The island of Malta is renowned as a prime tourist destination. Situated in the heart of the Mediterranean, its strategic location has been coveted throughout history by various empires (including Roman, Arab, Norman, French, and British) for trade and commercial purposes. The array of cultures that have passed through the island has endowed it with a unique cultural richness and diversity, evident not only in its architecture but also in its customs, cuisine, and language.
In recent years, Malta has also gained recognition as an educational destination for international students. The high quality of education, coupled with the benefits the island offers, has attracted students from around the world seeking to improve their English skills or obtain university degrees, certificates, diplomas, or master’s degrees.
Exploring the island’s cultural diversity will greatly complement the student experience of these visitors. An intercultural learning experience will be an added advantage in their knowledge and significantly contribute to their adaptation to this new environment.
Participation in Cultural Activities: How to Get Involved in Maltese Culture.
Malta and its citizens have more than one reason to be proud of their culture, history, and tradition, which dates back over 7,000 years. International students will find numerous benefits in immersing themselves in the island’s daily life, as well as meeting local people who can accompany them in their learning outside the classroom and significantly enrich their educational experience.
Among the best practices for achieving this involvement, we can highlight participation in local events and festivities, joining student groups with the same interest in exploring the island’s cultural richness, learning about history and tradition through visits to museums and historical sites, being curious by showing interest in understanding local customs, and, why not, learning a bit of the local language.
Festivals and Local Events
As mentioned, a great way to explore and understand the island’s culture is by participating in its events and festivities. Malta offers several options throughout the year, including the colourful and authentic “Village festas” held in different cities on weekends between May and September. These mostly religious festivals are attended by locals and foreigners alike, where they can explore Maltese music, cuisine, and customs.
The most popular and well-known festivals and events include the Valletta Baroque Festival, the iconic Carnival, The Feast of Our Lady of the Lily in Imqabba, the Mediterranean Food Festival, Freedom Day, the Ceremony of Our Lady of Victories, BirguFest, Fireworks Festival, among others. For a complete list, you can visit this website.
Main Museums and Historical Sites
For history enthusiasts, Malta has a plethora of museums and historical sites that offer a journey through time. Among the most emblematic and recommended museums and sites are:
The Grand Master’s Palace: Located in the heart of Valletta, the capital, this impressive building built between 1570 and 1580 serves as the official seat of government and a museum. Visitors can admire various paintings, frescoes, and tapestries that recall the Siege of Malta in 1565, one of the island’s most important events. It also displays a collection of archaeological artifacts dating back to 5900 B.C.
The Muza (Malta’s National Community Art Museum): Here, international students will enjoy paintings, sculptures, silverware, and the artistic development of Malta through the years, influenced by the various cultures that passed through the island from the 15th to the early 21st century.
Hal Saflieni Hypogeum: This underground funerary complex, used between 4000 and 1500 B.C. and listed as a World Cultural Heritage site in 1981, offers a chance to relive Malta’s past. The site, excavated on three levels, contains a wealth of archaeological material, including pottery, human bones, personal ornaments, small carved animals, and larger figurines.
Fort St Elmo – Malta at War Museum: Like the strategies of war, the magnificent Fort St Elmo has been strategically used to present the island’s military history, which dates back 7000 years from the Bronze Age to Malta’s accession to the EU. Its main displays date from the Order of St. John, the Ottoman Turks’ invasion, and especially the Second World War, the most significant conflict in the museum.
St John’s Co-Cathedral: More than a historical site, it is a religious landmark, the St John’s Co-Cathedral is an impressive and essential place to visit to understand Malta’s cultural richness. Built by the Order of Malta between 1572 and 1578, it houses various artworks by renowned artists of the time, the most prominent being Caravaggio’s masterpiece “The Beheading of Saint John”. The church also features a collection of marble tombstones where 400 knights of the Order are buried, including the founder of the Maltese capital.
For more information on over 50 museums and historical sites in Malta, you can check out the Heritage official page.
Learning through Culture: Educational and Personal Benefits
Immersing oneself in the culture of the host country not only broadens horizons but also establishes deeper connections with the local community. Taking advantage of this opportunity will lead to both academic and personal growth, making the international student experience unforgettable.
Intercultural learning enriches the academic environment by introducing a diversity of perspectives and experiences. Interacting with Malta’s local culture and its people expands understanding of studied topics by offering multiple viewpoints, thus fostering a more complete and enriching educational environment.
Additionally, considering the increasingly globalized job market, the intercultural skills that international students in Malta can acquire by engaging in the local culture will be highly valued by employers. Students who have experienced intercultural learning will be better equipped to work in international teams, understand global labor market dynamics, and adapt to diverse business environments.
In conclusion, without a doubt, the cultural exploration of the island by international students will allow for intercultural learning. Getting involved in cultural activities will enable them to adapt better to the environment and also gain new knowledge and a global mindset that prepares them for the current job market.
For more information on educational opportunities and benefits that Malta offers for international students, connect with Boom Studies, an educational agency based in Malta, the only one licensed by the Maltese government, and an expert in providing free 360-degree advice for those interested in developing an educational experience in Malta.
