inlingua malta: island life

Improve Your English

2012-01-31T09:50:00.004+01:00

This poem is composed by Dr. Gerard Nolst Trenité (1870-1946), a Dutch author and teacher. "The Chaos" illustrates many of the irregularities of English spelling and pronunciation.

The Chaos
Gerard Nolst Trenité

Dearest creature in creation,
Study English pronunciation.
I will teach you in my verse
Sounds like corpse, corps, horse, and worse.

I will keep you, Suzy, busy,
Make your head with heat grow dizzy.
Tear in eye, your dress will tear.
So shall I! Oh hear my prayer.

Just compare heart, beard, and heard,
Dies and diet, lord and word,
Sword and sward, retain and Britain.
(Mind the latter, how it's written.)

Now I surely will not plague you
With such words as plaque and ague.
But be careful how you speak:
Say break and steak, but bleak and streak;

Cloven, oven, how and low,
Script, receipt, show, poem, and toe.
Hear me say, devoid of trickery,
Daughter, laughter, and Terpsichore,

Typhoid, measles, topsails, aisles,
Exiles, similes, and reviles;
Scholar, vicar, and cigar,
Solar, mica, war and far;

One, anemone, Balmoral,
Kitchen, lichen, laundry, laurel;
Gertrude, German, wind and mind,
Scene, Melpomene, mankind.

Billet does not rhyme with ballet,
Bouquet, wallet, mallet, chalet.
Blood and flood are not like food,
Nor is mould like should and would.

Viscous, viscount, load and broad,
Toward, to forward, to reward.
And your pronunciation's Ok
When you correctly say croquet,

Rounded, wounded, grieve and sieve,
Friend and fiend, alive and live.
Ivy, privy, famous; clamor
And enamor rhyme with hammer.

River, rival, tomb, bomb, comb,
Doll and roll and some and home.
Stranger does not rhyme with anger,
Neither does devour with clangor.

Souls but foul, haunt but aunt,
Font, front, wont, want, grand, and grant,
Shoes, goes, does. Now first say finger,
And then singer, ginger, linger,

Real, zeal, mauve, gauze, gouge and gauge,
Marriage, foliage, mirage, and age.
Query does not rhyme with very,
Nor does fury sound like bury.

Dost, lost, post and doth, cloth, loath.
Job, nob, bosom, transom, oath.
Though the differences seem little,
We say actual but victual.

Refer does not rhyme with deafer.
Foeffer does, and zephyr, heifer.
Mint, pint, senate and sedate;
Dull, bull, and George ate late.

Scenic, Arabic, Pacific,
Science, conscience, scientific.
Liberty, library, heave and heaven,
Rachel, ache, moustache, eleven.

We say hallowed, but allowed,
People, leopard, towed, but vowed.
Mark the differences, moreover,
Between mover, cover, clover;

Leeches, breeches, wise, precise,
Chalice, but police and lice;
Camel, constable, unstable,
Principle, disciple, label.

Petal, panel, and canal,
Wait, surprise, plait, promise, pal.
Worm and storm, chaise, chaos, chair,
Senator, spectator, mayor.

Tour, but our and succor, four.
Gas, alas, and Arkansas.
Sea, idea, Korea, area,
Psalm, Maria, but malaria.

Youth, south, southern, cleanse and clean.
Doctrine, turpentine, marine.
Compare alien with Italian,
Dandelion and battalion.

Sally with ally, yea, ye,
Eye, I, ay, aye, whey, and key.
Say aver, but ever, fever,
Neither, leisure, skein, deceiver.

Heron, granary, canary.
Crevice and device and aerie.
Face, but preface, not efface.
Phlegm, phlegmatic, ass, glass, bass.

Large, but target, gin, give, verging,
Ought, out, joust and scour, scourging.
Ear, but earn and wear and tear
Do not rhyme with here but ere.

Seven is right, but so is even,
Hyphen, roughen, nephew Stephen,
Monkey, donkey, Turk and jerk,
Ask, grasp, wasp, and cork and work.

Pronunciation -- think of Psyche!
Is a paling stout and spikey?
Won't it make you lose your wits,
Writing groats and saying grits?

It's a dark abyss or tunnel:
Strewn with stones, stowed, solace, gunwale,
Islington and Isle of Wight,
Housewife, verdict and indict.

Finally, which rhymes with enough?
Though, through, plough, or dough, or cough?
Hiccough has the sound of cup.
My advice is give it up!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqxoWYDZg30

In Guardia Parade

2012-01-17T14:00:00.001+01:00

If you wish to learn more about Malta’s history and are looking for an interesting event to see, you should visit the In Guardia Parade. It’s held in the capital of Malta, Valletta. This show is a re-enactment of historical event that took place regularly inside of the fortification of Fort St. Elmo.

The re-enactment shows in Fort St. Elmo’s “Place of Arms” take place on several different dates each year. During the 40 minute show the audience will step back in time and witness the authentic inspection of the fort and its garrison by a high-ranking officer Grand Bailiff of the Order of the Knights of St. John in charge of military affairs. More than 70 re-enactors will be dressed as solders and knights wearing 16^th century style costumes and perform a military drill demonstrating to the Grand Bailiff the garrison’s state of readiness in the event of military threat. This re-enactment show is like a colourful portrait of the 16^th century military history including dress, drills and cannon firing.

Visiting the In Guardia Parade gives you a perfect opportunity to visit the Fort of St. Elmo which otherwise is closed to the public. The fort is open to the visitors to see only prior to the re-enactment, so if you wish to take a tour around the fort, you should enter the fort well before the show starts.

The “In Guardia Parade” is staged by the Malta Tourism Authority and it alternates with another military re-enactment called “Alarme!”.

2012 re-enactments Schedule at Fort St. Elmo:

Feb 5, 12, 26

March 4, 11, 25

April 1, 15, 22, 29

May 6, 13, 27

June 3, 10, 17, 24

July 1, 8

Sep 23, 30

Oct 7, 14, 28

Nov 4, 11, 25

Dec 30

All shows start at 11.00.

Tickets can be purchased at the gate and cost 7 Euros for adults and 3 Euros for children (6-12 years) and students.

Maltese Carnival

2012-01-13T14:56:00.005+01:00

Malta is predominantly a Roman Catholic country and as a result the yearly calendar is generously scheduled with public holidays and festas (a feast, festival). A festa is the time of food, song, camaraderie ( a feeling of good friendship among the people in a group) and having fun, as most Christian celebrations are.

One of these religious festivals is Carnival which is held between February and March a huge Carnival is celebrated in Malta. It has an important place on the Maltese cultural calendar and has been celebrated since the 15^th century.

Originally, Catholics were not allowed to eat meat during the 40 days of Lent. Carnival was the tradition to hold a merriment celebration the day before Lenten days and got its name from the Latin "carne levare" , which means putting away the meat because of the Lent.

Carnival received a major boost after having been introduced to the Islands by Grand Master Piero de Ponte in 1535, five years after the Knights of St. John arrived in Malta.

Carnival is held during the week leading up to Ash Wednesday. It’s a whole week of fun including colourful floats, fancy mask and dress competitions, marching bands and costumed revellers.

Up until 1751, carnival was held exclusively in Valletta and lasted for three days. Around 1752 the Carnival was extended to five days.

By time the Carnival popularity increased and more people participated in the event.

Nowadays you can find people celebrating Carnival in every corner of the islands but the largest of today’s Maltese Carnival celebrations are still held in the capital city of Valletta and its surroundings.

