away on foot from the

school. During the summer months, June, July

and August, your homestay will be approximately

a 60-minute bus ride away from the school. EF

will organize direct public transport to certain

areas at a special discounted student rate.

Telephone and Internet use

To call your friends and family you will need to

use a prepaid telephone card, which you can

purchase from a nearby shopping mall. Your

family can telephone you, but please ask them

not to call too late. Remember that you are shar-

ing the telephone with the rest of the people in

the home. Do not spend more than 15 minutes

on the phone at any time.

Smoking

If you are a smoker, please ask your hosts

where you can smoke. Remember that smok-

ing in public places is prohibited in Malta.

Requests for change

Homestay accommodation is booked for your

entire course. You may only change homestays

for very serious reasons and with the approval

of the Homestay Accommodation Manager.

The homestay hosts and EF staff should

receive at least a one-week notice about your

6 St. Julian’s, Malta

move. Requests for change will be considered

on an individual basis and Terms & Conditions

apply when a move is approved. The Homestay

Accommodation Manager will advise you about

these on a case by case basis. No refunds will

be granted for students who choose to leave

their homestay for personal reasons.

Meals in a homestay

Your homestay hosts provide breakfast and

dinner Monday through Friday and breakfast,

packed lunch, and dinner on the weekends. You

will eat dinner with your hosts at their set meal

time. Meals will only be provided when you are

home to participate. Please be sure to call your

hosts if you are going to be late or if you are not

going to be home for a meal. There will be no

refund for meals not taken at home with your

family. You are responsible for your own lunch

during the week. There is an EF cafeteria at

the school, where you can purchase food and

drinks throughout the day and there are many

snack bars, fast-food places, coffee shops and

restaurants close to the school. Plan to spend

between €5 to €10 a day on lunch and pos-

sible snack food items. Dinner in a restaurant

will cost between €9 and €45 per person.

Typical food in a Maltese host family consists

mainly of different types of pasta dishes for

example: ravioli, spaghetti, lasagna etc.. sales,

pizza, burgers and chicken.

EF Residence

Our residence is located a couple of minutes on

foot from the school and offers basic accommo-

dation with breakfast and dinner included. Each

room has its own bathroom, which is shared

between two to four students. Some rooms are

equipped with cooking facilities. Bed sheets and

towels are provided, and you will be able to do

your laundry in the residence washing machine

for a small charge. If you are unsure about the

rules and facilities of the residence, speak to the

residence staff or Administration Coordinator.

Alternative Options

If you prefer hotel accommodation, there are

options that include a single or a twin room

with bed and breakfast in a 3-star hotel within

walking distance of the school. Students can

also upgrade their booking to a 4- or 5-star

hotel for a supplement.

If you want to rent your own apartment, speak

to the Residence Staff who will provide you

with general advice and contact numbers. You

will be responsible for all legal and financial

arrangements.

Once you have moved into your own accom-

modation, it is very important to give your new

accommodation address to the school for

safety reasons.

8. Money MattersCurrency

The currency in Malta is the Euro. The symbol

for this currency is €. The euro is divided into

100 cents (sometimes referred to as euro-

cents, especially when distinguishing them

from other currencies).

Banknotes come in denominations of €5, €10,

€20, €50, €100. They will each be a different

color to allow you to tell them apart more eas-

ily. Coins come in denominations of 1c, 2c, 5c,

10c, 20c, 50c, €1, €2.

Banking

The school staff will help you to open a bank

account at the start of your course. There are

various banks in Malta, the main ones being

Bank of Valletta and HSBC. In order to open a

bank account, you need to be a student at our

school for more than 6 months.

Banks are normally open until early afternoon

from Monday to Friday and until midday on

Saturday. Some banks work longer hours.

Summer and winter opening hours may differ

Spending Money

We recommend that you bring around €140

for expenses upon your arrival and the rest

of your spending money on a card account.

We recommend that you budget €100 - €150

for each week you plan to stay in Malta. This

should cover lunches, laundry, travel to and

from school, and EF Activities mid-week. For

weekend excursions, shopping and depending

on what you choose to do during leisure time,

you may need to bring more.

