EU students hunt Malta's treasures

Members of AEGEE (the European Students' Forum), one of the largest university students' organisations in Europe, are definitely not dull with work and no play. While the university months are more sober with lectures and seminars, summer creates the perfect opportunity for AEGEE members to travel, meet students from other countries, and learn about different cultures.

The opportunity materialised yesterday with the launch of the annual summer university, which is taking place over the next two weeks in Malta. The organisation's local antenna, AEGEE-Valletta, invited 45 students from various European countries to take part in the event.

Inspired by the sea which surrounds us, the event's theme - MalTeasers Ahoy! - is that of pirates in search of treasure. The quest will take the students to local temples and beaches, towns and landmarks, which will allow them to savour the cultural and social flavours of Malta in an educational and fun way.

William Bellia, vice-coordinator of AEGEE-Valletta's summer university, said the annual summer university is meant to bridge European cultures and give students the opportunity to learn about the ways of life in other countries.

"Every year between June and September, European antennas of AEGEE organise a 15-day summer university. This year marks the tenth year since the launch of the summer university by AEGEE-Europe," Mr Bellia explained.

"The students who have been invited over are welcomed by members of AEGEE-Valletta, who act as hosts during the two-week event. This provides the foreign students with an excellent way in which they can get to know each other, and learn about our country. A summer university hosted by another AEGEE antenna works in a similar fashion, enabling participants to feel welcomed and taken care of."

This year's event has been gearing up since the preparations started off in March. Throughout these months, excitement and enthusiasm have built up - the result of a strong spirit of amicability which unites AEGEE members.

Mr Bellia speaks from experience: "I joined AEGEE-Valletta two years ago as a helper during that year's summer university. Since then, I had the opportunity to visit other places, meet foreign people and learn about lifestyles and cultures. I got so carried away that today I'm totally involved in the organisation, and enjoy every part of it."

During their stay, the group of MalTeasers will be participating in a communications workshop, conducted by Frans Borg, Permanent Secretary of the Education Ministry, and in another workshop conducted by the Igaming academy. Another highlight is the European night, in which participants can enjoy food and drink of different countries, as well as a Maltese table prepared by the local hosts.

Once the event is over, the students will gear up for a fresh University year. AEGEE-Valletta, which last year celebrated a double feat with its 10th anniversary and the award for the best event of the year within AEGEE-Europe's network, has already planned out a schedule of events, which are meant to add momentum to the University experience.

Mr Bellia explained that apart from Freshers' Week, AEGEE-Valletta will be organising meetings for Erasmus students studying in Malta, which are meant to acquaint the students with the Maltese culture and lifestyle in an informative and practical way.

Amid the get-togethers which are organised all year round for foreign and local university students, a four-day network meeting will be held in February which will convene around 50 members from other countries.

"We hope that the network meeting will serve as a bridge between local university students and AEGEE. In fact, students who are interested will be able to join in the meeting," Mr Bellia said.

AEGEE-Valletta would like to thank the sponsors: Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, EF, Cisk Export, Igaming Academy, Malta Tourism Authority, Gozo Channel Co. Ltd, Marsaxlokk local council, Istituto Italiano di Cultura and the Italian Embassy, the Austrian Embassy, Heritage Malta, Malta Council for Culture and the Arts, Food Chain, Master Group Demajo Group, Gnuff and General Soft Drinks.