he Archipelago of Malta is one of the smallest countries in Europe, consisting of several islands, such as Gozo, Comino and Malta. It is situated in the Mediterranean Sea region and is the best option for people who wish to do an English exchange course in Europe and enjoy the sun and beach.

Malta has a Mediterranean climate where the weather is mild and sunny for most of the year, perfect for water activities on its several beaches. With lush and paradisiacal landscapes, the country attracts many water sports enthusiasts like surfers, windsurfers, and kite surfers, thanks to its crystal-clear waters that are ideal for diving and discovering the local marine life.

In addition to its natural beauty, the country also has a charming architecture. With ancient, yet well-preserved structures, one of the attractions is the colorful balconies of houses, which bring life to the beige image of the rest of the local buildings.

The cinematographic world has also appreciated the enchanting historic structures. Did you know that Malta was the filming location for several episodes of Game Of Thrones? The country provided a variety of landscapes as scenarios, ranging from Daenerys and Khal Drogo’s wedding at the Azure Window arch, to scenes in forts, convents, palaces, and mosques, which are symbols of architecture from different eras.

The capital of Malta, Valletta, has over 300 historic monuments and 400 cultural events per year, as well as more than 300 churches across the country. For this reason, the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was named the European Capital of Culture in 2018, and is known as an open-air museum.

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Malta is the Ggantija temple, one of the oldest monuments in the world, predating even the pyramids of Egypt and Stonehenge. The temple is located on the Island of Gozo and is estimated to have been built between 3600 and 3200 BC.

Malta has two peculiarities that connect it to the Brazilian people. The first is Carnival, one of the country’s oldest and most traditional events. But their tradition is a bit different from Brazilian Carnival. In this celebration, the Maltese typically have numerous parades of floats in the streets, costumes, giant puppets, acrobats, dance performances, but all of this is a celebration focused on their own people, unlike Brazil, where the festival is a tourist attraction.

The other curious fact lies in the emblem of the Rio de Janeiro’s football team, Vasco da Gama. The team’s badge carries the Cross of Malta, which had its origins in the Crusades and symbolized the Order of Malta, a group of Templar knights who, at the time, provided healthcare services and militarily ensured the spread of Christianity.

Malta is a multilingual country, with English and Maltese as its official languages. The cost of living there is one of the cheapest compared to other European countries, so for those dreaming of a European exchange, Malta can be your ideal destination! Moreover, the Maltese people are known for their friendly hospitality, a perfect reason for you to feel comfortable from the beginning to the end of your exchange.