Foreign students learn Maltese

Twenty Socrates and Erasmus students have successfully completed an Erasmus Intensive Language Course (EILC) in Maltese. The course was delivered by the Malta University Services Ltd, with the co-ordination of the University's European Unit.

This course - organised with the support of the Commission of the European Communities within the framework of the Socrates-Erasmus Programme - was open to Erasmus students following a period of exchange at the University during the present academic year.

The EILC aims to provide students with an opportunity to acquire knowledge of the Maltese language. The students followed 60 hours in a lecture setting and successfully passed the test at the end of the course. The cultural component of the course aims to expose participants to the historical and cultural aspect of Malta and Gozo, drawing them closer to Maltese culture and lifestyle.

The cultural tours focused on Maltese history and architecture, with visits to important sites in Valletta as well as a walk around the Three Cities and a visit to the Inquisitor's Palace. The students also visited Ghar Dalam and Tarxien Temples, and the fishing village of Marsaxlokk.

A day in Gozo included a visit to the Gozo Heritage as well as to Ggantija Temples, the Citadel, Dwejra and Xlendi. Students had the opportunity to taste traditional Maltese food and wine in a very informal yet historical setting during the closing dinner hosted in a palazzo dating back to 1562.

The presentation of certificates was held last month at the University's Council Room by the Rector, Professor Roger Ellul Micallef. Also attending were the Pro Rector, Professor Charles Farrugia; the Director of the European Unit, Dr Joe Mifsud; Joanna Vella, MUS administration and marketing executive, and Godfrey Magri, the course lecturer.