You will also need to take money for learning

materials used in class and for any language

proficiency exams you plan to take.

Credit Cards

EF strongly recommends that students travel

with either a Visa or MasterCard. These are

widely accepted all around Malta in different

shops and outlets.

9. Telephones, fax & InternetTelephone

All long distance calls must be collect calls,

charged to the person you are calling, or

charged to a prepaid telephone card, which you

can purchase from a nearby shopping mall.

Fax

All EF schools use fax machines to conduct

business. You can send and receive faxes from

this machine for a small fee, although you are

encouraged to limit the use.

Internet

The school is equipped with Wi-Fi wireless

Internet. Students are highly encouraged to

bring their personal laptop computers for email

and Internet use on the wireless network.

10. Health Care & InsuranceYou have the option of using either the public

hospital in Tal-Qroqq or a number of private

clinics and hospitals close to the EF school. You

will need to pay immediately in cash or credit

card for any medical service you use at the gov-

ernment hospital; private hospitals will accept

medical insurance coverage. Please ask the EF

staff or your homestay hosts for assistance if

you need medical attention. The Administration

Coordinator will assist you with submitting the

insurance claim after your doctor’s visit.

We always recommend that you choose Mater

Dei hospital at Tal-Qroqq for any serious medical

attention that you may require during your stay.

Note: If you are hospitalised, please contact

your insurance company or EF within the first

48 hours of admittance. You can contact EF

staff at all times in case of an emergency on

the emergency number you will receive from

your local EF office before your departure.

Erika Travel Insurance

Because security is EF’s number one priority, we

have negotiated a comprehensive tailor-made

travel insurance package for EF students with

Erika Travel Insurance, an international insur-

7 St. Julian’s, Malta

ance expert. The policy protects you against ex-

penses incurred through accident or illness, and

provides coverage for loss or theft of baggage

and personal effects. It also provides coverage

against interruption of your EF program due to

illness as well as liability and legal expenses.

The EF staff is trained to assist with your Erika

Travel Insurance questions and claims. When

you are sick or injured the last thing you want

to do is deal with such issues. Let us help you!

11. Activities & ExcursionsExtracurricular activities contribute greatly to your

social and academic success. They not only help

you to relax after a day studying, they also pro-

vide you with an opportunity to meet and make

friends from other classes, other countries and

other cultures. Your school’s activities and trips

give you the opportunity to apply your life skills,

practice English in real situations and familiarize

yourself with the Maltese culture.

Activity Programme

The school employs a full time Activities Coor-

dinator, responsible for the organisation of all

free-time activities. The Activities Coordinator

can provide information about what’s happen-

ing on and around the island, where to eat,

what to do on the weekend and can help you

organise your independent travel plans.

Weekly activities

The Activities Coordinator arranges student ac-

tivity evenings on a regular basis to encourage

students to meet and make friends with each

other. Typical evenings might include a trip to

a ‘cheap and cheerful’ restaurant, an evening

dancing or an evening at one of the local vil-

lage’s annual ‘festas’.

Excursions

A whole range of excursions are organised

throughout the year for students at the school.

The excursions range from a visit to the capital,

Valletta, the “old” capital, Mdina, as well as

boat trips to the islands of Gozo and Comino.

Sports

A varied sports programme is proposed each

week. Sports offered may include horse-back

riding, tennis, biking, beach volleyball, rock

climbing, snorkelling, scuba diving and sailing.

Sports offerings each week are dependent on

the weather. Sports centres on the island offer

an enormous range of aerobics, athletics and

karate. You can practice your English while

learning how to dive or sharing a round of golf.

12. TransportationPublic transportation

Public transportation in Malta is affordable.

Most people travel on the brightly coloured

local buses. As an alternative to buses we

advise that you only use EF recommended taxi

companies. Don’t forget that one of the best

and cheapest ways to see Malta is to walk!

Car Hire

If you would like to really explore the island

you may want to hire a car with friends for the

weekend. Car hire is relatively cheap on the

island, costing you €100 per week during the

winter months and €163 per week during the

summer months.