The Nadur Carnival in Gozo is very popular amongst younger generation as it is known for its darker themes.

The Valletta Carnival is usually opened with a light-hearted sword dance called Parata (re-enactment of the 1565 victory of the Knights over the Turks).

Traditional Carnival food includes perlini (multi-coloured, sugar-coated almonds) and the prinjolata (towering assembly of sponge cake, biscuits, almonds and citrus fruits, topped with cream and pine nuts).

Join the celebrations of this years Carnival, held in the cities of Valletta and Nadur from February 17^th – February 21^st 2012. Have some fun and experience Maltese festa.

Cambridge Exam Preparation Courses

2012-01-12T12:12:00.005+01:00

The Cambridge ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) qualifications are recognised by thousands of employers, universities, and colleges worldwide and accepted in over 130 countries. inlingua Malta is and authorized open centre for the Cambridge ESOL Examinations here in Malta. Students have the added advantage of preparing for the Exam held in March, June, August or December on the actual Examination premises.

We will prepare you for FCE, CAE, CPE, PET or KET Examinations. This course in a minimum of 8 weeks and is the ideal certification for your professional and academic life. An advantage of the Cambridge exam is the livelong validity. The Cambridge exams are sequential but you can also enter on a higher level.

Course includes:
30 Group Lessons per week targeted at Exam preparation
Minimum 8 week duration
Maximum 10 Students per class

Courses starting at inlingua Malta in 2012:

FCE Exam Package Recommended Level: Upper Intermediate
16 January; 16 April; 25 June; 15 October

CAE Exam Package Recommended Level: Advanced:
23 January; 16 April; 25 June; 8 October

CPE Exam Package Recommended Level: Proficiency
16 January; 16 April; 8 October

Standard Season
Cambridge Exam preparation Course (8 weeks) = €1400
inlingua Residence Accommodation (8 weeks) = €714

High Season
Cambridge Exam preparation Course (8 weeks) = €1840
inlingua Residence Accommodation (8 weeks) = €1134

inlingua Registration Fee and Cambridge Exam Registration Fee are not included in the price
*The inlingua Residence is situated in St.Julians

For further information visit: http://www.inlinguamalta.com/frontpage/cambridge-exam-special-offer/

Or send and email to: info@inlinguamalta.com and book your preparation course today!

Home is where the heart is...

2012-01-10T14:31:00.003+01:00

From time to time life tends to be unpredictable. It makes its twists and turns of fate when we never see them coming. Taking us to places where we never imagined going to.

Sometimes it takes us somewhere nice. Other times you wish you would have missed the ride.

My twist of fate brought me here to Malta and I’m enjoying my ride.

If someone had told me on that sunny day in September when I stepped off the plane in Luqa airport that 4 months later I’d be here in Malta I probably would have laughed. But that’s the reality. Autumn passed, then Christmas, year 2011 became 2012…and me – well I’m still here without signs of leaving. Instead of leaving, I’m settling down – working here at inlingua Malta, meeting new people almost every day, discovering this small but beautiful country, enjoying Maltese winter and its unpredictable weather.

My main reason for staying is not the breathtaking landscapes but people. The kind of people who make you feel as if you were at home – warm, welcoming and helpful.

We never know what tomorrow brings but as long as it lasts I’m trying to make the most out of every day here – enjoying myself and the people that surround me.

They say: "Home is where the heart is." – in that case, I guess, I have to split mine in two because part of it is always with my family and friends back home and the other part of it seems be here in Malta.

Greetings to all my loved ones in Estonia and a big thank you to those who have made me feel welcome here in Malta .

Merili

Marketing Representative at inlingua Malta

Seasons Greetings from the inlingua Malta Team

2011-12-15T12:46:00.002+01:00

Add inlingua Malta to your Wish List this Christmas!

Christmas gifts from inlingua Malta to you!

Book and join a group course before 31.03.12 and benefit from our book 3 weeks and pay for 2 offer!

Join our Cambridge Exam Preparation 8 week courses commencing 16th January 2012 and benefit from a 10% discount on course fees!

Our book sale is NOW ON! This is your chance to buy course books at discounted prices!

Thank you for following our Blog through 2011

Wishing you all the best and a prosperous year ahead!

The inlingua Malta Team

Our Cambridge Local Secretary attends CEM Conference in Desenzano

2011-11-28T14:48:00.006+01:00

inlingua Malta is an Open Centre for the Cambridge ESOL Examinations. Students who take an Exam preparation course at inlingua Malta have the added advantage of sitting for their Cambridge ESOL Exam on the same Premises

Our Cambridge Local Secretary, Donovan Gatt attended the CEM Conference in Desenzano which was held from the 9th - 10th November

During this two day Conference information about; Cambridge updates, Making the most out of Cambridge, New testing Opportunites, preparation and support for Teachers and Trainers, and Customer services updates were discussed.

It is imperative for inlingua Malta to attend these yearly Conferences to keep updated with all necessary standards and requirements to be a Cambridge Examinations ESOL Open Centre. Many students from all over the World choose inlingua Malta to obtain their Cambridge ESOL Certificate.

inlingua Malta attends ICEF Berlin 2011

2011-11-23T12:57:00.005+01:00

Recognised as the most important event for international Educators, premium agents, work and travel professionals, as well as leading education industry service providers. The ICEF Berlin workshop is the largest and most comprehensive agent networking event of its kind.

inlingua Malta attended ICEF Berlin 2011 which was held from the 30th October - 1st November. During these few days meetings were set up with both new agents and existing partners. Breaks and social occasions also allowed us to conduct additional discussions and further develop working relationships in a more relaxed setting.

It also gave us the opportunity to meet up with some of our fellow colleagues of other inlingua international centres who also attended the fair.

The NEW Bisazza Street

2011-06-22T16:33:00.008+02:00

Students who follow a course at inlingua Malta can benefit from the embellishment of areas surrounding our centre. Bisazza street has been announced to be a pedestrianised zone, making it a car free and pleasant street to stroll down. Fortunately for us...inlingua Malta overlooks this newly finished project. Sitting in many of our classrooms one can look out of the window to see a square with planters, two fountains and benches. Included in this square is a novel feature of a sculpture group made up of three persons - all identifiable deceased Maltese actors, whilst there is a fourth chair so that one can join the group around the table to take a memorable shot. Free use of WIFI in the piazza is available.

Bisazza Street has become a safe, enjoyable, child friendly street to spend time in. A great location for students to hangout, shop, stop for a coffee, or grab a bite to eat whilst attending a course at inlingua Malta.

http://www.inlinguamalta.com/

My Internship Experience in Malta 2010

2010-11-15T11:01:00.003+01:00

Malta 2010

The first thing i saw in Malta was the sun. It is a sunny place with friendly people. However, Malta is different to other places as it's a small country, the locals speak the Maltese Language which is a mix of many languages. The Maltese also drive on the other side of the road.

For me it was a nice experience to work in Malta for 6 weeks at inlingua School. Back home in Germany i'm training to be an Event Manager and i do not have much experience in adninistration work. Here at inlingua i got to experience working in a busy office. My collegues were all so helpful and nice to me. As part of my internship I attended English classes, and my teacher John was the best! We did so much conversation so i improved my English a little bit more.

In My free time i tried to balance out my time between cultural and relaxing activities. I saw very beautiful places here in Malta. I think i will never forget my vist to the temples and the day in Mdina. For me it's the most beautiful city in Malta.

