What’s it like to live in Valletta during your work placement abroad? You want to do an internship abroad in a capital city and you’ve been thinking about Valletta in Malta, but you’re wondering what life is like there! Well, that’s a very good question! Let me tell you more about life in this capital.
Living in Valletta, climate and temperatures
What’s it like living in Valletta during your work placement abroad? It can vary a little depending on the season! Spring (March to May): Spring in Valletta is pleasant, with temperatures starting to rise. In March, average temperatures fluctuate between 15°C and 18°C. In April and May, temperatures gradually rise, reaching an average of 19°C to 23°C. Days are generally sunny, with occasional rain.
Summer (June to August): Summer in Valletta is hot and sunny. Average temperatures reach their peak, ranging from 26°C to 30°C. During the summer months, the days are long, with plenty of sunshine and very little rain. Evenings can be a pleasant time to enjoy the terraces and outdoor activities.
Autumn (September to November): Autumn in Valletta is mild and pleasant. Temperatures begin to drop gradually, from 24°C in September to 20°C in November. Rainfall is slightly higher than in summer, but sunny days are still frequent.
Winter (December to February): Winter in Valletta is mild and generally sunny. Average temperatures range from 15°C to 18°C. Nights can be cooler, with temperatures as low as 9°C. Rain is more frequent during this season, but sunny days are not uncommon.
Overall, Valletta enjoys a pleasant Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot summers. Moderate temperatures throughout the year make it an attractive destination for those who prefer to avoid extremes of heat or cold. The shoulder seasons, spring and autumn, offer mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine, making them ideal times to explore the city and enjoy outdoor activities.
Living in Valletta, cost of living
What’s it like to live in Valletta during your work placement abroad? Here’s a quick rundown of the different jobs involved in your work placement in Malta.
Accommodation : The cost of accommodation in Valletta can vary depending on the size of the flat and its location. Rents in the city centre are generally higher than in outlying areas. To save money on accommodation, you could consider sharing a flat with other students or looking for affordable student accommodation options.
Food: Food costs will depend on your lifestyle and eating habits. Shopping at local supermarkets and cooking at home can be cheaper than eating out every day. Local markets are also a good option for buying fresh produce at reasonable prices.
Transport: Valletta has a good public transport network, particularly buses. Public transport fares are relatively affordable, with monthly or weekly passes available for residents. If you plan to travel regularly, it might be worth finding out about the fares and season tickets available.
Entertainment: The cost of leisure and entertainment activities can vary. Some tourist attractions can be quite expensive, but there are also many free or low-cost activities to discover in Valletta. In addition, many students benefit from discounts for cultural events, cinemas, museums, etc.
In general, the cost of living in Valletta can be considered affordable compared with other major European cities. However, it is important to plan an adequate budget to cover your living expenses, including accommodation, food, transport and leisure activities. It may also be useful to research and seek advice from other students who have already lived or studied in Valletta for specific information on expenses related to your placement.
Living in Valletta, transport
It is true that public transport in Valletta is not always punctual. However, it should be noted that this can vary depending on various factors, such as the time of day, the specific bus route and traffic conditions.
Malta has a bus network that covers most areas of the island, including Valletta. Buses are generally the most common and affordable way of getting around Malta. However, it is true that there are occasional delays.
It’s a good idea to plan your travel time with these potential delays in mind, especially if you have timetables to keep to, such as for your work placement or other commitments. It can be useful to check bus timetables and allow a little margin to compensate for any delays.
Malta is also a relatively small island, which means that some distances can be covered on foot. If possible, you could consider walking or using a bicycle to get around Valletta, which can be practical and economical.
In short, although public transport in Valletta can sometimes be late, it is possible to adapt by planning your journeys and taking this into account. With the right organisation, you should be able to take advantage of the bus network to get around the city and its surroundings efficiently.