13. ExpectationsExpectations are a normal part of anticipating a

new experience. We understand that everyone

has their own individual beliefs and anticipations,

however we ask you to come with an open mind.

What you can expect from EF:

z Supportive staff, available for guidance and

encouragement.

z An academic program which combines lan-

guage, special interest, and culture-oriented

classes.

z Full program of local activities and excursions

at special EF rates.

z Accommodation in either homestay or stu-

dent residence.

z All designated meals.

z EF Academic Year Abroad Diploma for

Academic Year Abroad students with 80%

attendance per term and good academic

standing and academic records

z EF Course Certificate for International Lan-

guage Students with 80% attendance and

good academic standing.

z Preparation classes and/or materials for appro-

priate standardized language exams and avail-

ability of University Placement Service (UPS).

What EF expects of you:

z To develop a greater understanding of the

world around you.

z To attend at least 80% of all classes and to

do your best in class at all times.

z To be respectful of your homestay hosts, your

classmates, your teachers and your community.

z To keep your room and shared areas clean.

z To speak English at all times.

z To abide by all laws, rules and regulations of

your host country, state, campus and school.

What you can expect from your homestay hosts:

z A comfortable, clean place to live.

z Prepared meals or accessibility to food to

prepare yourself according to the meal plan.

z Access to the school in approximately one

hour by public transportation. All transporta-

tion costs are your responsibility.

14. Maltese culture & living tipsLocal food and culture

Maltese culture is influenced by its Mediterra-

nean, English, Arab and Catholic connections.

It is reflected in the way Maltese communicate,

holidays they celebrate, food they eat and

other habits and rituals.

Traditional Maltese food includes dishes with

beef, pasta, seafood, vegetables and almonds.

Breakfast usually consists of a cup of tea and

toast and is taken between 6:00 and 10:00 in

the morning. Lunch during the week is usually

taken between 13:00 and 14:00 in the afternoon

and may include “ftira” (local leavened bread with

tomato paste and tuna) or a sandwich. On the

weekends lunch is a traditional family gathering

and usually consists of roast meat and potatoes.

Dinner often is taken between 19:30 and 21:00

and usually includes pasta, rice or meat. During

the hot season the Maltese prefer to eat dinner

outside in the open air (al fresco).

Tipping

If the service is not included, leave a 10-15% tip.

Appliances and Electricity

Electric outlets in Malta provide a current of

240 volts, 50 hertz. The plugs are rectangular

with three prongs, the same as in the U.K. It

is advised that you bring an adapter from your

home country though they are easy to find in

Malta as well for approximately €2.

Alcohol

The legal age to purchase and/or consume

alcohol is 17. You may be asked to present

8 St. Julian’s, Malta

your ID card on entering some of the clubs or

at the bar counters.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited in all public places, exclud-

ing specially designated areas in some restau-

rants and bars. Please remember that smoking is

not allowed inside the school building.

Shopping

During the week shops are usually open from

9:00 to 13:00 and from 16:00 to 19:00. Some

apparel outlets stay open as late as 20:00 to

21:00. Most shops are closed on Sundays

and public holidays.

Beaches

Please make sure to put on a top and/or t-shirt

before you leave the beach. Beachwear should

not be worn in the street. Females should NOT

bathe topless anywhere. This is an offense to

the local custom.

General safety tips

z Do not hitch hike. Use transport provided by

your school, public transport and/or

licensed taxis

z Avoid walking around unfamiliar areas at

night unaccompanied

z Avoid beaches at night

z Always cross roads at zebra crossings or

pedestrian lights

z Always walk on the pavement and not on

the road

Dos and Don’ts

You will be required to abide by National laws as

well as the rules of the EF school. Violations will

lead to a verbal warning and possible disciplinary

action by the School Director and the authorities.

The following are illegal in Malta

z Drugs (non-medicinal)

z Alcohol if you are under 17 years old

z Buying tobacco if you are under 16 (or buy-

ing for someone who is under 16)

z Driving without insurance or a valid

driving license

z Offensive weapons (including pocket knives)

Learn from Differences

Life will be different in Malta than in your home

country. Try to think of the differences as

something positive, something to learn from.