I think i will never forget my stay in Malta. Thanks to all the inlingua team and the Leonardo DaVinci Project who made this internship possible for me!....Leyla (Germany)

TEFL & EFL Autumn Courses 2010

2010-08-25T12:24:00.007+02:00

Course 1: Evening Course (EFL)
EFL Preparation Course leading to the EFL Exam (EFL)
Dates: 20th September - 24th November 2010
Days: Monday & Wednesday
Time: 17.30 - 20.00
Minimum Number of Participants: 8

Course 2: Evening Course (TEFL)
Teaching of English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
Dates: 5th October - 2nd December 2010
Days: Tuesday & Thursday
Time: 17.30 - 20.30
Minimum Number of Participants: 8

Prospective participants are required to sit for a test followed by an interview

Contact our Director of Studies - Jo Cachia
E- mail: jocachia@inlinguamalta.com
T: 2010 2000

The Malta Arts Festival 2010

2010-07-06T15:16:00.003+02:00

The Malta Arts Festival, the the first three weeks of July, is a showcase of top quality events and sees local and overseas' artists and performers side by side. The programme's diversity enabled the Arts Festival to be popular and accessible to all. The summer slot enables most events to be held open air. Falling as it does during the peak tourist season, the festival attracts a significant overseas audience as well.

The Festival is the highlight in our cultural calendar and as such, we see it as having a clear role to play in bringing about collaboration between Maltese and foreign artists. Joint performances and worskshops held on its fringes help enhance local artistic development and provides cultural innovation on the Islands.

For audiences, the summer Arts Festival is a bonanza of performance, music and dance, and offers something from almost all artistic forms.

TEFL June 2010 Crash Course

2010-06-03T15:48:00.003+02:00

Morning & Afternoon TEFL

Teaching of English as A Foreign Language (TEFL)
Dates: 8th June - 25th June 2010
Days: Every Tuesday to Friday
Time: 10.00-13.00 & 14.00-17.00
Minimum number of participants: 8

Prospective participants are require to sit for a test followed by an interview

Contact our Director of Studies - Jo Cachia
E-mail: jocachia@inlinguamalta.com
T: 2010 2000

TEFL & EFL Courses

2010-04-06T13:40:00.001+02:00

Course 1: Evening (TEFL)

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
Dates: 12th April - 20th May 2010
Days: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday
Time: 17.30 - 20.30
Minimum number of participants: 8

Prospective participants are required to sit for a test followed by an interview

Course 2: Evening (EFL)

Preparation course leading to English as a Foreign Language exam for EFL teachers

Long 24 week course (November 2010 Exam)

Dates: 13th April - 23rd November 2010 (summer break)
Day: Tuesday
Time: 17.30 - 20.30
Minimum number of participants: 6

Contact our Director of Studies - Jo Cachia
E-mail: jocachia@inlinguamalta.com
T: 2010 2000

Things to do in Malta - On your English Learning Winter Holiday!

2010-01-19T13:15:00.010+01:00

Malta is known for its hot summer sun and everything related to its surrounding blue Mediterranean sea, such as water sports and diving. As a result, flocks of tourists visit the Maltese islands, during the May to September season in an attempt to sit back, relax and enjoy the summer sun! So a visit to the island during the winter months may prove to be a quieter, calmer and perhaps more rewarding sort of holiday in Malta.

Since Malta's winter is rather mild, it allows for the hills to be greener. one can enjoy the countryside by means of hiking, walking or cycling - an activity which is usually difficult in the hot summer months. Countryside walks have become a highlight for many tourists visiting Malta.

During this time of the year, taking in Malta's spectacular culture would be ideal since the old villages and monuments are less busy with tourists, and the temperature is cooler. The oldest and most impressive structures are the prehistoric temples, the largest of which are located in Qrendi (Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples), Tarxien (Tarxien Temple) and Gozo (Ggantija Temple) Dating from c.5000B.C, the temples are actually older than the Egyptian pyramids...A Definite must-see!

Valletta and Mdina are incredible localities that merit a visit. By simply walking around, one can appreciate the historic buildings and distinct character of each city. Valletta contains within it's walls the Grandmaster's Palace, Auberge de Castille, St. John's Co-Cathedral, The National Museum of Archaeology, The Fine Art Museum, The Manoel Theatre and a host of of other historical buildings, not to mention one of Malta's shopping high-streets, all at a short walking distance from one another.

Mdina is no less stunning. Mdina itself is known as the 'silent city' and contains series of winding narrow roads through which cars are not allowed to pass. Walking through the former Capital allows for appreciation of historical buildings, the possibility of dining in some of the most uptown Malta restaurants and cafes, as well as spectacular views of the island off its bastions.

With regards to indoor activities; the theatre scene is bustling all year round with selections of classical concerts, operas, drama, musicals and comedy. In fact it has become popular to go and enjoy a light meal and a bottle of wine at a local wine bars following a show at one of Malta's Theatres. Wining and dining in Malta is of course not limited to such wine bars and extends to all sorts of cuisine scattered in every locality on the island, the most prominent being that of Mediterranean cuisine.

Winter in Malta provides a calm splendor for you to enjoy!

Courses at inlingua starting January 2010!

2010-01-11T11:25:00.009+01:00

EFL & TELF COURSES

Course 1. - Evening
2 x 9 week (60 hour) course leading to a certificate in the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
Dates: January 26 - March 25
Days: Tuesday and Thursday
Time: 17.30 - 20.30
Minimum number of participants: 8

Course 2. - Evening
2 x 8 week (48 hour) preparation course leading to English as a Foreign Language exam for EFL teachers
Dates: February 1 - March 24
Days: Monday and Wednesday
Time: 17.30 - 20.30
Minimum number of participants: 6

Course 3. - Morning
Our popular intensive (32 hour) preparation course leading to English as a Foreign Language exam for EFL teachers.

Open to participants who already possess a good knowledge of English

Dates: February 3 - March 24
Day: Wednesday
Time: 9.00 - 13.00
Minimum number of participants: 6

Contact our Director of Studies
Jo Cahia on 2010 2000
E-mail jocachia@inlinguamalta.com

2010 for inlingua Malta!!

2010-01-07T12:10:00.006+01:00

www.inlinguamalta.com

2010 a milestone for inlingua Malta.....We are celebrating 30 years of successful language training to students from all over the world. Forming part of the worldwide global franchise. Our promise to you is that we will continue to maintain the same quality teaching standards and efficient service inlingua stands for.

Knowledge, Reputation and Reliability. These are the qualities you can expect from inlingua Malta. We guarantee quality language courses to each and every student and we are committed to providing a personal, one to one service to everyone who studies in our school.

The inlingua team are back at work after a well earned rest. We are geared up for a busy 2010. Our school has undergone refurbishment in many areas, our meeting room for winter students with computer access and mid morning coffee being served daily is yet another improvement within the school. This is the ideal spot to interact with other students. Free WIFI ans self study centre together with our well stocked library makes student life even more enjoyable here at inlingua Malta. Our upgraded roof terrace is the ideal spot to enjoy the wonderful warm winters we a currently enjoying here in Malta at the moment!

Wishing you all a Happy New Year ....and We look forward to welcoming you and giving you our best attention at all times!

Birthday in Gozo

2009-11-10T09:02:00.004+01:00

This year I celebrated my birthday in Malta and I wanted to have my family here with me to share this day so they came for a one week visit when I had some time off from inlingua.

The 18th of October was a beautiful sunny day with cloudless skies. We hired a car and planned a trip to Gozo. My dad is used to driving on the right hand side in Germany so driving on the left took some getting used to but he soon got the hang of it.

