For our series “How do you live in…?”, we are happy to host Malta Expats, who tell us about life on their beautiful island… Thank you!!!
It is an honor for us to have the opportunity to write a guest article for the audience of Expatclic. Not long ago, there was a detailed survey taken where the expats, or the internationals living and working in their current countries abroad, gave their opinion about the country they lived in. Malta, being a hot Expat destination lately, often appears high on the list of countries that are suitable for the expatriate community.
Here are some of the points why the expats in Malta have a high quality lifestyle:
Everyone speaks English!
Being a former British colony – the English language has remained institutional and you can speak it in every part of the society. A person gets along quite easily at a flea market, the post office, hospitals, institutions, with public documents and announcements. People are friendly and helpful, so it does make a difference when dealing with errands like opening a bank account, renting a flat or simply getting directions from a local granny who sits on the corner (which is quite normal). Being an expat in a foreign country where the primary language is English makes life a lot easier.
The weather!
Situated in the middle of the Mediterranean, Malta has many days of sunshine even when it’s raining or during the “winter” season. Winters are mild, with occasional rain and lot of humidity in the air. The lowest temperature is around 0 degrees Celsius under very unusual circumstances. There is no central heating on the island–there are no radiators or gas heating centrals installed by the government authorities. Summers are long and dry – there isn’t any rain during the summer season for about 6 months. Having said all this, there is plenty of sun all year round.
The crystal-clear Mediterranean Sea!
If you enjoy swimming, snorkeling, diving or just living near by the sea, Malta is the place to live. Being a small dot on the global map, Malta is surrounded by water and not just any kind of water but crystal-clear water with astonishing blue lagoons, all kinds of beaches from rocky to white sand beaches and bays with breathtaking views. Reaching the coast is quite easy since the whole island is small. Malta is a tiny little dot on the global map with just 32 kilometers from north to south and 14 km from east to west. It takes not more than 30 minutes and you can have your afternoon break near the beach.
The Health System on Malta is free
at the public hospital Mater Dei! In fairness, it’s the only public hospital where you can get health care free of charge as long you are employed. Every week you have 25 euros deducted as a part of the social security and benefits program. As odd as it sounds–you will be asked to submit your current pay slips upon arrival at the hospital. There are quite a few private hospitals as well where you can get faster and better service, but you will be charged. Once employed as an expat, you can be reimbursed for these bills by the insurance company.
Primary and secondary education in Malta is also free of charge. Yet again there are public and private schools where you are charged per semester twice in year. The studies and individual classes are in English and give a unique opportunity for your children to be exposed to English language outside Britain and USA. Enrolling your kids in a free public school is a process which depends on your residency card and the area where you live. There is also transportation organized by the schools in case you live further out. For the most recent expat arrivals to Malta preliminary specialized English classes for non-English speakers are offered each semester.
Living the expatriate life on Malta is a unique experience. The rare mix of nationalities in such a small and crowded environment is a story all its own. The quality of life on the island has much to offer its newcomers.
Malta Expats
October 2016
Photo credit ©Malta Expats
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