English study programs across Malta: challenges together with strategies
Connected issues — English language classes in Malta, English language classes in Malta, study english language in Malta, Malta Why Should You Study English in Malta? Here’s the thing: Malta is a quiet powerhouse for studying English. Everybody hears about England or Canada, but Malta is totally in the same league. The kicker: English is spoken everywhere, officially. You’ll find random old buildings where they speak Maltese inside, and then step outside and everyone’s chatting away in pretty perfect English. If you’re into sunshine instead of constant drizzle, Malta’s your vibe. Malta’s weather is Mediterranean — expect sunny days even in winter. Forget just beaches and clubs: English is everywhere, from your espresso to your city stroll. And the diversity of language schools is pretty wild. Options range from elite university schools to cozy, homey setups. Stroll through Sliema or St. Julian's and "English Courses" signs pop up everywhere. English here is authentic — mostly neutral accents and clear speech. London can’t compete with Malta’s sunny climate. It’s a cultural fusion: European, Arabic, with Mediterranean vibes. So, bottom line: Malta manages to be exotic, fun, and totally workable for serious English learners at the same time. Top Malta language schools and their perks The variety is overwhelming in the best way. When I first started my research, I was overwhelmed. After some deep-dive research and ex-student stories, these are the big names: The University Language School (Malta) First on the list — totally credible. They’re based on the actual University of Malta campus in Msida, which already puts you right in the middle of things geographically. Courses here have real University of Malta recognition, great if you want employer-respected certificates. They offer everything from General English to Business, test prep, and one-on-ones. Their "intensive" program packs 25 classes into each week — for real. The library’s a quiet haven, and after class, Sliema or Gzira are just a short walk away for downtime. Maltalingua St. Julian's hosts this popular spot, a favorite among business students and younger crowd alike. Big plus: max 12 people per group for most classes, max 8 for their Business English stuff. Their rooftop lounge is the go-to spot once lessons end. Being EAQUALS-accredited and award-winning proves they’re committed to high teaching standards. Berlitz ELA Malta It’s known as "The School with a Heart" — and that reputation’s earned. Their teaching style (Berlitz Method) makes you speak right away, not just memorize grammar. They won the LanguageCourse.net Excellence Award for 2025, so yeah, they’ve got the prestige. I heard classes feel like a family there, which is sick if you’re nervous about solo travel. Language Studies International Malta Their place is right in the middle of St. Julian's, which is basically study central in Malta. Great facilities: aircon, whiteboards, chill-out zones, solid computer labs. They’re known for exam prep courses too — TOEFL, IELTS, and business English, among others. One of my buddies said their teachers are some of the friendliest he’s dealt with, even when he totally blanked on his vocabulary assignments. Bottom line, Malta’s options for language schools are endless. The trick is matching up your preferred price, atmosphere, location, and teacher style. Problems English Students Experience in Malta Let’s be honest, Malta rocks — but it’s not perfect. Most people hit certain snags — and they surprised me at the start. The upside? If you’re aware early, you can dodge the drama. Surprise extra fees You’ll see admin, book, and even registration fees stack up. A friend paid over €125 in extras. Plus, expect a €35/week summer surcharge! Not always obvious in courses guides, so read the small print and ask questions — it’s not just Malta University. Class sizes swell in busy months Classes can reach 14–15 students during summer — tough for getting loads of speaking time. I’ve heard of students feeling invisible in large groups; some teachers don’t learn names for days. Finding a place to stay — nightmare edition Between June and September, finding affordable rooms is tough. Hostels fill fast and prices skyrocket. Booked-out city housing means some end up commuting from distant areas — not ideal for morning classes. Plenty of ways to get sidetracked The party scene in St. Julian’s is wild. If you’re not careful, English club nights can turn into… not-so-English mornings. You’re on an island, there are beaches, bars, events — resistance is not easy. Sometimes the "cheap" isn't actually cheap It seems cheaper at first, but with added fees and peak-season rates, Malta’s no bargain unless you’re careful. I know students who’ve had their school-arranged accommodations double-booked during busy festival periods, forcing them to couchsurf. At least it’s a story! Smart solutions for Malta's English course issues Let’s discuss how people (and I) dodged the pricey and stressful stuff — here are real solutions. Take a longer-term approach Long-term bookings often get discounts. Malta Uni offers €10/week reduction past four weeks — saves you cash if you’ve got time. Makes it easier to get into the class rhythm instead of feeling rushed. Stick to all-in-one packages Go for schools like IELS Malta. You pay once and they cover housing, transfers, documentation. You’ll probably