What did you know about Malta before visiting for the first time?
I didn’t know much. I just knew it was a small Mediterranean island with a British background and a glorious history.
What were your first impressions when you arrived?
I first visited Malta about seven years ago and loved it. I enjoyed the mixed way of Mediterranean and English life, the historical period of the Knights of the Order of St John, and the discovery of the past. We visited a few times and, little by little, I got to know Valletta and Mdina, which are such jewels. I like the contrast between the stones, the sky and the sea.
Why did you decide to settle down here?
We were looking for a country to settle in so we decided to give Malta a try for one year. Four years later we are still here. We found that we are happy, we met friendly people, Maltese, and foreigners, and made many friends. I enjoy the diversity of cultural activities. Life is pleasant and secure.
When was Malte Accueil set up and with what aims?
In Malta, we have the French Embassy and the Consulate, the Alliance Française, the Franco-Maltese Chamber of Commerce and the Fondation de Malte, but there was no social organisation.
In 2010, I decided to create Malte Accueil when I was looking for people to meet. There are 200 Accueil associations worldwide but there was none in Malta. I began by myself, but quickly made an official non-profit association with a board of three persons in 2012, and we have now more than 150 members.
Our aim is simple: to welcome and help new expats to settle down, and to create a web of French, Francophiles and Francophones who meet regularly. We have about 11 nationalities, including Maltese, and this diversity of cultures is what gives the association its dynamic rush. Everybody can participate on a voluntary basis in the field they prefer.
How difficult is it for a French expat to settle down in Malta and what are the major headaches?
Like in many countries – France is no better for a foreigner – it is frequently difficult to understand the administrative procedures. The new e-ID for instance has been a stress for many of us while Transport Malta papers can be hard to obtain also. The few options for flight connections to France are sometimes a problem. However, the Maltese are always really helpful, which is a great comfort.
What events do you organise for Malte Accueil members?
We organise regular events every month, including dinner parties with families and new members, coffee mornings, drinks in pubs and bowling games. Every week, activities for adults or children are proposed by volunteers such as photography, sewing, chess, crafts and English conversation lessons. Once a month we also help Frank Scerri at Xemxija Heritage Trail to help with the upkeep. It is a great opportunity to participate concretely in the preservation of a historically rich environment.
Membership in Malte Accueil is growing. What attracts members to the association?
We are lucky to have a great group of different ages, nationalities, interests, and backgrounds, which give us plenty of energy and a good feeling. Meeting French people and sharing our experience helps them to settle down faster and more easily. The fact that our association is growing adds more diversity to the activities offered by and to the members. We also have a new website which will help us attract more members.
What do you miss most about France?
Sometimes a desire for a mountain forest with streams.
Malte Accueil was formed three years ago by Sophie Woltz and recognised officially in 2012. To date, it has more than 150 members, including children, from 11 nationalities of Francophiles. For more information visit www.malteaccueil.org.