Erasmus Experience in Mosta, Malta by Manon

Why did you choose to go to Mosta, Malta?

Because I wanted to learn English whilst discovering more about a country unknown to me, and also to take advantage of the Mediterranean climate.

Mosta, Malta

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How long did you stay for? How much was the grant you recieved?

My stay lasted nine months, and I was entitled to 1200 euros of Erasmus grant.

What is student life like in Mosta?

The atmosphere in Mosta is very calm, but in Paceville it it's more lively, there you find students from all over the world and it can be very easy to make friends.

Would you recommend the town and University of Mosta to other students?

I went to the University of Mosta as I had no other options. But I did have the choice to live in Swieqi, a five minute walk from Paceville, from where I would have to take the bus every day to get to my classes. If you are a party animal, it is better to do this because the buses do not run in the evening. If you prefer to stay in, it would be better to find accommodation in Mosta as that way you won't have to rely much on the bus service.

Swieqi

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What is the country's food like?

Malta is a mix of cultures, the food can range from 'famous' English dishes, to their own creative culinary mixes, to Italian food (pizza), to Sicilian meals (a kind of triangular thing which is a bit stodgy but still manageable). It's worth saying that it's impossible to be on a diet there! The Maltese have their own specialities such as 30cm 'pastizzi' or rabbit dishes!

Did you have much difficulty finding accommodation in Mosta?

Yes, I did have some trouble, but I think that is perhaps because I left it a little late. You should not expect a high standard of accommodation there, as even if it is livable when the weather is hot, in winter you will find it gets super cold, as the cost of heating is not included in the cost of the rent (in most cases), which means electricity is very expensive - and often, the landlords charge you a higher price (they kind of rob you). We can heat the house using gas but at 20 euros a bottle for 5 days worth, it soon becomes impossible, knowing that the dwellings are very very badly insulated and are therefore very wet and cold. It is a test to get through it but the cold weather doesn't usually go on for more than 3 months.

Gozo, a town near Mosta

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What is the cost of living in Mosta like?

I am not going to talk about Mosta in particular, as Malta itself is pretty small and the prices don't vary much throughout (there are certain more touristy places where the restaurants are more expensive and the 'pastizzi' is 40cm). But as Malta is pretty small and dry when it comes to growing produce, it has to be imported from their neighbours. Therefore be aware that the food in supermarkets will be more expensive than that in France, but as for services (restaurants, hairdressers, manicurists, bars, etc), it will be a lot cheaper (a night out in Paceville never costs more than 20 euros, and all the clubs have free entry! ).

What's the language learning like? Did you have a language course organised by your University?

I was not eligible for the language course organised by my University, but it is worth mentioning that the administration and organisation in Malta is extremely bad! But for the first four months, when I was at the University, I had a class with Maltese students at a time when my English was quite bad, and they were very attentive to me (and my peers were understanding). When I didn't understand something I made a note of it so that I could translate it later. I learnt English quickly; when you are immersed in the language, this way you have no choice. The key is to not make too many francophone friends to help ease you out of your native language.

Mosta

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What is the cheapest way of getting to Mosta from your town?

The only way to get to Malta is to take a plane (you can take a boat but it's expensive and takes three days). As for flights I mostly went with Transavia, but it is good to make use of price comparison sites as it can often be a bit unpredictable.

What places would you recommend for a night out in Mosta

Paceville, Paceville and more Paceville. There is nowhere better to go out and meet up and have a cheap night out. Aside from this if you want some more variety there are also boat parties, pool parties and any other excuse to party (including religious holidays).

Paceville has very good nightlife

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What about eating out in Mosta? What are your favourite places

The restaurants are really inexpensive, so I enjoyed discovering different dishes, but my favourite place remains the Italian restaurant in Saint Julians with its view over the little port and with its pretty lights, and great pizza.

Saint Julians

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What cultural trips would you recommend?

Ooh la la! That depends on what you like! The tourist guides suggest a lot of different things. I personally loved the cathedral in Valletta, the village of Popeye, Gozo, and most of all diving in the sea where I saw some great sights.

La cathédrale à Valletta

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Le village de Popeye

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Do you have any advice for students coming to Malta?

Even though I may have come across as somewhat negative at certain points, I would really recommend Malta, it's super, a magnificent place, with beautiful scenery, a cool way of living the Mediterranean life, take it in your stride, and it will be an unforgettable experience!