Living out Guide to Malta - Euroguidance - EUPA

118 Pages·2010·2.84 MB·English

living out
guide for
MALTESE
TRAVELLERS
ideal for persons travelling in Europe and the Euro-Med Region
living out
guide for
MALTESE
TRAVELLERS
3
foreword
The idea to develop this booklet came about as a result of the experience
gained by EUPA in the feld of European project management. Further to
feedback received over the years from our benefciaries it was decided to
develop a handbook to assist Maltese travellers. This handbook provides
practical information on countries related to the programmes and support
structures managed under the auspices of the EUPA – mainly European
member states, countries participating in the Lifelong Learning and Youth
in Action Programmes and other countries in the Euro-Med region.
This publication is a joint efort carried out through between the Lifelong
Learning Programme, the Youth in Action Programme, Euroguidance,
Eurodesk and the Euro-Med Youth Platform.
Although the main target audiences for whom the guide was developed
are Maltese travellers participating in one of the EU-funded initiatives
managed by the EUPA, anyone needing such information is welcome to
take a copy and make use of the tips provided. The EUPA is proud to have
this publication provided to youngsters and adults alike in order to fulfl its
mission of encouraging and facilitating mobility throughout the lifelong
learning continuum. By doing this, the EUPA, through its programmes and
support structures, would be promoting linguistic and cultural diversity,
mobility, and the engagement of Maltese citizens within the European
dimension, which is ultimately the mission statement of the EUPA.
The EUPA appreciates receiving feedback once the person utilising this
guide visits any of the countries mentioned. We also look forward to
collaborate with more and more countries and have them included in any
similar future publications!
1
SECTION 1
QUICK LOOK
AT MALTA
The Republic of Malta is a densely populated developed
European country in the European Union. Its total area is just
over 300 km². It is situated centrally in the Mediterranean Sea,
93 km south of Sicily and 288 km north-east of Tunisia.
People
The estimated population of Malta is 413,609. Native Maltese people
make up the majority of the island. However there are minorities, the
largest of which are British people, many of whom retired to Malta.
The country’s ofcial languages are Maltese and English, which
replaced Italian in 1934.
Climate
The islands enjoy a Mediterranean climate with mild, rainy winters
and hot, dry summers. Numerous bays along the indented coastline
of the islands provide good harbours. The landscape consists of low
hills with terraced felds. The highest point is Ta’ Dmejrek on Malta
Island at 253 metres near Dingli.
Migration
EU nationals do not require a visa or a passport to enter the country.
An ID card or an expired passport is enough. Citizens of a number of
third world countries are not required to apply for a visa and require
only a valid passport when residing in Malta for up to three months.
Visas for other nationalities are valid for one month. Immigrants,
even those with EU citizenship, are required to apply for a work
permit.
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SECTION 2
TRAVELLING
WORKING
VOLUNTEERING
AND STUDYING
ABROAD
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Nowadays, Maltese people are travelling If you lose your passport during your stay
abroad frequently than ever before, either abroad, the Maltese embassy or consulate
to go on holiday or because of work, study abroad will issue a temporary travelling
or training opportunities. However, it is document that will enable you to travel
important that before leaving to another back to Malta; nevertheless they do not
country one makes sure that all the necessary have the authority to issue a new passport.
travel documents are at hand during the early Furthermore, you must provide a police report
stages of travel planning. to testify that your passport has been stolen
or lost, as well as to prove your identity and
It is of utmost importance to check that Maltese citizenship.
your passport is valid. Passports must not
be damaged in any way by having missing One must keep in mind that the travelling
or torn out pages as an individual may document issued may take longer if the
be hindered from entering the country of request takes place between Friday and
destination. Some non-EU countries may also Sunday or if you are far away form the
prevent travellers from entering the country embassy or consulate.