We drove to Cirkewwa which is the northern most point of the island and caught the ferry to Mgarr in Gozo which is just 6km off Malta. Gozo is much more peaceful and rural. Life is slower, the land is greener, the coast is quieter - absolutely beautiful!

Our first destination was Victoria the capital. We visited Cittadella the old fortified city and its amazing Cathedral of Assumption. You can walk around the city wall and enjoy beautiful views over the island. We then visited Ta' Pinu, the holiest church in Gozo and a pilgrimage site for many believers.

Afterwards we returned to Mgarr to take a short boat ride to the island of Comino to see the legendary Blue Lagoon. Comino is the smallest island of the Maltese Archipelago and uninhabited. There are no cars and high rise buildings, only sandy beaches and glorious turquoise water. The caves and creeks are ideal or swimming, snorkeling and diving.

Our last attraction for the day was Dwejra point in Gozo. We arrived shortly before sunset and got an awesone view of the sun setting into the sea. The Azure Window that makes Dwejra famous is a monumental limestone archway that has been created by thousands of years of sea erosion.

Evening fell and we came back to Malta and had dinner in a nice restauarant in Spinola Bay in St. Julians and that is how I celebrated my 21st birthday here in Malta.

Lessons at inlingua

2009-10-26T15:50:00.003+01:00

It was Monday morning - But not a usual one like on the other Mondays before. Of course it wasn't, because that day I started taking lessons at inlingua.

After already working here for two months, inlingua offers me for every month work one free week of General English lessons. So this was my first day. After taking the test that determined my language level of English, lessons started at 10 am on Monday. I was very excited about the other students, the lessons itself as well as the teacher.

We are just a small group - me and another girl who is from Russia. As we are only two students in the class, the lessons are very effective and intensive. This has to be evaluated as positive, because everyone has the possibility to speak as much as possible. The best way to improve his English! So it's not like in school time when about 25 students are sitting in one stuffy room, the teacher standing in front of them, trying to explain something and the students are not paying attention - There is no possibility to actively take part in the lessons and learn something.Here at inlingua it's different, simply better.Even the atmosphere in the class is easy-going and not as tense as it was in school time.

And I'm looking forward to the next lessons.Well, for me it's half-time now here in Malta. Ten weeks have already passed and another ten weeks are waiting for me…. Till next time!

Day trip to Valletta

2009-10-08T10:02:00.002+02:00

After a busy working week at inlingua school it was time to relax a bit over the weekend. And for me the best way to relax is to go out and see something. So I decided to visit Valletta, the magnificent capital on Malta’s east coast, and when I was there I realised that it is a must-see for visitors.

It was a wonderful Saturday morning, with clear skies and warm, fresh air, ideal for my trip. After having a coffee to wake up, I got ready for the day’s excursion.

I took the bus directly to Valletta’s Bus Terminal. From there I headed towards the main gate and then strolled onto Republic Street which is the main street of the city. After a few minutes I arrived at one of the most splendid churches on the Maltese islands, St. John’s Co-Cathedral – designed by Gerolamo Cassar and built by the Knights of St. John in 1573. While the outside of the church is unimpressive, its interior is amazing. As I am very interested in arts, I was impressed by the fascinating paintings inside the church, mainly by Caravaggio’s famous painting ‘The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist’.

Then I visited the nearby Grandmasters’ Palace – once home of the knights, now home of the Maltese parliament. It displays a lot of marvellous paintings, frescoes and furniture that have been placed there by the Knights of St. John. From the palace I moved on through the narrow streets of Valletta to a nice restaurant to have lunch.

After lunch I went to the Auberge de Provence that is home to the National Museum of Archaeology. A visit here is essential to understand Malta's unique prehistoric temples. It's worth the admission fee to see the lavish upstairs salon and the mysterious ‘Sleeping Lady’ sculpture inside the museum.

Late in the afternoon, I was on the way to the Upper Barrakka Gardens with its beautiful fountains and flowers to get a fascinating view over the Grand Harbour and the ‘Three Cities’ Vittoriosa, Senglea and Kalkara – A perfect place to end a nice day in Valletta.

See you next time!
Teresa

My first two months in Malta

2009-10-01T10:12:00.003+02:00

To introduce myself: My name is Teresa and I am 20 years old. I am from Germany, Saxony. I came to Malta on the 1st August with four another classmates for our internship that I was going to do at inlingua School of Languages until the mid of December – I know, it’s a long time!

Well, let me tell something about my first impressions of Malta and inlingua during the two months that I’ve spent so far on the island...Back to Germany at Munich airport - We were waiting for our flight to Malta with Air Malta. The flight was already delayed for 1 hour and I was really fed up waiting, the others as well. Finally, the plane departed and after 2 ½ hours we reached the island. Then on through customs with my friend and to a waiting taxi driver with the keys to our rented flat in San Gwann, a town near St. Julians.
The next day – just recovering from the journey and beginning to learn how things work over here, it didn't take a very long to get used to everything. The supermarket is just around the corner as well as other useful shops. So this day was spent shopping for necessities and exploring the area around my workplace in Sliema – a modern and vibrant city with lots of shopping possibilities, restaurants, hotels and the harbour where the ferry to Valletta, the capital of Malta, leaves.

Then my first day at inlingua – 3rd August: I remember that it was a very busy day, as it was Monday and the new students arrived. Anyway I was very excited and also a bit nervous, but it’s normal I guess. While getting introduced to everyone, I noticed the kindness of the staff. Everyone is very friendly and easy-going… I really like the cheerful mentality of the Maltese people. They are very welcoming.
Well, when I take a look back now to my first 9 weeks here I am really satisfied, as at work everything is going very well and I enjoy being out with my friends at the weekends. Furthermore I really like Malta. Why did I come here? ... For sure I want to improve my language skills and I chose Malta because it was recommended to me by teachers and former students from my school in Germany for its interesting culture, the wonderful weather and the beautiful countryside. And inlingua school has also fulfilled my expectations so far…

inlingua Malta at the FELTOM workshop

2009-09-14T11:26:00.003+02:00

This weekend saw the first ever Malta EFL Workshop and Forum. Over 50 agents from countries all over the world came to visit our island and learn about the opportunities for students wishing to follow an English language course in Malta. The 3 day event included a tour of Malta and Gozo, a cocktail party, one to one meetings, a gala dinner and an EFL forum. There was an address by the Prime Minister on Sunday where he spoke about national legislation for English language schools. Read more here

It was great to meet many of our agents and get to know new ones. We hope that an event like this will be repeated again and we hope to have the opportunity to meet many more of you in the near future.

Spain win again!

2009-08-20T12:14:00.004+02:00

The winning team from our football tournament last week.

The team from Spain beat the Italians as well as our very own inlingua team to be crowned champions for the week - can they hold on to their title for another week??

student life at the Dean Residence

2009-08-05T16:49:00.004+02:00

2009 has been a very exciting year so far as we have spent a lot of time improving and renovating our school premises and facilities. The Dean Residence was one of our biggest projects and we worked hard all winter to make sure it would be open for our students to enjoy during the summer... and so far so good!! The pool, the restaurant, the free wifi, the pub and open spaces make the residence the ideal place to hang out, swim, relax with your friends over a drink or just sit under the stars playing cards and enjoying a laid back evening while you practise your English too...

inlingua Malta Business English Programmes

2009-07-21T16:06:00.001+02:00

Check out this SlideShare Presentation:

inlingua Malta Business English Programmes

View more presentations from inlinguamalta.

