7th Feb- 21st Feb

7th Feb - 21st Feb
Classes were to officially begin on the 14th of February, so we went to a variety of classes that we thought may have been most beneficial to our course. After attending classes and thoroughly studying module guidelines, we finally chose that we would all study Teaching implement games, mini-games and Management of sport and leisure, with me and Becca also studying Principles of training, coming to a total of 24 ECTS. We had also spoken to the director of the physical education department, informing him of our choices to ensure there were no clashes between classes. Although there was one minor clash, he told us we could work round it by leaving one class a bit early on a Friday afternoon. This was great to hear as we were really pleased with the modules we had chosen as they were perfect for our preferred career paths! The director also spoke to us about possibly getting a placement while staying in Malta, and when we told him that we were looking something along the lines of teaching/coaching, he informed us that this should be possible, leaving us extremely enthusiastic about the times ahead.
Our first class was implement games and the sport was badminton. We met our class mates for the first time and they could not have been nicer, so we were glad to hear that we were sharing the majority of classes with them. The classes were also taught in English which obviously made it easy to follow, as our maltese wasn,t the best (despite spending hours in the language room back in Stran). We also become aware of the lackadaisical Maltese lifestyle, otherwise known as the ‘tomorrow will do’ attitude, that so many people had told us about before arriving. This was highlighted most when we were at the intenational office, waiting forever just to attempt registration, only to be told that we were couldn’t do it until next week, not something I could imagine Margaret doing back home!
This is one thing that we would find difficult to become accustomed to, as their lack of enthusiasm often came across as quite rude, but we knew it was just their way of life.
After only one day of classes, we were given a day off due to the anniversary of St.Paul’s  shipwreck, so we couldn’t complain! We decided to go to Valletta and watch the festival, which fully demonstrated how very religious the country is.
The rest of our practical classes began with an introduction to the sport we were studying, followed by beginning learning how to teach them to children in the sports hall. This began with basic introductory games that were boring for us, but definitely suitable for children, and I did pick up some new drills that I knew I would use back home.
Our mini-games module was particularly interesting as it consists of learning team building activities and sports day events. The team building activities class was very amusing and definitely helped us to become more friendly with the other class members. We were all given the opportunity to be group leader and organise an activity for the rest of the class (having been given the instructions). This proved slightly difficult as the Maltese members could not fully understand my directions due to my accent. However, I spoke slower and we got their in the end, it was a perfect ice breaker!
For our sports day class, we are going to be organising a field day and the implementing in a local primary school in groups of three. This is something I have never done before and am very excited about it, however I am also hoping that me speaking English will not be a barrier when working with the children.

Aside from classes, me and Matthew have also been looking to play for a football team. We got in contact with a few of the clubs nearby and their presidents arranged for us to have trial. Our first trial was enjoyable, however we did not feel entirely welcome, although after not returning, we realised this could again just be down to the Maltese culture. However, we felt a lot more welcome at the second team we trialled with, St Joseph’s from Msida. The coach really seemed to like us and informed us that once we could get clearance from the IFA to the MFA, we would be starting. However, this would mean training five nights a week! This was hard to imagine as e had both struggled to make two sessions a week back home. The coach made us feel like true pro’s by getting us training gear, and a tracksuit and gym bag. We also attended one of their matches in the VIP section of a reasonably impressive stadium, which had around 300 supporters! We knew that the standard was nothing special, but it was evident that football was still taken seriously, we couldn’t wait to play!

As regards to the nightlife in Malta, it certainly puts Belfast in second place. I don’t know how I will socialise when I return home again, as I will be sick paying the prices, considering some places here are just one euro a drink, as Becca would say…..LETHAL! One night I recall spending just ten euro, which included our transport (which is usually free) and a hot dog on the way home. Their laid back lifestyle is again shown on nights out as you can literally wear whatever you want, wearing a shirt literally makes you feel overdressed, and I am pretty sure Becca is enjoying not wearing heels while she dances her heart out. Recently, all the residents went to a karaoke bar, where Becca was pleased to hear me and Matthew sing ‘Brown eyed girl’ as she was under the illusion it was for her, though I am pretty sure it was mainly because Matthew fancied himself as a Van Morrison impressionist.

To sum up my Malta experience so far, it has been brilliant, and despite difficulties such as washing and experiencing Becca’s cooking (dry pasta with cheese and curry powder!), were getting on great and already making some great friends, I am already wishing that this experience lasted longer!

31st Jan-7th Feb

Erasmus begins..
After a bus journey and a three and a half our flight (which consisted of a 35 euro baggage fine and sitting in the middle of Becca and Matthew sleeping), we finally arrived in a sunny malta airport. After ordering a taxi, Matthew and I were forced to sit with our luggage as the trunk could only handle Becca’s three large suitcases. On arrival to our residence, we were not exactly impressed with the standard of living, however we would grow to become very comfortable with our surroundings. The residence manager welcomed us and informed us of the rules and regulations, as well as issuing us with a timetable that displayed the times that the shuttle bus went to the university. Once we had got ourselves unpacked, we decided to go on a wee walk, which lead to an exploration of half of Malta as we got completely lost! As we had done no shopping at this stage, we treated ourselves to a meal in Sliema after walking along the promenade from St Julians. As Becca and Matthew had paid for the taxi into St Julians, I thought I would pay the way back. Just my luck, I was ripped off  again as I was charged 20 euro for a taxi that cost the other two 7 euro between them! 55 euro down in one day!!

During the first week we did a lot of walking, getting lost every time, and we began to familiarise ourselves with the transport system in Malta. We realised that every bus (which were old, shabby things) went to Valletta, the capital of Malta, and only cost 47 cent per journey. We also starting to become friendly with the other residents, although at times this was difficult as the majority of them were departing after first semester, but it was still evident that the residence was just like a ‘family environment’. Even though there were no classes on the first week, we thought (being good Stran students) that we should make ourselves known to the international office and have a look around the university campus. The coordinator basically informed us that we did not need to be in until registration, which was next week!
Knowing this, we put our feet up for a bit and even went on a hike, organised by one of the receptionists at the residence. Despite having a late Saturday night, we were up bright and early and made the most of what was the sunniest day I had seen in a while. The hike mainly consisted of falling and getting filthy, but the scenery was great, which made for some good photos to make friends at home jealous of the weather! The hike also provided another good opportunity to get to know the others we would be living with for the next four and half months.