Malta Parent-Child Study Abroad Guide | European Culture and English

Malta, a small island nation floating in the Mediterranean, is known for its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and streets lined with historic buildings. As a member of the Commonwealth, it uses English widely as an official language and maintains a high standard of education. For this reason, Malta is a popular destination for parent-and-child study abroad, drawing families not only from Europe but from all over the world.

In Malta, parent-and-child study abroad typically means that the child joins a local English class for kids or juniors while the parent takes a general English course. It is also possible for the parent not to attend classes and simply look after the child's studies, so you can build a flexible plan to suit your lifestyle.

In addition, Malta is safe, and the whole island is compact and easy to get around. It offers an environment where parents and children can experience life abroad with peace of mind while combining sightseeing and study. Beyond English learning, opportunities to experience European culture and to make friends from many countries are also major attractions.

1. An environment where English is an official language

Malta belongs to the Commonwealth, and English is an official language in education and administration. Street signs and conversations in shops are in English, so parent and child can naturally get used to an environment where English is used.

2. Safety and ease of living

Malta, known as one of the safer countries in Europe, is a place where parents and children can live with peace of mind. The whole island is compact and easy to get around, making it well suited as a first study-abroad destination.

3. A multinational learning environment

Language schools in Malta attract students from across Europe, including Italy, France, and Germany, as well as from the Middle East and Asia. For children, it is a valuable experience of building international friendships.

4. Experience European culture firsthand

Malta is a place where ancient history and Mediterranean culture blend. The streets of the capital, Valletta, are a World Heritage Site, and you can enjoy cultural experiences and sightseeing between lessons.

5. Combine sightseeing and study as a parent and child

With beautiful beaches, the Blue Grotto, the island of Gozo, and more, Malta has abundant tourist attractions. It is a destination that balances study and vacation: you can enjoy a resort feel with the family on weekends while studying English seriously on weekdays.

1. Parent-and-child courses at language schools

The most common option is the parent-and-child package course offered by language schools.

• **Child**: Learns English in a kids or junior class suited to their age.
• **Parent**: Can take a general English course or a daily conversation class on the same campus. Because you attend the same school, there is no need for drop-offs and pick-ups, and you can concentrate on studying with peace of mind.

2. Accompanying-parent type (only the child attends school)

In this style, the child joins a language school or summer camp while the parent does not take classes and instead provides support for daily life. It also suits families with young children or parents who continue working remotely.

3. Summer camp-type programs

Short, intensive junior programs offered only during the summer holidays.

• They combine activities (sports, cultural experiences, sightseeing) with English study.
• Children gather from all over Europe, making international exchange easy. Recommended for families who want a short cross-cultural experience.

4. One-on-one lessons for parent and child

At some schools, parent and child can take private lessons together. Parents can learn while watching over their child's study, which makes this popular with beginner parent-and-child pairs.

1. School dorms and residences

Student dorms and residences run by language schools sometimes offer family rooms for parents and children.

• Close to the school, so commuting is convenient.
• Easy to interact with other parent-and-child students.
• Often you can choose with or without meals. Recommended for short-term study or families who value interaction.

2. Homestay

Staying with a local family and sharing daily life.

• A family atmosphere that creates more chances to use English.
• You can experience Maltese culture and eating habits.
• Time with a second family becomes a lasting memory for the child. However, lifestyles differ from household to household, so flexibility is required.

3. Apartment or condominium stay

Apartments and condominiums with kitchens are popular with parents and children staying long term.

• You can cook for yourselves and save on food costs.
• You can secure private space and keep your daily rhythm.
• You can also widen your options by using services such as Airbnb.

4. Hotels and serviced apartments

Suited to short stays and families who prioritize comfort.

• Room service and cleaning service included.
• You can enjoy a resort feel with amenities such as pools and kids' rooms.
• Ideal if you want to combine sightseeing and study.

The cost of parent-and-child study abroad in Malta varies greatly depending on the type of accommodation and school, but the following are typical estimates.

1. Tuition

• Language school parent-and-child course (parent + child): **about JPY 200,000 to 300,000** Parent in a general English course (15 to 20 lessons per week) Child in a kids/junior class (15 to 20 lessons per week)

2. Accommodation costs

• School dorm/residence: **JPY 150,000 to 200,000**
• Homestay (2 meals included): **JPY 180,000 to 250,000**
• Apartment/Airbnb (self-catering): **JPY 150,000 to 250,000** There is a big difference depending on the type of stay.

