The Maltese culture can be experienced in things other than places and products – language, for example, is in itself part of Malta’s intrinsic heritage and reflects the texture and fabric of Maltese society.

The International & EU Office at the University of Malta organised an ERASMUS Intensive Language Course (EILC) in the Maltese language with the aim of promoting the less taught languages across Europe, Maltese being one of them.

The course was held between 5 September and 12 October, and was funded through support received from the Commission of the European Communities within the framework of the Lifelong Learning Programme, (ERASMUS).

Eight ERASMUS students successfully completed the course in the Maltese Language delivered by the Malta University Language School. The students followed 60 hours in a lecture setting and successfully passed the assessment held at the end of the course.

The cultural component of the course was aimed to expose participants to the historical, cultural and lifestyle aspects of the Maltese Islands.

Site visits included historical tours of Dingli, Valletta, Mdina, Mosta, Blue Grotto and Marsaxlokk. Other places of interest visited were Tarxien Temples, Mnajdra and Hagar Qim and the Domus Romana, Rabat. The students were also taken on a Harbour tour.

The participants were awarded a certificate at a ceremony celebrating Maltese cuisine.

Director of the International & EU Office, Stefania Fabri, and Godfrey Magri, course tutor, presented the certificates. Also present were Anna Callus, Deputy Director of the International & EU Office, Keith Carabott and Angele Patiniott, Erasmus Officers at the International & EU Office.