Getting your house in order

2009-07-14T10:06:00.004+02:00

One of the first things we look for when making the decision to travel abroad is a place to stay. Initially we think about the destination and the purpose of travel, and when that has been decided we begin to search for that place to call our ‘home away from home’.

For students coming to Malta to study English, this phrase rings particularly true as many of them opt to live with host families. While some people would not even consider sharing their house with an outsider, many others willingly open up their homes and welcome students from all over the world into their family.

Providing accommodation to students, just like owning a hotel, requires rules and regulations, and licensing has been enforced which aims to establish quality standards. Students choose to stay in a family because unlike living in a hotel, they can practice their English continuously through interaction with family members, and the whole experience provides a more intimate and personal atmosphere.

Host family accommodation in Malta has earned itself a particularly bad reputation abroad. More and more students are looking for alternatives to this type of accommodation due to bad experiences they’ve heard about from their peers, and the often exaggerated horror stories published in the media. This sort of bad publicity has a negative impact on the industry as a whole. It adds another element of struggle for language schools in Malta to overcome when competing with other EFL destinations.

A few months ago, we conducted an exercise where we asked our highest rated host families to share their experiences of hosting students so as to gain an insight into the service they provide. These families are consistently praised by our students and we asked them to share their tips and ideas about what students expect and appreciate while living in a family.

· Be a friend to your guests. Take the time to talk to your students and get to know them. They will appreciate the genuine interest and the daily interaction not only makes them feel welcome but also helps them practice their English. Do not have long conversations in Maltese in front of them.
· Make sure that the accommodation is clean, tidy and well maintained
· Offer good quality, varied meals and be generous with portions. Students often complain about the lack of variety as well as poor quality and meager portions. Discuss their dietary requirements and try to accommodate them as much as possible within reasonable limits
· Set rules for the students that apply to the rest of the family. This will help them adapt to your family life and it will make it easier for you to keep your household running smoothly. Students must be made aware of the fact that they are not living in a hotel and they should respect and fit into your family routine
· Take the time to explain things to them and offer advice and information that will be helpful and useful during their stay. Remember, you are their first point of reference and they look to you for guidance
· Their first impression of Malta is usually formed after their meeting with you and a positive first impression will generally set the tone for the rest of their stay

The financial situation facing the world today has forced many businesses to pull their socks up and work harder at providing an improved service to their clients. Diversification and catering to your clients’ needs becomes top priority.

The demand for school residences has increased dramatically. Students over 18 prefer independence during their stay and this type of accommodation is perfectly suited to a student budget. However, the comfort and intimacy of living with a host family remains a popular option with younger students as well as some older ones, providing them with a sense of belonging and security. By working on improving this aspect of the EFL industry we can only strengthen and improve the sector as a whole.

It is times like these that serve as an eye opener not only to what we are offering our clients, but more importantly as to what is being offered by others. This is an opportunity to look around us and work on the overall package being offered to students following a language course. It gives us the chance to build on our strengths and work on our weaknesses. It is important that students are happy with all aspects of their holiday and not just the quality of the teaching.

Kindness and hospitality can go a long way in making their time spent in Malta a positive and memorable experience.

1565

2009-07-10T11:12:00.005+02:00

The Great Siege of 1565 is one of the greatest moments in Maltese history, and one of the most celebrated events of sixteenth century Europe. So much so that Voltaire once said "Nothing is more well known than the siege of Malta." It was one of the bloodiest and fiercest battles ever fought and marked a turning point in the perception of Ottoman invincibility. The battle lasted over 4 months in the scorching summer heat and the Turks never again attempted to besiege Malta. It was the first true defeat of the Ottoman Empire in a century.

A reenactment of this great event takes place at the Monte Kristo Wine Vaults every week and the whole evening is a very well organised, enjoyable affair with a 3 course meal and a live show which includes, dancers, fire jugglers, horses, canon blasts and gunfire. The story of the Great Siege is narrated and sung by the lovely Melita and the talented cast of dancers and actors bring the story to life.

See more photos of this spectacular evening here

Why we love Mondays

2009-06-23T13:12:00.007+02:00

Monday morning is very busy at inlingua Malta. This is the day our new students come to school and we are always happy to welcome their friendly faces.

From 8:00am the school is buzzing with students sitting for the test, getting books and finding classrooms. By 10:00am everyone is more or less settled and lessons begin. During the break students gather in the cafeteria and we serve them a welcome drink. Here they have the chance to meet with other students and our inlingua reps who chat with them and tell them about the different activities and tours we have going on that week.

Monday night is welcome party night. Meeting point is 8:00pm at the LOVE sign and from here we head off to the open air garden in Paceville for some free pizza, free drinks and the chance to hang out and get to know your classmates better. Check out some photos from yesterday's welcome party here and if you have your own photos why don't you add them to our group page too?

Meet Fausto and Kristina

2009-06-15T11:13:00.009+02:00

A few months ago the search for our student representatives for Summer 2009 began. We sent out a message to the inlingua Malta international community via Facebook asking who would like to spend 3 months living in the sun, and working with people from all over the world who come and learn English at inlingua Malta.
The response was huge and we received loads of applications from so many great people that it was very difficult to choose but we finally managed to narrow it down to two applicants - Fausto and Kristina.
These fantastic young people both have loads of experience in this type of work. They are friendly and enthusiastic and will help you get the most out of your time here while making sure that you are well taken care of while you have fun!
They share multilingual skills and are fluent in Spanish, Russian, Italian and of course English and are on hand to help with any difficulties you might have.

They arrived at inlingua yesterday and have begun their training as part of the leisure team. We are looking forward to working with them this summer and they are looking forward to meeting you!

crossing language barriers

2009-06-10T14:17:00.003+02:00

Communication is the key to success for any aspect of life. A common language is the foundation of good communication and inlingua's international slogan, crossing language barriers, conveys perfectly what inlingua sets out to do. Our aim is to teach languages to the world so that we have a common language with which we can share our lives and our laughter with the citizens of the world.Crossing language barriers - bringing the world together

Get it right

2009-05-29T10:34:00.002+02:00

Choose inlingua Malta for your language course and get it right first time. From your very first day you will communicate in English and immediately you will begin to improve and feel more confident with your skills.

In class, our trainers guide you to produce sentences that are correct both grammatically and thematically, and soon, speaking English will come to you naturally. As you gain experience you will make less mistakes and learn faster.

So choose inlingua for your language course and learn English our way. You'll get it right both times

Cambridge ESOL at inlingua Malta

2009-05-22T11:26:00.001+02:00

Check out this SlideShare Presentation:

Cambridge ESOL at inlingua Malta

View more OpenOffice presentations from inlinguamalta.

Moby in Malta

2009-05-21T14:57:00.000+02:00

World-renowned DJ and songwriter Moby will be performing in Malta at a concert at the Gianpula fields on June 28th and the event promises to be a great success for all music lovers.
The American musician shot to fame with his classic Play album in 1999, and since then has sold over 20 million records worldwide, winning scores of awards in the process.
Moby has been making music since he was nine years old, playing classical guitar before releasing his first single Go in 1991. His music has been used in hundreds of different films, including Tomorrow Never Dies and The Beach.
He has also produced and remixed scores of other artists, including David Bowie, Metallica, and Public Enemy, among others.