Remind yourself that Malta is a tiny island and a

unique experience in itself. Try not to make com-

parisons with the way things are in your country

and learn from and experience the differences.

Recommended websites

z www.visitmalta.com

z www.maltaandgozo.com

z www.maltairport.com

z www.maltaweather.com

z www.gozo.com

15. Adjusting to a New Culture The EF community is more than a group of

students who have come together to learn

English. It is also a multi-cultural group of

young adults who are eager to share their

own culture and learn the culture of their host

country and fellow classmates.

One’s culture is made up of values, beliefs, arts,

traditions and practices of a specific community

or population. Our culture affects how we view

ourselves, how we relate to others and what we

value as important in life. We are often unaware

of how much our culture affects our lives.

You may have already had some exposure to the

new culture you are about to experience. You

may have seen television shows, read books, or

studied in school about Malta. While some parts

of this culture may already seem familiar to you,

experiencing a new culture first-hand will prove

exciting. You will be meeting students from all

over the world who, like you, are looking forward

to spending a year learning and living a language,

both inside and outside the classroom.

As a visitor to a new culture, you may experience

periods of fatigue and discomfort when you are

uncomfortable. Culture shock is what some-

times happens when we try to meet challenges

of our new culture by using the values, beliefs,

and attitudes of our own culture. As visitors to

a new culture, we must learn that cultural differ-

ences are merely different - not right or wrong.

Tips on coping with change

Remember that change does not come with-

out some effort! We humans need a certain

amount of stress to motivate us to learn new

ways of being. Learning always involves some

form of change. You should try the following:

z While you might be tempted to surround

yourself with things that are familiar to you, try

not to isolate yourself by being only with others

from your home country. Keep reaching out to

your host, roommates and other students.

z Put off making major decisions such as an

accommodation change, until you feel more

“at home” with the culture in general.

z Talk to us about your worries or problems.

EF Staff are here to help and would prefer to

know about any problem you may have so

that we can help you.

z Set goals, no matter how big or small, and

accomplish them! You will feel good about

yourself in doing so, and you will reduce the

negative feelings associated with culture

shock. For example, set a goal that you will

speak English at all times.

z Remind yourself that you came to this

country to experience a new culture, to meet

others and to explore your new surroundings.

Relax, take a deep breath and reflect back on

the days before leaving your home country

when you were excited about your new ad-

venture. Try to refocus this former excitement

towards your experience.

Keeping a journal

One way to keep track of emotions and

changes that take place over the year is to

keep a journal. By recording your experiences

and feelings on a regular basis, you will be able

to reduce the impact of culture shock. You will

have a record of your academic and personal

progress to look back on in days and years to

come. Be sure to note changes in:

z Language skills

z School performance and involvement

z Campus/host adjustment

z Individual learning and growth

Keeping a journal will help to remind you that

culture shock is truly a temporary phase

of adjustment.

Bring pictures and Items from home

If you have room in your suitcases for some

music, a costume, pictures, or some typi-

cal crafts, it would be good to show other

students, as well as to decorate your room

to make it seem like home. We have seen

costumes and drums from Korea, dancing and

music from Austria and a piñata and tortillas

from Mexico. Please bring pictures of your

friends, family and surrounding area.

Important telephone numbers

16. EF School CalendarAcademic Year Schedule

The Academic Year is divided into three terms.

(See the applicable start date below for your

program’s specific term and break schedule).

