Today I’d like to let you know an ideal place for English learning—the island of Malta. Malta is a surprise--an English island in the middle of the Mediterranean. The islands of Malta are a fascinating mixture of cultures and influences. The architecture of the capital is influenced by the classical styles of Italy, which lies 90 kilometers to the north, while many of the place names are Arabic in origin--North Africa is only 230 km to the south. Yet, the Maltese people speak English and Maltese. In recent years, Malta has become a very popular destination for English language learners who want to combine an English course with a holiday in the sun. Malta now has 24 schools licensed by the Ministry of Education, and during the summer, students can enroll in part-time courses which offer a half day of lessons and plenty of free time to explore the islands. Today, the people of Malta are happy to welcome all foreign visitors, and during the summer thousands of tourists visit the islands, mainly from northern Europe. They come for the guaranteed sunshine and the Variety of Maltese life. Maltese food is a delicious mixture of different styles and influences, and fresh fish, caught from the Mediterranean, is always on the menu. After dark, Malta’s towns and resorts come to life as people enjoy the cooler evening temperatures. Later still, for the very energetic, there are discos and nightclubs. For learners of English who are serious about their studies, there is also a range of intensive and specialized courses on offer from schools. Malta’s winter months are ideal for students who are looking for a quieter atmosphere. There are fewer foreign tourists so it’s easier to meet local people and practice English. Most of all, the sun keeps on shining in Malta during the winter, so learners can still enjoy the warmth and vitality of this Mediterranean jewel.