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Bc. Andrea Vášková, CTU Prague,
ročník 5About the country
Location of the place
Malta is located in the Mediterranean Sea and it is the smallest country in EU. This country is a very small island with beautiful architecture and its historical value.
City
Balzan is in the middle of Malta but you cannot recognize the borders of cities. The royal San Anton garden is located in Balzan and it is one of the most beautiful places in Malta. It is not a problem to get to Balzan by bus or you can walk.
Surroundings (possible trips, ...)
To travel in Malta is easy by a public transport system (if the bus comes). There are many interesting places to visit from historical cities to beautiful cliffs. All of the sand beaches are usually crowded. On the other hand, stone ones used to be empty and water was much more clear.
There is possibility to take a ferry to another islands - Gozo and Comino. Comino is between Malta and Gozo and its known for Blue Lagune. Gozo is a bit further but it is like a village. The best place to visit was Azure window but it fell down.
There is possibility to take a ferry to another islands - Gozo and Comino. Comino is between Malta and Gozo and its known for Blue Lagune. Gozo is a bit further but it is like a village. The best place to visit was Azure window but it fell down.
Employer
Employer
Architect's Studio - Patrick Calleja Architects, private company in Balzan.
Small studio (4 people in one office, 2 people in second office), most of them young. They spoke English very well because it is their native language. They speak Maltese as well sometimes (second native language). But when I was with them they spoke mainly English.
Small studio (4 people in one office, 2 people in second office), most of them young. They spoke English very well because it is their native language. They speak Maltese as well sometimes (second native language). But when I was with them they spoke mainly English.
Work description
I worked on various projects - apartments, extension of industrial hall, industrial park in quarry, Malta post, Lombard Bank. I saw many building sites and usually they let me decide almost everything in my projects. I had to consult projects with my boss and then present it to clients, and it was really interesting. Once happened the meeting with client was in Maltese so I could not understand.
Salary (sufficient for local conditions?)
I earned 680€ for 4 weeks and it seems to be enough for accommodation, food, public transport (very expensive), parties and even partly for flight tickets. You are not able to save any money.
Language requirements
They required good English because you are supposed to present your ideas and projects. Be fluent in English is good but really not necessary. Maltese people are very helpful.
Accommodation (price, who provided it)
My flat was located in different city but I walked everyday around 20 minutes to the office. It was not bad and there wasn't another choice how to get there. The price was 250 euros per month and I shared room with two other girls. We have our own kitchen and bathroom en-suite. To be honest this flat was dirty and uncomfortable for me. Six other people could be in the flat + owner. The owner is couchsurfer and he also rent the rooms by Airbnb. He was really helpful but on the other hand he was really annoying and some things were big problem for him. Guys from IAESTE found this accommodation for me and during the summer other girls from IAESTE's internship programme lived with me (but the rest of the international people lived in Msida).
Social life
Meeting IAESTE members (pick-up at the airport, organized events...)
They picked me up at the airport and took me to the flat and to the supermarket. Twice they organised barbecues on the beach, one meeting in the bar and they went with us to Mosta feast. I expected more organised events.
Meeting other foreign students
For me It was a bit problem to meet other guys who lived in Msida because I lived in other city and at night you have to walk to get home (it is not safe) or take a taxi (one way is more than 10 euro). But I went for trips with girls who I lived with and during weekend we tried to meet all together. We have WhatsApp group so It was really easy to communicate.
Sport and culture
You can try scuba diving, kayaking to different beaches or swimming in caves. Cultural program mainly consisted of going to the feasts. Every week they have two or three different places where the feasts were, they have parades and fireworks. It is beautiful and worthy to see.
Food, local specialties
The most traditional food is rabbit, I tried it but I did not like it so much. I had a chance to taste Maltese plate (starter), seafood (lobster, ...) and traditional pastici and everything was really good.
Other information
Possibilites to communicate with the Czech Republic
No problem since roaming fee has been cancelled.
Recommendations for students who will go to the same place
Do not forget things like sandals, shorts, tops... during august the weather can be little bit windy and colder but the temperature is still around 30°C.
What not to forget with you
Install app Tallinja (for public transport)
Strong sunblock
Souvenirs from CZ
Strong sunblock
Souvenirs from CZ
Benefits of the internship
It has been a pleasure for me and I have learned a lot. It was a great opportunity to learn different approach to architectural work.These two months were like a fairy tale for me! Moreover I improved my English skills and I found new friends.
Cooperation with IAESTE in the foreign country
Without any problem.
Overall experience with IAESTE
Not really impressed I think they can do they job better. But to be honest IAESTE in Malta has just 8 members so I understand it is not easy job for them.
Student's website
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Employer's webiste
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Other useful links
https://www.publictransport.com.mt/
Other comments
If you have any other questions you can send me an email: [email protected]