save money versus last-minute Malta Airbnbs. And less paperwork confusion, believe me. Opt for lower student numbers Opt for schools like Maltalingua where business English caps classes at eight — more speaking, less hiding. Regular classes max at twelve, which is way better than fifteen per class! Try for the low-season window If you want to keep cash in your wallet and avoid packed buses/classrooms/beaches, shoot for October–May. You might miss some sun, but your sanity will thank you. Flights are also way cheaper outside the summer rush. Make sure the school is accredited Don’t gamble on unaccredited "language schools." Go with places recognized by FELTOM, EAQUALS, or universities for peace of mind and future use of your certificate. Embrace the immersion Honestly, you don’t need to be a language nerd. Just chat with people — locals love talking, and you’ll pick up all kinds of real expressions and slang. Skip the expat bubble sometimes and go to local events, markets, or try couchsurfing meetups. Malta’s experience depends on you. Some smart forward-thinking goes a long way toward making your study time rewarding and affordable. Real-life experiences and tips Let me share a few first-hand tales and tips that surfaced in online groups and personal messages while I planned: "Wasn’t ready for the summer fees. Stayed two extra weeks for a deal; more adventures in Gozo followed." — Daria – Poland "My mistake: waiting to find a place on arrival — everything was pricey or reserved. Will take a package next time or book far ahead." — Sergio from Brazil Sergio’s situation hit home — my first hostel was full after language students booked it out, so I landed in a sketchy Airbnb with no internet. Double-check where you’re staying! And be smart with your money. Bring a second card, since some local shops don’t take Visa Electron or contactless. For longer stays, get a Maltese SIM card for cheap calls and data — it sounds small, but it’ll save you headaches when messaging your teacher on WhatsApp about missing the bus (which, by the way, will happen… Malta’s buses are a vibe all their own). Honestly, it’s the little stuff that makes or breaks the trip. No one tells you how wild it feels to go from a beach swim to an English test in the same afternoon. You’ll learn so much more outside class, too: bargaining at a market, asking for directions in Valletta, making friends at a beach BBQ. Those are the moments the courses don’t advertise, but they’re honestly everything. Institution/Choice Features & Perks Malta Uni Language School • Official university approval • Central location • Discounts for longer stays • Additional summer and registration fees Maltalingua • Low student numbers (12/8) • With EAQUALS accreditation • Courses for all needs: general, business, exam Berlitz ELA Malta • Practical Berlitz system • Recognized for excellence • Welcoming and friendly environment IELS Malta Center • All-inclusive deals (MaltaEng.com often cheapest) • Premier English school with exellent academic reputation worlwide • Less stress about housing/docs Language Studies International • Well-equipped center • Experts in exam preparation • Central St. Julian’s location Positives • Diverse study choices • Sunny, relaxed island life • Affordable in low season Disadvantages • Extra/hidden fees • Packed in summertime • Housing not always reliable What’s the main lesson? Prepare in advance. Malta checks all the boxes — weather, language, new friends — but you’ll need to avoid the pitfalls, especially when spontaneous fun pops up! IELS Malta: Is The Hype Justified? Ask anyone about English schools in Malta — sooner or later, IELS gets mentioned for nearly everything. I wasn’t sure about them at first, but all the recommendations make sense — they deliver. What makes IELS Malta different? Let’s start with the location: Sliema is full of life — beaches, cafés, ferries, running spots. IELS’s own residences mean you’re super close to everything, not stuck in random apartments. You can eat breakfast and walk to class — a real game changer. Classes aren’t huge, which helps students bond easily — parties, group chats, and social evenings are all arranged by the school. You make friends fast. What stood out: classes mix games, quizzes, and debates, not just dry exercises. Almost all teachers are Cambridge certified. They’ll poke fun at your accent, but suddenly you’re singing along to practice stress — it works. They even have special courses for teens and private lessons if you want those. Yes, it can be more expensive than some, but the convenience, community, and location justify the price. Why so many students choose IELS Malta Unbeatable Sliema location (for students, Sliema >St. Julian’s) Updated, cool classrooms — air conditioning is a lifesaver in summer Organized social scene — meetups and WhatsApp groups make joining in easy Appropriate class sizes and quality instruction On-site (or super-near) accommodation — no 6AM buses unless you’re a tourist I ran into a French guy, Rémi, who basically summed it up: "I tried another school but at IELS people actually wanted to make friends, not just leave after class. I talked more English in a week there than in a month of my old school." — Rémi, French student Language School Showdown: Malta’s Best Compared Side-by-side with the competition School Best features Drawbacks Ideal for… IELS Malta School • Prime spot in Sliema • School housing • Great social life • Variety