Living in Valletta, the food
Maltese gastronomy is rooted in the Mediterranean, Arab, British and French influences of successive colonisations. The island is full of local specialities: bragioli (beef stew with olives), Maltese sausage, ftira (traditional round bread sandwich with tuna paste and tomato), Stuffat tal fenek (rabbit simmered in a garlic and wine sauce) and Timpana, a tomato and pasta gratin. On the sweet side, you can try Imqaret, a cake filled with date paste.) I’ll leave you in suspense for a while, and you can also try some of the other specialities that you’ll be able to discover on the spot! And if you want a more detailed article, we’ve put together one on Malta’s culinary specialities, so that you can discover them during your work placement abroad.
Living in Valletta is a great way to improve your English
Yes, living in Valletta can be a great way to improve your English. Malta is a country where English is widely spoken and used as an official language alongside Maltese. Due to the island’s large tourism industry, English is commonly spoken by the local population and used in many contexts, such as shops, services, restaurants and everyday interactions.
Living in Valletta, you’ll be exposed to English on a regular basis in your everyday environment. This will allow you to practise and improve your language skills by interacting with local people, shopkeepers, colleagues and others you meet. You’ll also have the opportunity to take part in social activities, meet other international students and engage in intercultural exchanges, all of which will help you learn English.
In addition, many educational establishments in Malta offer English courses for international students. If you want to intensify your learning, you could consider enrolling on an English course at a local language school.
It’s worth noting that although English is widely used in Malta, it’s also worth immersing yourself in Maltese culture and learning some basics of the Maltese language, which is also an integral part of everyday life in Valletta.
In short, living in Valletta offers an excellent opportunity to improve your English thanks to the English-speaking environment, the interaction with the locals and the additional learning opportunities available. And if you want the perfect way to discover everything, you can check out our blog dedicated to the top 10 places to visit in Valletta during your work placement in Malta!
Living in Valletta, enjoying your free time
- Explore the Old Town: Valletta is full of picturesque streets, lively squares and historic buildings. Take the time to lose yourself in the narrow streets and discover the charms of the old town. Don’t miss the main sights, such as St John’s Co-Cathedral, the Palace of the Grand Masters and the Barrakka Gardens.
- Relax in the gardens: Barrakka Gardens offer a breathtaking panoramic view of the Grand Port and the Three Cities. It’s the perfect place to relax, read a book or simply enjoy the view. You can also visit the Upper Barrakka Lifts to reach the gardens from the level of the Grand Harbour.
- Explore the Three Cities: Just across the road from Valletta, you’ll find the Three Cities: Birgu (Vittoriosa), Bormla (Cospicua) and Senglea. These historic towns offer a fascinating insight into Malta’s history and are packed with picturesque alleyways, impressive forts and charming quays. Don’t hesitate to explore them on foot or by boat.
- Enjoy the cultural life: Valletta is home to a vibrant cultural scene with festivals, exhibitions, concerts and arts events throughout the year. Find out about local cultural events, such as the Malta Arts Festival, the Malta International Jazz Festival and the Malta Film Festival, to enjoy the city’s cultural life.
- Discover Maltese cuisine: Don’t miss the chance to sample some delicious Maltese cuisine. Traditional dishes such as pastizzi (small filled pastries), fenek (rabbit) and ftira (flat bread) are a must. Explore the local markets to discover fresh produce and local specialities.
- Enjoy the outdoors: Malta offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. You can go diving, snorkelling or take a boat trip to discover the magnificent seascapes. Hiking enthusiasts can explore the coastal paths or enjoy the surrounding countryside.
- Socialise with other students: Valletta is a popular destination for international students. Take the opportunity to meet other students, take part in group activities and widen your social circle. Bars, cafés and coworking spaces can be great places to meet new people.
Don’t forget to take the time to rest, immerse yourself in the local culture and explore all that Valletta has to offer. Enjoy yourself!
We loved going to Malta and Valletta, and we’ve been there so many times that we can’t recommend it enough! If you give us a call, we’ll tell you even more about Valletta! So for your work placement in Malta: contact us! And if you want to be convinced, you can read about our experience in Malta or the experience of Jérémie, who did an internship in Malta with International Horizons.
For more general questions, visit the International Horizons Internships Abroad FAQ.