if their passport does not stand free of an
expiration date of at least six months form the A visa may be required for entry in non-EU
expected date of entry into the country. countries in order to check if a visa is required
to enter a particular country one can go at the
Many countries, such as Malta, request that nearest consulate or embassy of the country
children must have their own passports. If of destination or you can check at the Ministry
you have a joint passport with your child, it of Foreign Afairs.
is best to apply for a separate passport. You
are advised to check whether the country of One may also require a transit visa should you
destination permits children to enter or leave have to go through another country before
the country without their own passport. reaching your destination. It is best if you
apply for your visa as early as possible as the
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Important tips
for people wishing
to travel abroad
process may take some time before it is fnally issued. Before If you are a frequent traveller you are advised to apply for an
departing to the country of destination it is important to check annual travel insurance policy which is ofered by various
that the visa issued covers the whole period of your stay as insurance companies and which will spare you from applying
harsh penalties will be imposed on people who extend their for an insurance policy each time you travel.
stay over the period stated on their visa.
Individuals must ensure that their insurance policy covers any
Travel insurance is also essential for travellers in case of hazardous or dangerous activities that they may participate
encountering fnancial or logistical problems. This applies in when abroad. Some insurance companies can refuse to
to both short and long distance travelling. Although the provide reimbursement if safety equipment is not worn in
European Health Insurance scheme ofers health benefts to such activities. Consequently, the travellers may have to face
travellers travelling within the European Union, with regard serious expense such as medical bills.
to Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, it isn’t
considered as a replacement for the travel insurance issued by At least six weeks before travelling abroad, one must also
the licensed insurance company. check if any vaccination is required. One must not assume
that you do not need a vaccination if you are travelling within
Europe.
People who are on any kind of medication must have the
required and sufcient medication at hand to cover their
whole stay abroad. They must also be in possession of the
medical prescription given to them by the doctor.
Certain medicines prescribed in Malta might be illegal in other
countries therefore it is vital to check all your requirements
prior to travelling. On the other hand, check whether other
medicines you may have bought abroad are not illegal in
Malta.
Finally keep in mind that before going abroad visit the Ministry
of Foreign Afairs website, especially the ‘Travel Advice’ section.
Check whether there is any information about the country you
are about to visit as it provides any information or advice on
any risks associated with the destination you are travelling and
what precautions to take.
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Most institutions ofer several courses in English which
facilitates entry of foreign students. Nevertheless, other
courses are taught in the native language. However, to break
the language barrier, language courses are ofered to ease this
burden.
For example, in Slovenia, since studies are mainly taught in the
Slovene language, the basic language required to undertake
these studies is in fact the native language. Furthermore, in
business studies, other European languages which include
English, German and Italian are also vital. Thus, a one year
language course for foreigners is available to help them in this
situation.
This type of service is ofered in other European countries.
Some universities and research institutions in Slovakia such
as The Methodical Centre of Matej Bel University in Banská
Bystrica and The Institute for Foreign Language Studies of the
Slovak Academy of Sciences organise Slovak language courses
for their international students/researchers. These are aimed at
mastering all four language skills: speaking, listening, reading
and writing.
Poland ofers something similar were foreign students can be
accepted at courses ofered in the Polish language after the
completion of a year-long preparation course for undertaking
studies in the polish language at institutions appointed by the
minister in charge of science and universities or at institutions
holding the certifcate of the command of Polish issued by the
National Accreditation Committee for the command of Polish
as a foreign language. However, the accepting university must
afrm that the level of Polish Language command allows for
undertaking the studies carried out in Polish.
Usually, in Romania international students learn Romanian
during the preparatory year. Students will have to take language
tests, during the academic year, in order to check their speaking
and writing abilities. Moreover, international students have
to prove good knowledge of one of the following languages:
English, French or German.
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Tips for studying abroad
Today, more people are willing to continue working
or to further their studies abroad. This chapter will
provide some advice for those individuals wishing to
better their knowledge and improve their labour skills
Language Skills
The most important detail that one should pay
attention to when deciding to study and even to
work abroad is to check the main languages used in
the particular country, as language skills are crucial
when spending a period of time in another European
country.