Wine tasting for inlingua students

2009-05-19T14:44:00.005+02:00

Yesterday a group of our students went to one of the local wineries for some wine education and the opportunity to taste some local produce. The first part of the visit was an informative session where students learnt the history of Maltese wine and this was followed by a visit to the cool wine cellars below which offer a nice change of environment from the heat above.
Here students sampled different types of Maltese wine together with tradional food and snacks.

we make it simple

2009-05-11T13:12:00.004+02:00

Sometimes, the thought of learning a new language can be a little bit intimidating. As a mature adult, it is natural to feel uncomfortable with the fact that we would have to start from scratch, like a child learning to speak for the first time, and these thoughts might perhaps prevent us from making that first step on the journey of language learning.

inlingua Malta has almost 30 years experience in teaching English as a foreign language and we understand the challenges that students face in the classroom.

All our teachers are fully certified with many years of experience and when you study English with us you will see that learning a new language can be fun and stimulating.

Our trainers will guide you through the whole process, helping you take on this new challenge and before you know it you will be speaking English easily and confidently because we really do make it that simple!

A little bit about inlingua Malta

2009-05-08T08:52:00.001+02:00

Check out this SlideShare Presentation:

A little bit about inlingua Malta

View more presentations from inlinguamalta.

Fireworks festival

2009-04-30T13:40:00.003+02:00

The annual fireworks festival is going to be held this weekend in the Grand Harbour and our students will be watching the magnificent fireworks display from on board a sailing boat, right in the heart of the action!

The night cruise includes a full buffet dinner catered for by a reputable fusion restaurant. The night promises to be a magical affair with good food, great company and a night sky filled with light and colours!

we do things differently

2009-04-29T13:28:00.004+02:00

Yes, we really do! The inlingua method of teaching is inlingua's signature approach to successful language training. It has been developed over many years and 40 years on we are confident that our technique works. When you study English with us, you will experience first hand just how effective our method is.

The inlingua method works on 9 basic principles which focus on using the language rather than reading about it and this technique helps you improve your speaking, listening and comprehension skills much faster. As you become more confident with verbal language, your reading and writing skills will progress naturally. Learn more about the inlingua method of teaching here

goodbye and thanks from Bernie and the gang!

2009-04-24T14:03:00.002+02:00

A heartfelt thank you from our Austrian friends - we hope to see them again soon!

Dear Galeann, dear Anna, dear Sharon, dear Marie Louise, dear neighbour, dear teachers, dear everybody in your great team !

Being back home safely with all our students, we want to express our sincere gratitude once more to all of you. We all enjoyed our stay in your school very much and we certainly are still overwhelmed about your great hospitality, helpfulness and friendships created. This morning, we are all back in our regular school, thinking back to our great experience on Malta.

THANK YOU sooo MUCH !!Hope to be seeing again in a not too distant future, Julia and I remain

with best regards to all of you !!

Karaoke night for inlingua students

2009-04-23T09:35:00.001+02:00

Last night our students enjoyed a night of singing and dancing in a bar in Bugibba which was set up with karaoke equipment especially for them and these superstars in the making sang all their favourite songs into the early hours of the morning. The night was a great success and everyone enjoyed themself to the max!
We are looking forward to the next one!

isle of MTV lineup announced

2009-04-22T12:47:00.005+02:00

Black Eyed peas, Lady Gaga, Metro Station and Esmee Denters are the confirmed acts for the upcoming isle of MTV concert in July. This is the third year in a row that MTV have chosen Malta to host this event which has proved to be a great success over the past two years with over 50,000 people attending last year.
Thousands of people travel to Malta to enjoy Malta Music week - a week dedicated to music fans between the 3rd and 8th of July and beach parties and club nights ensure that everyone is geared up for the main event.

The isle of MTV Malta special is the biggest free live concert on the island and another great event for the summer calendar. Don't miss it! Learn more about the isle of MTV at www.isleofmtv.com

Happy Birthday Bernie!

2009-04-21T13:43:00.002+02:00

Today one of the leaders who came to Malta with a group of teenagers from Austria celebrated his birthday so we surprised him with a cake and a very loud rendition of happy birthday!
Bernie and his group of students have spent a week learning English at inlingua Malta and they have quickly become a part of the inlingua family.

inlingua trainers attend Business English workshop

2009-04-20T12:01:00.005+02:00

Here at inlingua, we know that the quality of our teaching is the foundation of our success.

The latest workshop organised for our trainers focused on how to teach Business English, with particular emphasis on three main areas: the nature of communicative competence within the context of international business communication, the setting of priorities in order to make training both effective and efficient, and the professional development of business English teachers.

The speaker for the session was Evan Frendo, a freelance trainer and teacher trainer based in Berlin who has been involved in Business English since 1993 and travels all over Europe and Asia to run teacher training courses.

The 3 hour session was highly focused on various topics relevant to the business world such as telephony, social English, meetings and discussions, e-mails, phone and video conferences, reports, presentations and negotiations.

inlingua business courses offer the student a holistic apporach to all aspects of business practice and aim to teach the student the intercultural, linguistic and discourse competence that are necessary to develop and maintain successful business relationships.
At the end of a business course our students have achieved greater confidence with these skills and their level of English is significantly improved.

Our commitment to quality is what continuously drives us to improve and invest in our trainers and teaching methods and our confidence and expertise in delivering effective Business English courses is made evident by the success of our programmes.

For more information about inlingua Business English courses please visit : http://inlinguamalta.com/inlingua/Overview.aspx?id=100335

Malta voted third best diving destination

2009-04-13T11:50:00.000+02:00

A previous post spoke about Malta as being the jewel of the Mediterranean and highlighted several things that our tiny island has to offer. Now, Malta has been voted the third best diving destination in the world by some 35,000 readers of Diver Magazine, a North American publication, preceded only by Egypt and the Maldives.

The waters around Malta and Gozo are blessed with rocky reefs, caves, plentiful marine life and the wrecks of ships from Malta's rich maritime history.

When you book an English language course at inlingua Malta you can also book a PADI diving course which can be followed after your morning lessons. If you are interested in diving but not too sure about committing to a full course, we can arrange for you to have a test dive first to see how you feel.

So take the plunge and book and English and diving course with inlingua - there's a whole new world underwater just waiting to be explored...

online testing

2009-04-06T13:45:00.000+02:00

inlingua is now offering you the opportunity to take your placement test online up to one month before you arrive in Malta for your English language course.

The test can be accessed at http://www.inlingua-mct.com/ and your entry will be sent directly to us. Our academic department will grade your work and send you the results with information about your level of English and where you will be placed when you arrive.

The 100 question test starts off with basic questions which get harder as they progress. You should stop answering questions once they get too difficult. The further you get into the test, the higher your level of English. This procedure ususally gives accurate readings about your level but if you find yourself in the wrong class when you arrive, we will change the level for you.

So take advantage of online testing and beat the Monday morning testing rush. All you have to do is show up at 9:00 am and find your allocated classroom.

Beautiful Malta!

2009-03-25T09:52:00.004+01:00

For years Malta has been called the jewel of the Mediterranean and this comes as no surprise when you think that fantastic weather, friendly people, vibrant nightlife, rich culture, historic importance and neolithic temples are just a few of the many things that this tiny island has to offer.

Learning English at inlingua Malta is not just an educational experience, but the experience of a lifetime where you'll make memories that you'll treasure forever!

Malta has received 1 million EFL students!

2009-03-25T09:04:00.003+01:00

If you are considering taking an English language course but still have not decided where to go, maybe this news will help you make a decision. Malta receives the largest percentage of student numbers annually in relation to its population - 1 student to just under 5 persons of the population (21.4 per cent).

