livingliving outout guideguide forfor European Union Programmes Agency 36, Old Mint Street Valletta VLT 1514 - Malta MALTESE MALTESE tel: +356 2558 6130 email: [email protected] web: www.eupa.org.mt TRAVELLERSTRAVELLERS ideal for persons travelling in Europe and the Euro-Med Region This publication has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the European Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein. foreword The idea to develop this booklet came about as a result of the experience gained by EUPA in the field of European project management. Further to feedback received over the years from our beneficiaries 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 effort 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 fulfil 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 3 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 official 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 fields. 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. 4 SECTION 2 TRAVELLING WORKING VOLUNTEERING AND STUDYING ABROAD 5 Important tips for people wishing to travel abroad 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 Affairs. 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 6 process may take some time before it is finally 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 offered 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 financial 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 offers health benefits 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 sufficient 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 Affairs 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. 7 Most institutions offer 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 offered to ease this Tips for studying abroad burden. Today, more people are willing to continue working or to further their studies abroad. This chapter will For example, in Slovenia, since studies are mainly taught in the provide some advice for those individuals wishing to Slovene language, the basic language required to undertake better their knowledge and improve their labour skills these studies is in fact the native language. Furthermore, in business studies, other European languages which include Language Skills English, German and Italian are also vital. Thus, a one year language course for foreigners is available to help them in this The most important detail that one should pay situation. 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 This type of service is offered in other European countries. when spending a period of time in another European Some universities and research institutions in Slovakia such country. 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 offers something similar were foreign students can be accepted at courses offered 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 certificate of the command of Polish issued by the National Accreditation Committee for the command of Polish as a foreign language.