Education First (EF Malta)
Description of EF Malta School
EF Malta (Education First Malta) is a leading English school in Malta and probably the most well-known thanks to the international renown of the EF group. The EF group is the largest organization dedicated to learning languages abroad through immersion. It has around forty learning centers spread over five continents and employs tens of thousands of people.
The EF Malta learning center was inaugurated in 1999 and is located in St. Julian’s, the bustling and lively heart of Malta, just steps from St George’s Bay beach and the Paceville nightlife district.
EF Malta has 29 classrooms, allowing it to accommodate up to 600 students simultaneously. It is a large school capable of hosting all types of students. Courses for children and teenagers start at age 7. It is one of the few schools in Malta accepting children under 9 years old.
Certifications of EF School
EF holds the ELT license, which makes it an officially recognized school by the Maltese government.
It also has the Eaquals accreditation, an international benchmark label for language centers and a guarantee of the quality of the teaching provided. EF is also certified as an official Cambridge English training center.
However, EF Malta is no longer a member of FELTOM schools (Federation of English Language Teaching Organisations Malta), the Maltese organization that brings together and certifies Malta’s most renowned English schools.
EF English Courses
EF Malta offers course formats that differ from those of other English schools in Malta, notably regarding lesson duration and course formats, which makes direct comparisons difficult.
Lessons at EF last 40 minutes, whereas they last 45 minutes in other Maltese schools. They can include both classroom-based lessons with a teacher, as well as project sessions, special lessons, and lectures.
The school offers 10 English course formats for adults, available to students aged 18 and over, all year round, from Monday to Friday. Classes consist of a maximum of 17 students, except for professional English courses, which are limited to 12 students.
- Reduced English (EF Summer) – 20 lessons – 13 hours and 20 minutes per week, including 10 hours and 40 minutes of English lessons
- General English (EF General) – 26 lessons – 17 hours and 20 minutes per week, including 13 hours and 20 minutes of English lessons
- Intensive English (EF Intensive) – 32 lessons – 21 hours and 20 minutes per week, including 17 hours and 20 minutes of English lessons
- Cambridge FCE/CAE/CPE Preparation (Cambridge Preparation) – 32 lessons of 40 minutes – 21 hours and 20 minutes per week
- TOEIC/TOEFL/IELTS Exam Preparation – 32 lessons – 21 hours and 20 minutes per week, including 17 hours and 20 minutes of English lessons
- Business English – 32 lessons – 21 hours and 20 minutes per week, including 17 hours and 20 minutes of English lessons
- English Proficiency Certificate – 26 lessons – 17 hours and 20 minutes per week, including 13 hours and 20 minutes of English lessons
- Intensive English Proficiency Certificate – 32 lessons – 21 hours and 20 minutes per week, including 17 hours and 20 minutes of English lessons
- Career Preparation – 26 lessons – 17 hours and 20 minutes per week, including 13 hours and 20 minutes of English lessons
- Intensive Career Preparation – 32 lessons – 21 hours and 20 minutes per week, including 17 hours and 20 minutes of English lessons
The school also offers two English course formats for young learners and teenagers, available during the summer holidays, as well as the Easter and All Saints’ Day holidays.
EF students are assigned to several groups according to projects and levels.
Accommodation
EF Malta offers three accommodation solutions for adults opting for a full language stay in the form of a “Package” or courses + accommodation. Students can choose between the EF St. George’s Beach Residence (available to students aged 18 to 25), shared apartments located in Balluta Bay, or homestay with host families.
Minor students are accommodated in the residence and campus at St. Paul’s Bay.
Accommodation solutions for adults
EF St. George’s Beach Residence
The EF residence, located opposite St. George’s Bay beach, is open to students aged 18 to 25. It consists of simple rooms equipped with 2, 3, or 4 beds. A large communal kitchen is available to students, as well as a relaxation lounge and a game room. Showers and toilets are shared among the rooms on the same floor.
Shared apartment
EF apartments are located in Balluta Bay, an ideal location highly sought-after by visitors to Malta. The apartments directly face the seafront with a stunning view of the Neptunes Waterpolo Club, to which students may have access. The apartments are large and spacious and include a small terrace. Each apartment has a fully equipped kitchen, a living room, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning (AC).
Host families
EF works with many Maltese host families to accommodate its students. Families are located within a 25-minute walk from the school. They can accommodate between 2 and 4 students.
EF Malta Reviews
EF Malta is a good school that also benefits from the advantages of a large group. It is very popular among young adults, particularly for its facilities, its beach club – a big plus – and its dynamic atmosphere. The school maintains a very good educational level, with qualified teachers and interactive teaching methods. Of all the schools, it is also the one offering the best range of activities.
It is clear, however, that EF is the most expensive school in Malta for a language stay, for all course formats and stay durations. The (very) high prices are partly due to the international reputation of the group, but they are not necessarily justified by the services offered, especially when compared to other similarly high-caliber schools, such as ESE, IELS, or EC. Notably, EF’s classes are larger than those of other schools (17 students vs. an average of 12), the weekly hours of teacher-led lessons are fewer, and the residence rooms are often shared by 3 or 4 students, whereas other schools generally have rooms for two.
Aside from the price, EF is among the top schools in Malta.
Positive aspects of EF Malta
- A large, multicultural school offering a wide diversity of student nationalities.
- High-quality teaching by native, qualified teachers.
- A private beach club reserved for EF students at St. George’s Bay.
- A very modern main building with comfortable classrooms equipped with interactive whiteboards.
- A very lively complex with numerous additional activities.
- A well-equipped residence just two minutes from the school and the beach.
- An ideal location for young adults, two minutes from the beach and Paceville district.
Negative aspects of EF Malta
- The most expensive school in Malta.
- Larger classes than other Maltese schools (17 students vs. 12 in most other schools).
- The programs include conferences and projects counted as lessons. It’s interesting for varied learning, but it does not have the same value as a teacher-led classroom lesson.
- The proximity of the school and the EF residence to the Paceville district encourages nightlife among young adults, leading to absenteeism.
- The quality of the accommodation (outside the main EF residence). Shared apartments and host families are frequently criticized by students.
Locations
Address of EF Malta school: Triq Santu Wistin, San Ġiljan, Malta
EF school is located in the vibrant center of St. Julian’s (San Ġiljan). It enjoys a highly sought-after location in Malta, especially among young adults, as it is near the Paceville nightlife area, the sandy beach of St George’s Bay, and numerous shopping centers, including the brand-new Mercury Tower.
Frequently Asked Questions about EF Malta
Is EF Malta a good school for learning English?
EF Malta is one of the best schools to learn English in Malta. EF has been in Malta for over 25 years. It is a reference school offering quality courses.
What certifications does the EF Malta English school hold?
EF is certified by the Ministry of Education of Malta (ELT Council). It also holds the following certifications.
- Elt Council
- Equals
- Cambridge English
- Trinity College
How many classrooms does EF Malta have?
The Education First school in Malta has 29 classrooms equipped for English teaching.
Does EF offer language stays for young learners and teenagers?
EF Malta English school offers language stays for young learners during the main school holidays. These young learner programs take place in Saint Paul’s Bay.
Where is the Education First center in Malta located?
The Education First center in Malta is located at Triq Santu Wistin in the town of San Ġiljan in Malta.
How much does a language stay in Malta at EF cost?
Language stays at EF Malta, excluding promotional offers, are the most expensive in Malta, 30% to 50% more than other schools. Prices vary depending on the duration, period, course format, and any promotional offers. For a two-week stay with English lessons and accommodation, prices generally hover around 2,000 euros.