January 2012

Academic Year and Semester Program

Orientation: Fri 6 Jan - Sun 8 Jan

Term 1: Mon 9 Jan - Fri 9 Mar

Holiday: Sat 10 Mar - Sun 25 Mar

Term 2: Mon 26 Mar - Fri 1 Jun

Semester Departure: 2 Jun 2012

Holiday: Sat 2 Jun - Sun 10 Jun

Term 3: (Year) Mon 11 Jun - Fri 17 Aug

Departure: 18 Aug 2012

April 2012

Academic Year and Semester Program

Orientation: Fri 13 Apr - Sun 15 Apr

Term 1: Mon 16 Apr - Fri 1 Jun

Holiday: Sat 2 Jun - Sun 10 Jun

Term 2: Mon 11 Jun - Fri 7 Sep

Semester Departure: 8 Sep 2012

Holiday: Sat 8 Sep - Sun 23 Sep

Term 3: (Year) Mon 24 Sep - Fri 30 Nov

Departure: 1 Dec 2012

June 2012

Academic Year and Semester Program

Orientation: Fri 8 Jun - Sun 10 Jun

Term 1: Mon 11 Jun - Fri 7 Sep

Holiday: Sat 8 Sep - Sun 23 Sep

Term 2: Mon 24 Sep - Fri 14 Dec

Semester Departure: 17 Nov 2012

Holiday: Sat 15 Dec - Sun 6 Jan

Term 3: (Year) Mon 7 Jan - Fri 8 Feb

Departure: 9 Feb 2013

September 2012

Academic Year and Semester Program

Orientation: Fri 21 Sep - Sun 23 Sep

Term 1: Mon 24 Sep - Fri 14 Dec

Holiday: Sat 15 Dec - Sun 6 Jan

Term 2: Mon 7 Jan - Fri 8 Mar

Semester Departure: 9 Mar 2013

Holiday: Sat 9 Mar - Sun 24 Mar

Term 3: (Year) Mon 25 Mar - Fri 31 May

Departure: 1 June 2013

January 2013

Academic Year and Semester Program

Orientation: Fri 4 Jan - Sun 6 Jan

Term 1: Mon 7 Jan - Fri 8 Mar

Holiday: Sat 9 Mar - Sun 24 Mar

Term 2: Mon 25 Mar - Fri 7 Jun

Semester Departure: 8 Jun 2013

Holiday: Sat 8 Jun - Sun 16 Jun

Term 3: (Year) Mon 17 Jun - Fri 16 Aug

Departure: 17 Aug 2013

Please note: there will be no classes on

public holidays.

School holidays

The school in St. Julian’s recognizes the fol-

lowing public holidays when there will be no

classes. If your arrival falls on one of these

dates, please check with the school staff upon

your arrival for an exact orientation schedule.

201210 February - St. Paul’s Shipwreck19 March - Saint Joseph31 March - Freedom day Malta2 April - Good Friday1 May - Labour Day7 June - Malta National Holiday29 June - Saint Peter and Paul15 August - Assumption Day8 September - Victory Day Malta21 September - Independence days Malta8 December - Immaculate Conception13 December - Republic Day Malta25 December - Christmas Day 26 December - Boxing Day31 December - New Year’s Eve

20131 January - New Year’s Day10 February - St. Paul’s Shipwreck19 March - Saint Joseph29 March - Good Friday31 March - Freedom day Malta1 May - Labour Day7 June - Malta National Holiday29 June - Saint Peter and Paul15 August - Assumption Day8 September - Victory Day Malta21 September - Independence days Malta8 December - Immaculate Conception13 December - Republic Day Malta25 December - Christmas Day26 December - Boxing Day31 December - New Year’s Eve

17. Checklist ■ Valid passport (with visa where neces-

sary) It’s a good idea to make copies of

these and pack them in your suitcase

just in case. You don’t need to carry your

passport with you while you are in Malta

but you must keep it and your other docu-

ments in a safe place while you are in

the country.

■ Valid ID card - It’s a good idea to make

copies of these and pack them in your

suitcase just in case.

■ Passport Photos (4) for EF student

identification cards, travel cards and other

possible documents

■ Flight ticket

■ Luggage correctly labeled

■ EF Confirmation letter & other

EF documents

■ Make sure all EF forms are complete,

especially the Health Certificate

■ Medical and travel insurance documents

■ E111 European Health Card

■ Basic medical supplies, any medication

you take regularly and a spare pair of con-

tact lenses or glasses if you wear them.

■ An International Driving License if you are

planning on renting a car.

■ Local currency for first week and for any

learning materials that are not included in

the cost of the course.

■ Money in the form of cash and credit

cards – Visa and MasterCards are highly

accepted around the island. Do not bring

large amount of cash in any currency. (Do

NOT bring large amounts of cash in any

currency!).

