How to choose your type of language class

How do you choose language classes? Let’s take a look at the available options and start with the classic language school.

One of the most efficient ways to learn a language is by following classes at a language school or a language institute. These schools adapt to the needs of the student and use an individual approach. Many of them offer a wide range of language learning tools, like lessons at your home or company, own learning materials, phone lessons and e-learning platforms. Be ready to speak, as a good language school makes their students talk. One disadvantage: these classes are the most expensive type of classes. If you’re short on cash, ask for group classes.

people university
Many universities offer language classes ©

 

If you’d like to find a cheaper option, classes at universities or non-governmental organisations might be a good choice. Unlike language schools, their first goal isn’t earning money. Usually, their tools and services are more limited and the groups tend to be bigger. You probably won’t have too many choices when it comes to location, and the hours of the classes will be set in advance, so no canceling. Make sure to be active in class: ask questions, do your homework and talk to the teacher.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/160082970@N04/44112113312/

The cheapest

The cheapest option: group classes by the government. Even if they tend to be the least efficient, there are many reasons why you could follow them. If you don’t want to improve too quickly. Or if you want to meet fellow students. Or if you need to often skip classes. A limited number of locations. The groups are the biggest. The services are the most limited. And progress will move at the pace of the least capable learner. But these don’t need to be a disadvantage. As for universities, be active and participate.

One of the most diverse types of classes is given by individual language teachers. There are many teachers looking for students, both online and offline (I teach on italki.com and here’s $10 extra). Materials, prices, teaching methods, number of students in a class, progress, quality, and location all depend on the teacher. So make sure to agree in advance on the price, location, number of students and materials. Also, communicate what you’d like to do and where you’ll meet exactly. To find teachers, look for ads on websites like justlanded.com.

Tips
  • Always ask for recommendations from your local friends and colleagues. They might give you specific advice about the possibilities in your location.
  • Ask your teacher or language school if you can try the class just for one lesson. That way, you’ll quickly know what to expect. And you won’t be stuck in a class you’re not interested in.
  • Check if your company or organisation can get you discounts, or maybe even offer you language classes for free.
  • Find out where you can find Dutch language classes in Belgium and where you can follow Maltese language classes.

Where to find Maltese language lessons, teachers and courses

Learn the Maltese language to express yourself in Malta's official language

Where can you follow Maltese classes?

Many teachers and universities offer Maltese classes, as well as the Maltese government. Some are online, others are in classrooms. Here is a list of organisations and people offering Maltese lessons. Disclaimer: prices and locations may change.

Group classes in Malta

  • Malta’s government offers very cheap, 3-hour weekly classes for all levels located all around the islands as well as online. A whole year only costs around €35. Search for the keyword ‘Maltese’ here. Courses last from October till May. Conversation classes also available.
  • The University of Malta gives a course of 30 hours for groups of beginners, plus two follow-up courses in Lija (or online). They cost €250 each and start in August and October.
  • A Maltese teacher runs 6-weeks Skype courses from beginners until intermediate level, prices are around €20 per hour. Contact the teacher here. Individual lessons also possible.
  • MCast offers courses for beginners and advanced students in Paola. Check out their offers here under ‘search courses.’ One course costs €400 for 40 hours.

Private teachers in Malta and online

  • Italki sometimes has online teachers available. Here‘s $5 extra to study via Italki – I’ll get extra money to study too if you go for it.
  • Other private teachers are sometimes on Justlanded or in the Yellow Pages, but ask if anyone is available in this group too. Alternatively, contact this page.
  • International language school Berlitz might offer individual Maltese classes if you ask them.

Classes and lessons outside Malta

  • Series of group lessons by a Maltese teacher in London via this Facebook page.
  • The University of Bremen has a Malta-Centrum sometimes offering courses. Contact them for more information.
  • Group lessons for all levels organised by the Maltese Community Council of Victoria in Australia cost around €70 for 16 lessons of 2 hours. The Maltese Language School of NSW in Australia also offers online and offline classes.

Online Maltese video course

  • My online Maltese course for beginners is in Maltese. Check the previews and read the reviews so you can see how my students rated my course. Also check out my free general course and a verbs’ course.
  • Teleskola offers many shorter online video lessons to pupils, but they’re interesting to adults too. Check the videos from year 7 on for ‘Maltese as a foreign language.’

Spotted another course? Let me know!