Foreign students learn Maltese

Fourteen Socrates and Erasmus students have successfully completed an Erasmus Intensive Language Course (EILC), held earlier this year.

The course was delivered by Malta University Services, under the co-ordination of the University's International and EU Office, and was organised with the support of the Commission of the European Communities within the framework of the Socrates-Erasmus Programme.

The course was open for Erasmus students following a period of exchange at the University of Malta during this 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 held at the end of the course. The cultural component of the course aims to expose participants to the historical and cultural aspects of the Islands of Malta and Gozo, drawing them closer to the Maltese culture and lifestyle.

Visits included historical tours of Valletta, Rabat, Mdina, Mosta and walking tours in Marsaxlokk. Other places of interest visited were Hagar Qim and Ghar Dalam. The cultural repertoire ended with a Maltese cultural evening, comprising of a talk on Maltese food and legends, which was complemented by a reception at which typical Maltese food and drinks were served. The presentation of certificates was held last month at the University's Council Room.

Presenting the certificates was Pro Rector (Student and Institutional Affairs) Dr Mary Anne Lauri. Also attending were the chairman of the ISE, Professor Charles J. Farrugia, the director of the International and EU Office, Dr Omar Grech, the European Union Programmes Unit Socrates manager; Silvano Cristuaro, the administration and marketing executive, MUS; Katia Saliba, EILC programme co-ordinator; Angele Patiniott and Godfrey Magri, course tutor.