of course types • More crowded during summer • Slightly pricier, but you see where money goes • Great for social, active students • Those making friends solo Malta University Language School • University-recognized diplomas • Library access • Structured academic environment • Additional administration charges • Groups can be on the larger side • Serious learners • Long-term language learners Maltalingua School Malta • Tiny groups • International accreditation • Popular rooftop area • No attached accommodation • Fewer options for business students • Focused on personalized learning • Best for crash courses Berlitz Language Centre • Immersive approach • Welcoming staff • Supportive for beginners • Few organized social events • Older building/classrooms • Those who freak out speaking • Anyone needing a confidence boost LSI • Flexible scheduling • Best for test preparation • Right in St. Julian’s • Sells out quickly in summer • Lodging inconsistent • Students prepping for tests • Self-reliant learners What makes IELS Malta the winner? The winning factor is how IELS balances a big-school structure with a welcoming, social vibe. Newcomers or shy students are quickly included, and group activities run non-stop. You’ll never be left out, and learning happens everywhere. Plus, their facilities actually work — no ancient WiFi routers or broken AC. Their online study support (like after-class homework and project forums) is just way better than the sticky photocopied handouts some other schools still hand out. I lost count of how many people I met who extended their course "just one more week" because they loved the balance of learning and social stuff. For exam preparation (IELTS, Cambridge, TOEFL), IELS stands out — challenging classes, mock tests, and experienced teaching boost results. Success rates are impressive. Things to watch for at the top schools High season madness: All Malta schools fill up in summer — Sliema especially. Class sizes swell, prices rise, but IELS manages it well. Just reserve early. Event overload: The endless social calendar can lead to burnout. Schedule some downtime or risk being at events every night (which can still be fun). Motivated learner atmosphere: You’ll feel guilty slacking. People here want to learn, so if you’re lazy, your classmates will remind you — sometimes in a good way ("Come on, karaoke in English tonight!"), sometimes when you’re just dead tired. How to Handle Daily Life in Malta Accommodation hacks that save your sanity (and wallet) If you can swing their residence, do it. But if you end up looking outside, check Facebook groups (like "Flatshares Malta" or even the school’s own board). Avoid the classic student housing scam — never pay up front for a place you haven’t seen. Most people end up in shared apartments around Sliema, Gzira, or Msida; Gozo is beautiful but far unless you want peace and quiet over parties. Getting a job or volunteer gig while studying On a longer visa, you can take up part-time work after three months, mostly in hospitality or service jobs. English-speaking roles or volunteering offer the best language practice and local connections. Malta Language School FAQ (Including Weird Questions) Is it always cheaper than the UK or Ireland? For the most part, Malta beats the UK or Ireland on price, but fees (especially in summer) do add up. Outside peak season, bargains are everywhere and daily costs are lower. Do four weeks in Malta actually make a difference in English skills? Only if you use it outside class, too. Dive into meetups, talk to locals, say yes to group chats. One friend went from "Uh, sorry, what?" to making puns with Australians after four weeks at IELS. It’s about exposure — not magic beans. What’s an "Intensive" English course in Malta like? You’ll be busy: 25+ classes per week, frequent assignments and workshops. Still, Malta’s vibe keeps things from feeling too stressful. How to fix it if my housing falls through? Contact your language school as soon as you arrive. They’ll help you find alternative housing, and the student network works fast in emergencies. Do Malta schools offer internationally-accepted certification? Most certificates are valid in the EU and sometimes internationally, mainly from recognized academies. Double-check acceptance in your home country or job. Are there scam schools in Malta? A few dodgy schools exist — choose only those with FELTOM or EAQUALS accreditation. Bad online reviews and visa scam reports mean you should avoid. Final Words: Succeeding in Malta English Courses Honestly, Malta is what you make it — and IELS Malta is kind of the blueprint for the full package. Check out the special offers on IELS Malta courses at MaltaEng.com — you might find them cheaper than booking directly with IELS. If you come prepared, pay attention to the fees, and throw yourself into the wild mashup of cultures and languages, you’re set for one of the best cross-cultural adventures of your life. From epic sunrise swims to late-night gelato runs and stumbling through new tenses, you’ll leave Malta with more than just a language upgrade. You’ll leave with stories, confidence, and probably friends all over the world. Chase it. You won’t regret it. Resources ELT Malta: https://eltcouncil.gov.mt/ FELTOM Accreditation: https://feltom.com/ Malta English School Guide: https://caramellaapp.com/mikekudryavtsev/ofcl5tzA8/why-learn-english-in-malta-language-schools-in-malta MaltaEng: https://maltaeng.com/