The English Language tourism industry in Malta started in 1963 and since then has been growing rapidly. Every year thousands of students come to Malta, mostly in the summer months, on a language learning holiday to experience Malta's culture, climate and friendly English learning atmosphere.

One million people can't be wrong, so choose Malta for your English language course and come see for yourself!

A room with a view

2009-02-18T08:41:00.004+01:00

Not many English language schools can boast about classrooms with fantastic sea views and lots of sunlight, but the executive floor at inlingua Malta has just that. The top floor of our building is reserved especially for our executive clients who come for a one week integrated learning programme of intensive one to one business English lessons. The classrooms, which are on the 7th floor, have direct lift access, private facilities and each is equipped with a flat screen, DVD player and audio equipment. The new lounge area, complete with espresso machine and complimentary snacks, was finished this week and here students can meet to chat inbetween lessons.

Plans for the roof garden terrace are underway and will be finalised shortly so watch this space! Learn more about our executive programme here: http://inlinguamalta.com/inlingua/content.aspx?id=105908 or contact us on info@inlinguamalta.com and come enjoy the view from the top!

inlingua Malta making cyber waves

2009-02-11T11:26:00.006+01:00

If you don't know by now that we have a new website, you really haven't been paying any attention! Our new web portal, designed by ICON has been LIVE for a few weeks now and is attracting a lot of attention from our students, partners and other inlingua schools. The design is fresh and bright and most of all it is packed full of useful information about our school, our English courses, Malta and our students. It is easy to navigate and you can join our groups on facebook and FLICKR by clicking on the links provided.

Click on the picture to read what is being said about us in the local press.

Here's an extra 10%

2009-01-30T09:14:00.005+01:00

In an earlier post I wrote about the special offers that we have available until 31st March 2009. For those of you just joining us, inlingua is offering a week free tuition with every 3 or 4 week English course booked. This means if you book for 3 weeks you will only pay for 2 and if you book for 4 weeks you will only pay for 3.

The world is going through a tough time and we think that this is the perfect opportunity for you to invest in yourself and give yourself a competitive edge. Multilingual skills are a must in today's global environment so if you needed a little more incentive to improve those English skills look no further - we are giving you an extra 10% discount on all courses taken between 1st February and 31st March 2009.

Book now at http://inlinguamalta.com/inlingua/BookNow.aspx

What are you waiting for?

inlingua Malta in Language Travel Magazine

2009-01-23T09:43:00.004+01:00

Language Travel Magazine is a monthly publication for the study and work abroad sector and has been established since 1991. It is at the forefront of knowledge and trends in language travel and is read by student recruiters in over 110 countries worldwide.

The February 2009 issue showcases the popularity of executive courses in Malta. inlingua's prominence in this article serves as a testament to our commitment in providing highly focused, goal oriented business programmes which consistently deliver positive results.

The article speaks about our investment in books and learning resources which cover a wide range of topics and professions. The top floor of our school is reserved for our executive clients and the classrooms are fitted with audio visual equipment which allow the lessons to be varied and dynamic.

Click on the image to read the full article.

live like a local (2) - when the sun doesn't shine

2009-01-20T14:51:00.006+01:00

So many people think Malta is just an island of sun, sea and fun with nothing much else going for it. This couldn't be any further from the truth. It is true that between May and October, Malta comes to life as an ideal summer destination with lots of sunshine, days on the beach and nights on the dancefloor. Due to the cooler temperatures, the winter months in Malta are a great time to explore the island. The crowds of tourists are absent and it is the perfect chance to experience Maltese life with the locals.

An attraction not be missed is Palazzo Falson where you can spend an afternoon in this beautifully restored palazzo in Mdina. Follow this by a coffee and a slice of cake at one of the many cafes in this charming city.

Valletta is full of hidden treasures and the Museum of Fine Arts is a great place to start, followed by some shopping along Republic Street. The capital city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best way to see what this historical city has to offer is on foot. Get lost in the narrow streets and alleys and get a first hand look at the original architecture of this great city.

Evenings are a time for socialising and many Maltese people frequent restaurants and wine bars for a chat in good company. You can choose to watch a dance or theatre production, or go to the cinema to watch the latest blockbuster on the big screen.

At inlingua we organise a wide variety of tours and activities for our students. Find out more on www.inlinguamalta.com. But if you prefer to fly solo, a comprehensive list of things to do can be found at http://www.whatson.com.mt/

So if you are thinking about visiting our little island and are not sure when to do it I recommend you make use of the low season discounts and come see for yourself!

50+ programme

2009-01-09T16:22:00.002+01:00

This year inlingua Malta launched a brand new 50+ programme. This package combines general English tuition with a full and varied activity programme that combines historical and cultural visits with social activities in the evening.

When you book this package you will be with other students your own age who share similar interests and enjoy the same pace of life. This atmosohere is ideal for you to learn English while enjoying a fun and relaxing holiday.

For more information about this programme go to www.inlinguamalta.com

Winter Sale! Special offers

2008-12-03T09:13:00.004+01:00

Unless you're living on another planet, you have definately heard the words "credit crunch" by now. While nothing positive can be said about the finacial crisis, at least you have learned a new catchphrase and can add that to your ever growing English vocabulary.

Retail outlets all over the world have gone on sale and are offering bargains for consumers everywhere. We want to do the same for you so we are offering you an excellent value package for the coming months.

From now until the 31st march 2009, when you book a 3 week course with inlingua Malta you will only pay for 2, and if you book a 4 week course you will only pay for 3. A whole week's tuition for FREE! Contact us on info@inlinguamalta.com for more information.

Now there's something to smile about.

Maria and Juliane

2008-10-24T11:44:00.004+02:00

IMG_2404, originally uploaded by smile l dee dee.

Maria and Juliane are leaving us. They interned at inlingua for 3 months and today is their last day. I want to wish them both the very best of luck for everything they do in the future. It was a pleasure having them here.

This photo was taken last week when the inlingua staff went to Mdina. First we took a ride around the area by train - http://www.melitatrains.com/ and it was so much fun that we have now included this trip in the Mdina tour that we organise for our students. After our train ride we went out for pizza and this is where I took this photo. Its a great photo. We will always remember your smiles.

Girls, we are going to miss you! Come back and see us anytime. We will never forget you!

Good luck!

smiling, happy people

2008-10-14T16:17:00.003+02:00

If you happen to have a copy of inlingua Malta's new 2009 brochure, you will see this photo on the front. I took it myself one sunny September morning. It was the day before the deadline and I still had no photo for the front cover. Everything else was ready but until we had a photo nothing else could be done. You must be thinking that leaving something like this to the last minute is not so smart..well I didn't leave it to the last minute. All Summer we took photos but for some reason none of them seemed right. This time had to be different. I had to get the perfect shot. Luck was on my side that day. Within minutes I had 8 students all wearing bright clothes and big smiles. We made our way to the sea which is literally seconds away from our school and the rest, as they say, is history. I love this shot. It's bright, its natural and it is real. No models, no sets, no professional photographers. Just my camera + happy students + lots of sunshine = one perfect photo :)

a feast for 5000

2008-10-13T16:10:00.006+02:00

So imagine this; a HUGE pot. Really huge. So huge, it made it into the Guinness World Book of Records because it is so big. This pot was made in Italy and is being brought over to Malta in aid of charity. This pot was used in Italy to make the worlds largest risotto - so large that the cooks had to use wooden oars to stir it instead of wooden spoons!! And now, chefs from the Institute of Tourism Studies in Malta will also be cooking a risotto in this pot which will be sold to the public. The money made from this will be donated to the Dar tal-Providenza and the event will take place during the Birgu by Candlelight Festival on Friday the 17th of October.