■ Electric adaptor for any electrical appli-

ances you plan to bring with you.

■ Pencil and/or pen and notebook.

■ Items from your hometown or country so you can share your culture with friends, homestay hosts and teachers.

■ Personal sports equipment.

■ Favorite books, photos and a camera.

■ Homestay or student residence details and emergency numbers.

Homestay host’s or student residence name:

________________________________________

Homestay host’s or student residence address:

________________________________________

Homestay host’s or student residence telephone number(s):

________________________________________

EF Sales Office telephone number:

________________________________________

EF School telephone number:

+356 2570 2000 ________________________________________

EF School emergency telephone number:

+356 9928 1700________________________________________

Important telephone numbers

C

hec

klis

t

16. EF school calendar & holidaysSchool holidays

The EF International Language Center in St.

Julian’s recognizes the following public holidays

when there will be no classes. If your arrival

falls on one of these dates, please check with

the school staff upon your arrival for an exact

orientation schedule.

2012

1 January - New Year’s Day

10 February - St. Paul’s Shipwreck

19 March - Saint Joseph

31 March - Freedom day Malta

2 April - Good Friday

1 May - Labour Day

7 June - Malta National Holiday

29 June - Saint Peter and Paul

15 August - Assumption Day

8 September - Victory Day Malta

21 September - Independence days Malta

8 December - Immaculate Conception

13 December - Republic Day Malta

25 December - Christmas Day

26 December - Boxing Day

31 December - New Year’s Eve

2012

1 January - New Year’s Day

10 February - St. Paul’s Shipwreck

19 March - Saint Joseph

29 March - Good Friday

31 March - Freedom day Malta

1 May - Labour Day

7 June - Malta National Holiday

29 June - Saint Peter and Paul

15 August - Assumption Day

8 September - Victory Day Malta

21 September - Independence days Malta

8 December - Immaculate Conception

13 December - Republic Day Malta

25 December - Christmas Day

26 December - Boxing Day

31 December - New Year’s Eve

17. Checklist ■ Valid passport (with visa where neces-

sary) It’s a good idea to make copies of

these and pack them in your suitcase

just in case. You don’t need to carry your

passport with you while you are in Malta

but you must keep it and your other docu-

ments in a safe place while you are in

the country.

■ Valid ID card - It’s a good idea to make

copies of these and pack them in your

suitcase just in case.

■ Passport Photos (4) for EF student

identification cards, travel cards and other

possible documents

■ Flight ticket

■ Luggage correctly labeled

■ EF Confirmation letter & other

EF documents

■ Make sure all EF forms are complete,

especially the Health Certificate

■ Medical and travel insurance documents

■ E111 European Health Card

■ Basic medical supplies, any medication

you take regularly and a spare pair of con-

tact lenses or glasses if you wear them.

■ An International Driving License if you are

planning on renting a car.

■ Local currency for first week and for any

learning materials that are not included in

the cost of the course.

■ Money in the form of cash and credit

cards – Visa MasterCards are highly ac-

cepted around the island. Do not bring

large amount of cash in any currency. (Do

NOT bring large amounts of cash in any

currency!).

■ Electric adaptor for any electrical appli-

ances you plan to bring with you.

■ Pencil and/or pen and notebook.

■ Items from your hometown or country so you can share your culture with friends, homestay hosts and teachers.

■ Personal sports equipment.

■ Favorite books, photos and a camera.

■ Homestay or student residence details and emergency numbers.

Homestay host’s or student residence name:

_________________________________________

Homestay host’s or student residence address:

_________________________________________

Homestay host’s or student residence telephone number(s):

_________________________________________

EF Sales Office telephone number:

_________________________________________

EF School telephone number:

+356 2570 2000_________________________________________

EF School emergency telephone number:

+356 9928 1700_________________________________________

Additional notes or numbers:

_________________________________________

National Emergency Number: student residence address

112_________________________________________

EF Doctor: idence telephone number(s)

+356 9949 4115_________________________________________

EF Sales Office telephone number

_________________________________________

EF School telephone number

_________________________________________

EF School emergency telephone number

_________________________________________