3. Airfare (round trip, parent and child, 2 people)

• About **JPY 150,000 to 200,000** (varies by season and transit point) * There are no direct flights from Japan, so you need to transfer in a major European city.

4. Local living expenses

• **JPY 50,000 to 100,000** for food, transportation, entertainment, etc.
• Eating out mostly makes it more expensive, so combining it with self-catering can save money.

5. Other costs

• School registration fee and teaching materials: **about JPY 20,000 to 30,000**
• Overseas study insurance: **JPY 10,000 to 20,000 (1 month)**
• Sightseeing and leisure: **JPY 20,000 to 50,000** for weekend family activities

Estimated Total

**About JPY 550,000 to 850,000 (1 month, parent and child, 2 people)**

1. A multinational community

Malta is an international environment where many tourists and students from across Europe gather. In addition to Italy, France, Germany, and Spain, there are many visitors from the Middle East and Asia, and a major attraction is that parent and child can make friends from many countries.

2. A rich food culture

Centered on Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, you can enjoy healthy meals using seafood, pasta, and olive oil. Prices are relatively reasonable, and there are plenty of dishes that children find easy to eat. Fresh vegetables and fruit are available at supermarkets, which is also convenient for those who cook for themselves.

3. Compact and convenient to get around

Because Malta is a small island nation, access to major cities and tourist spots is easy. With a well-developed bus network and ferries, you can get around without a car. Outings with children are smooth.

4. Abundant tourist attractions

• **Blue Grotto**: Spectacular natural scenery enjoyed by boat.
• **Gozo**: Beautiful beaches and countryside scenery.
• **Valletta, a World Heritage Site**: A cultural area with historic architecture and museums. Being able to sightsee and refresh with the family between lessons is an advantage unique to Malta.

5. Warm climate and safety

The climate is warm throughout the year and relatively comfortable even in winter. Because it is safe, parent and child can live with peace of mind.

1. Crowded with tourists in summer, and prices rise

Malta is one of Europe's leading tourist destinations and becomes very crowded in summer in particular. Airfare and accommodation costs also tend to soar, so if you want to keep the cost of parent-and-child study abroad down, we recommend considering the off-seasons of spring and autumn.

2. No direct flights from Japan

There are no direct flights from Japan to Malta, so you need to transfer in a major European or other hub city (London, Dubai, Istanbul, etc.). When traveling with children, choose flights with layover time and convenience at the transit airport in mind.

3. Visa and residence permit checks are needed

Short stays of up to 90 days within the Schengen Area do not require a visa, but a visa procedure may be needed if you want long-term study or to extend a parent-and-child stay. Check with the school or agency in advance.

4. English accents and differences in school quality

Maltese English is based on British English but has its own distinctive pronunciation and accent. In addition, there are many language schools and their quality varies, so it is important to research reviews and track records and choose a reliable school.

5. Preparing for medical care and insurance

The quality of medical care in Malta is relatively high, but because it is a small country, specialized treatment may sometimes have to be provided in another country. For parent-and-child study abroad, be sure to take out overseas travel insurance so you are prepared if your child falls ill.

Parent-and-child study abroad in Malta is **a valuable opportunity to experience European culture and English learning at the same time**. Because it is safe and the whole country is compact and easy to live in, parent and child can enjoy life abroad with peace of mind.

Parents can join a general English course while children join junior classes or summer camps, and you can choose a flexible plan to suit your lifestyle, such as parent and child studying together or only the child studying. Accommodation can also be chosen to suit your family's style, from school dorms and homestays to self-catering apartments and hotels.

The estimated cost is about **JPY 550,000 to 850,000** per month for parent and child (2 people). There are points to note, such as the lack of direct flights from Japan, summer crowds, and the need for visa procedures, but in return you gain a multinational learning environment and rich sightseeing and cultural experiences that other destinations cannot match.

Parent-and-child study abroad in Malta, which lets you balance learning and family time, will be an unforgettable experience that not only improves your English but also deepens the bond between parent and child.