Taking it slow as an exchange student at University of Malta Past Review
By Ashley L (Human Development and Family Science, Oklahoma State University - Stillwater) for
University of Malta: Malta - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
This program was definitely worthwhile! I learned a lot not only about living in another country, but also living with people from other countries. It was a hard transition because in America things are done very efficiently, while in Malta, everything is just laid back. I don't know that I would study abroad there again, but I definitely wouldn't take it back either!
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Spring 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The University of Malta was very disorganized in finding courses to take as well as meeting with students to solve problems. I felt as though they sometimes asked for my opinion or would offer help, only if it was in line with what they considered to be the best. However, my education was not only at the university, I learned the most just being there. It was a great opportunity and stretching experience! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
While they were usually kind, they were very slow in replying to questions and rarely helped with scheduling. When they asked for suggestions on improvement, they were offended when we told them everything wasn't perfect! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The residence wasn't so bad except that our only apartment gathering place was the kitchen/dining room/bathroom (yes, they were all in the same room!) Lija was a great place to live though, it was fairly quiet and very safe. I never felt unsafe walking alone, even at night. |
| * Food: |
I loved a new variety of food. It wasn't too inconvenient to shop for food, the grocery store (Smart Supermarket) was only about a 10-15 minute walk away. There are also a few nice little veggie stands and local meat markets around that are great to go to! Ask around for local restaurants and of course try the pastizzi! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The residence had a few hikes around Malta while I was there which was so much fun! The university didn't have very many programs for internationals, but just being at the residence with people from around the world is a blast! I'm not much of a party person, but there is certainly a fair share of clubs. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Malta has got to be the safest place in Europe! As far as health care-a little sketchy! haha! There is a doctor office down the street from the residence, but it's a little room in a hole in the wall office. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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Language
| Language acquisition improvement? |
They spoke English with me in Malta. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Malta is a good place to study abroad. Any place you go will have pros and cons. Malta isn't very well known so it may not "sound" as cool as other places. It's also an island so everything is a bit more expensive (traveling to other European countries, food, mailing, etc). However, if you have an open mind to a laid back culture you'll learn to love the little things about Malta that no other country has. |