You can read more about it here:

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20081008/local/record-breaking-pot-at-vittoriosa-by-candlelight/

let it rain

2008-09-19T10:07:00.006+02:00

The weather forecast says a storm is coming. Now for most people that is usually bad news but not for us. A nice long rain shower is exactly what we need to wash away the summer heat and welcome in the cooler weather. Its been a long, hot, dry summer and I am happy to see the end of it for another year. I love the smell after rain. The smell of clean, damp earth. Malta is a country of two colours. In summer Malta is the cool blue of the Mediterranean Sea but in winter it turns green. It is so beautiful. And when the sun comes out after the rain we get rainbows!!The weather forecast says a storm is coming. The weather forecast has been wrong before...... fingers crossed.

rockstars and bread

2008-07-31T09:03:00.005+02:00

I'm sure you must be thinking there has got to be more to this island than bread; and there is! Lots more. But everywhere I look I keep coming across testimonials about how good our bread is and I want to share them with you. Last weekend Duran Duran ended their 3 month tour with a final concert in Malta and they really rocked it. Fantastic show, fantastic crowd, and of course, fantastic music. They loved Malta and you will too. Read about it here:

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20080730/local/maltese-bread-and-jellyfish-leave-their-mark-on-duran-duran

No more bread posts. Promise.

don't just take my word for it

2008-07-23T08:42:00.008+02:00

After writing yesterday's entry, I was browsing through http://www.timesofmalta.com/ and I came across this letter which really proves that there is nothing better than a proper Maltese loaf....despite some of the (unusual) consequences!

Tuesday, 22nd July 2008
Mouth-watering Maltese bread
Brian J. Simmons, Kent, UK

I refer to Don Willcock's comments about the wonderful Maltese bread. Here, in the UK, the often-bland supermarket bread can be both awful and expensive. Unless you can afford to pay about £2 or more for a specialist loaf, or make your own, you are stuck with it. Holiday in Malta, find a baker (not always easy for tourists to find as they are quite often tucked away), buy the traditional Maltese round loaf at an extremely reasonable price and make an appointment with your dentist! I have had a filling and part of a tooth removed by excessive enthusiasm with these loaves but it will never stop me eating them! If only I could take some home! Sadly, that is not an option because, firstly, it would not be as fresh and tasty as it is straight from the baker and, secondly, I suspect that I would have eaten it at the airport while waiting to board!
I agree with Mr Willcock, it must be arguably one of the best breads in the world. Long may it continue.

Live like a local (1): Hobz biz-zejt

2008-07-21T16:16:00.000+02:00

Get hold of a fresh Maltese loaf (hobza). The crust should be cracked and crunchy and the middle soft and white. Cut thick slices of bread and dip one side into a plate of good olive oil. Half a couple of ripe summer tomaotes and rub the cut side over the oiled bread, making sure to squeeze hard so that the juice and pulp gets into the bread. Sprinkle with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Enjoy!!
Best eaten on the sand, watching the sun set, the salty sea smell lingering on your skin and an ice cold Cisk to wash it down.

festival fever

2008-06-26T09:06:00.001+02:00

Malta is famous for a number of things. The fantastic weather, the clear, blue sea, temples, architecture, history, culture, food and Summer nightlife. This is the time when locals gather together under the stars and make merry, and its a perfect opportunity for visitors to the island to fully immerse themselves in Maltese culture.

July is packed full of different events catering to every age, taste and budget, ensuring that no one is left out of the fun. Starting July 1st, the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts is organising the Malta Arts Festival which will run for two weeks and feature a variety of shows ranging from ballet to flamenco, acoustic rock to string orchestras, architecture to photography exhibitions and local and international theatre productions. All these are being held outdoors against the magical backdrop of Malta's capital city, making each event an enriching cultural experience. For more information about this festival log on to http://www.maltaartsfestival.com/

great start to Summer

2008-06-23T10:43:00.003+02:00

University is finally over. Tests have been written, assignments have been handed in and the sunny season is in full swing! June 21st is the first day of summer, as well as the longest, and a party to welcome in the summer is the best way to get in the mood for the months ahead. This year we were treated to something totally new and original with a Mexican themed party held at Razzett L-Abjad. Maltese people and international students mingled in this outdoor venue, lounging on hammocks and floor cushions and chilling to Latino reggae sounds. Mexican BBQ grills were served the night through and washed down with cocktails and Corona. The night got pumping when DJ Duncan F took to the decks with a groovy Latino set, accompanied by Ant1 on percussion. The crowd danced till the early hours of the morning turning the longest day of the year into an equally long night. Fiesta la Bamba brought a little bit of Mexico to Malta and everybody loved it. Next year its Brazil. Don't miss it.

http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=29797867944

inlingua malta: island life

Improve Your English

In Guardia Parade

Maltese Carnival

Cambridge Exam Preparation Courses

FCE Exam Package Recommended Level: Upper Intermediate16 January; 16 April; 25 June; 15 OctoberCAE Exam Package Recommended Level: Advanced:23 January; 16 April; 25 June; 8 OctoberCPE Exam Package Recommended Level: Proficiency16 January; 16 April; 8 October

Or send and email to: info@inlinguamalta.com and book your preparation course today!

Home is where the heart is...

Seasons Greetings from the inlingua Malta Team

Our Cambridge Local Secretary attends CEM Conference in Desenzano

inlingua Malta attends ICEF Berlin 2011

The NEW Bisazza Street

My Internship Experience in Malta 2010

TEFL & EFL Autumn Courses 2010

The Malta Arts Festival 2010

TEFL June 2010 Crash Course

TEFL & EFL Courses

Things to do in Malta - On your English Learning Winter Holiday!

Courses at inlingua starting January 2010!

2010 for inlingua Malta!!

Birthday in Gozo

Lessons at inlingua

Day trip to Valletta

My first two months in Malta

inlingua Malta at the FELTOM workshop

Spain win again!

student life at the Dean Residence

inlingua Malta Business English Programmes

Getting your house in order

1565

Why we love Mondays

Meet Fausto and Kristina

crossing language barriers

Get it right

Cambridge ESOL at inlingua Malta

Moby in Malta

Wine tasting for inlingua students

we make it simple

A little bit about inlingua Malta

Fireworks festival

we do things differently

goodbye and thanks from Bernie and the gang!

Karaoke night for inlingua students

isle of MTV lineup announced

Happy Birthday Bernie!

inlingua trainers attend Business English workshop

Malta voted third best diving destination

online testing

Beautiful Malta!

Malta has received 1 million EFL students!

A room with a view

inlingua Malta making cyber waves

Here's an extra 10%

inlingua Malta in Language Travel Magazine

live like a local (2) - when the sun doesn't shine

50+ programme

Winter Sale! Special offers

Maria and Juliane

smiling, happy people

a feast for 5000

let it rain

rockstars and bread

don't just take my word for it

Live like a local (1): Hobz biz-zejt

festival fever

great start to Summer

FCE Exam Package Recommended Level: Upper Intermediate
16 January; 16 April; 25 June; 15 October

CAE Exam Package Recommended Level: Advanced:
23 January; 16 April; 25 June; 8 October

CPE Exam Package Recommended Level: Proficiency
16 January; 16 April; 8 October