English Courses in Gozo
Overview
Gozo is the second largest island of the Maltese archipelago, with a population of approximately 30,000. Though separated from Malta by only 5 km, Gozo is distinctly different from Malta. It is rural, more tranquil, and its culture and way of life are rooted in tradition, yet open to the present. Gozo and its inhabitants have their own distinct character and identity, with noticeably different lifestyles, accents and dialect. Gozitans are known for their friendliness and warm welcome, and go out of their way to help a visitor feel at home.
Why study English in Gozo?
The same reasons for studying English in Malta are also valid for Gozo. Although Maltese (and in this case, the Gozitan dialect) is also spoken as an official language of the islands, the English spoken there is correct and at the same level as in countries where English is the main language. The cost of studying and living in the Maltese Islands is lower than in other Western-English speaking destinations, and for Europeans, it means being able to have a true sun and sand holiday in one without having to cross the ocean to places like Florida or California in the United States. Maltese cities and towns are small, allowing students to reach their schools and other points of interest from their accommodations quicky and easily. Malta also offers a fascinating cultural heritage—a perfect blend of Arab, European and British—not found easily elsewhere.
Language Schools and Camps in this Destination
In Gozo, Marshall Language Services offers intensive English courses for mature adults in small groups, and for teenagers through the BELS Gozo language school.
Things to Do and See During a Vacation Study
Ġgantija Temples
The Ġgantija Temples comprise one of the most important archaeological sites in the world and date from around 3600 to 3200 BC. Due to the gigantic dimensions of the megaliths, locals believed that the temples were the work of giants; in fact, the name “Ġgantija” is Maltese for giant.
Folklore Museum
The Folklore Museum situated within the walls of the Cittadella, exhibits a wide range of items depicting the domestic, rural and traditional ways of life of the Maltese and Gozitans in past centuries. The exhibits displayed on the ground floor levels relate to rural trades and skills, such as agriculture and stone-masonry. Various traditional agricultural implements, including sickles, spades, winnowing forks, shovels and ploughs, together with a selection of grinding mills are on display.
La Cittadella
Citadel – the ancient citadel is situated in Victoria and has been aptly called the crown of Gozo. It became the focal point of Gozo around 1500 BC, when it was first fortified by the Bronze Age people. From the fortifications, the Citadel offers a superb, 360-degree view of the island.
Dwejra Bay
Dwejra is perhaps the archipelago’s most spectacular natural landmark. Here, geology, time and the sea have worked together to produce some of the most remarkable scenery on the Islands – the Inland Sea, Fungus Rock, steep cliffs and a rocky coastline. Some fascinating underwater caves also provide excellent dive sites.
Daħlet Qorrot
This is a tiny picturesque fishing cove and a tranquil, isolated spot on the north-east coast. The bay is a popular local spot and the craggy coastline and clear waters are perfect for snorkelling. The bay is still used by local fishermen; a few boathouses line the shore.
St. George’s Basilica
The Basilica dates to 1672 and is entirely covered with marble. The bronze and gold gilded canopy over the high altar is impressive, but the main attraction is a statue of St. George, sculpted in wood by Pawlu Azzopardi in 1838.
Church of Saint Gregory The Great
This is the parish church of Ta’ Kerċem, and it hosts the traditional St. Gregory procession from the Mother Church in ir-Rabat (Victoria) to this chapel on March 12th of every year.
Calypso’s Cave
This cave is situated in a cliff face, a short distance from Xaghra and overlooks the red sands of Ramla Bay. This cave is assumed to be the cave referred to by Homer in `The Odyssey’ where Calypso, the beautiful nymph kept Odysseus as a “prisoner of love” for seven years.
Fungus Rock
Fungus Rock and the Inland Sea are two spectacular natural landmarks in Dwejra.
Magro Food Village
The Magro Brothers firm originated in 1916 and today offers a multimedia show portraying a gastronomic journey and the beauty of Gozo, free sampling of food and beverages produced in-house, traditional crafts such as lace- and candle-making, an old Gozitan kitchen gallery; the making of cheeselets, infused oils and vinegars, wine, and other products.
Museum of Archaeology
From unique 5000-year-old stone carvings to relics of the Phoenician, Roman, Arab and Medieval Christian eras on the island, the Gozo Museum of Archaeology is a small but important window onto the earliest cultures of Gozo up to the arrival of the Knights of St John. Sculptures of human figures from the prehistoric Ġgantija Temple complex and the nearby ix-Xagħra Circle burial site are highlights of the collection.
How to Arrive at your Language Course
By Ferry
A regular ferry service carries passengers and cars between Malta and Gozo on a trip that takes about 25 minutes. Please see more information about the Malta-Gozo ferry.