Research holiday to Malta in June!

helz Active member

42POSTS

14 years ago

Been researching and saving to go to live in Malta there is me my fiancee and our 7 year old daughter. Want to come for a research holiday to try to find a job and apartment any advise on where to stay or help when we arrive would be amazing! Dont want to stay in a holiday resort!

See also

Education in Malta - Guide
Immigrating to Malta - 3 Replies
Freemasonry In Malta - 1 Reply
Holiday food in Malta - 1 Reply
The holiday season in Malta - 7 Replies
Research before moving to Malta.... - 6 Replies
Malta - 37 Replies

ricky ViP

3522POSTS

14 years ago

Hi Helz,

welcome to the forum.

What kind of job are you looking for ? Malta is one of the poorest countries in the EU and the job market for non-Maltese can be difficult.

Some Expats come to Malta thinking that things cannot get worse but then find out that they can !

If your qualifications fit certain templates you will do very well in Malta , if not you will be in trouble and find yourself competing with other Expats for the lowest wages .

Cheers
Ricky

Toon Cyprus Expert

10236POSTS

14 years ago

It sure isnt easy here - most people who come fall short and expect too much especially if they are ill prepared for what lies here....i would always suggest save and have enough cash to last them 6 months at least as this is the normal time it takes to get something decent by way of job and salary....to live on.

helz Active member

42POSTS

14 years ago

Well my fiancee is a branch manager for a drainage firm so can pretty much do anything driving jobs office job operations technician etc etc. I want to get our daughter settled into school then look for work either in admin or childcare any advise on any of the above would be great

ricky ViP

3522POSTS

14 years ago

Hi Helz,

a branch manager for a drainage firm can pretty much do anything ? Drainage firms in Malta are either constuction company run or state business and not open for foreigners.

'Admin' doesn't really exist in Malta ....at the best you are talking of chaos but nobody cares-)))

The best is to send out your CV's to several agencies and try to pin-point your qualifications. Doing just about anything is very Maltese and equates to a salary of around 600 /month. To earn a lot more you need specific IT,finance or management experience plus as many foreign (non-English) languagesas possible.

As toon already said - don't expect too much!

Why are you focussing on Malta ?

Cheers
Ricky

helz Active member

42POSTS

14 years ago

Thanks for the advice toon we have £3000 saved up already and are keeping saving just wanted to have a week there in June and do some research and get an idea on what life there is really like. Thanks for your comments too Ricky had a look and there is quite a lot of driving and office jobs he could do so defiantly going to apply. As for why Malta its more of a why not!?

I know the pay is much lower and the cost of living is the same as the UK but I want the laid back safe lifestyle that you just dont get here anymore this country is sinking so much violence and people not working for a living then at the weekend there is nothing but rain and over priced activities we think (and are hoping) Malta is the place for us

Toon Cyprus Expert

10236POSTS

14 years ago

A life here on Malta depends much on what you are prepared to do. Work is generally long hard hours and low pay especially for the foreigner, unless you are well qualified in certain disciplines. Average salary here is about 11000-14000 euros (14000 or more is considered good here) but can be considerably less....costs of living is much the same as the uk but in some areas is much better - no council tax no water rates as water is metered, cheaper electricity, cheap fags, beers and wine, bus service still represents good value, local foodstuffs cheaper but if your buying branded stuff expect to be paying a premium for them. Accom rents are cheaper than in the UK for sure...this of course depends on budget and requirements but if you look around away from agents you can find gems. Ask in bars cafes restaurants local people, other expats, go for a short let first, then once you have identified all the quirks and foibles of living then decide where you want to stay and more importantly what type of accom suits your lifestyle...remember there are thousands of empty properties here so there is always a bargain to be had. You must always remember that once here it is easy to fall into the trap of thinking its a long holiday but then the reality kicks in and wham it can be a shock so y best advise is to get as much advice as you can from the guys here - they're a helpful crowd for sure, and am sure if you consider what is important to you then its half the battle won,....remember we have done it and made our mistakes and most here dont want others to fall into the same traps and make the same mistakes we made. Any information you need just ask but be very specific..you will get answers

helz Active member

42POSTS

14 years ago

Thanks Toon thats exactly what i wanted!

Want it as cut-throat as possible from someone who has actually done it, I know it will be far from easy but i just want a better life something different better weather not the same boring routine. When did you move there and how in your words does it differ from England? When I come in june for our research trip is there any advise you can give me on how to get a real feel for the place as a potential local not a tourist? And is there anything you really miss about England?

Toon Cyprus Expert

10236POSTS

14 years ago

Its different for each person id say...been here four years now...we came here (having been here for a two week holiday a year earlier and absolutely hated it)....packed in working-semi retired at 50/51-sold the house car all belongings cashed our savings, sorted our UK bank accounts out before leaving as its difficult to do so once you leave... cashed all our pensions,left the uk with 3 suitcases and a one way ticket, didnt know anyone here didnt have anywhere to live (hotel for 6days) and was not on this website either. so it couldnt have been harder for us-I am the careful one the missus is the carefree one...but you know we dont regret it and dont wish to go back.if we had to work then we would and would do anything and i mean anything just to stay-the owrkign regime here is likely ot be one or two jobs or bith of you working but its worth ti for the climate and the lifestyle...We love our village and its people well most of them-its a different way of life more relaxed-we dont get stressed-we have great friends and above all else its what we wanted to do and as long as you embrace the people the country its culture and all it has to offer no matter how frustrating to us foreigners its a great life. as long as its what you both want. Our son didnt come with us initially, he had a decent job but within 18 months he was over too having spent four holidays with us here and loved it - he now has a good job (took three months to secure that) his own car, plays captain for the birkirkara alligators, has both maltese and british friends..and best of all we rarely see him LOL....always out training and socialising...glad he got his own car as we got ours back....anyway if there are more personal questions please feel free to PM me swap emails and ask away....

Toon Cyprus Expert

10236POSTS

14 years ago

#10

Only things i miss are proppa fish n chips, a good indian or chinese, tescos and asda - thats it......things i dont miss - 4am starts to go to work in SW London three hours each way travelling to work daily, long shifts, rain fog snow frost scraping the car, expensive beer wine and fags, exhorbitant council,tax and water rates,, even more exhorbitant tv licence (there is one here bit thousands dont pay it and its about to be abolished anyway)...short summers....the list goes on....

scubaboy Serial expat

872POSTS

14 years ago

#11

Hiya Helz,

Get up at 7 and drive ... then do the same at between 5 and 6 in the evening .... This will show you what the roads are really like in rush hour... its seem strange saying rush hour on such a small Island beleive me though when i say I have spent over 1.5 hours in a car to travel 10 miles.

As Toon says just ask here ... we are a friendly bunch

Also Toon... We must have had the same job lol.... I used to live in Minster on the Isle of Sheppey and work in uxbridge...well very near uxbridge... AWFUL travel... and even working here its so much better....

Julian

Toon Cyprus Expert

10236POSTS

14 years ago

#12

i worked in Richmond/Barnes and Teddington areas and also in Mitcham....wrong side of the river for commuting every day...

helz Active member

42POSTS

14 years ago

#13

Thankyou for your comments again they really are so helpful! We are a youngish couple late 20's our daughter is age 7 could you recommend an area which is good for work school etc dont want to be too out of the way want us to have the relaxed beach sun lifestyle after work and at weekends but i want to be near the busy part for all our amenities etc. Also I am looking for work prefreably in childcare a school is this an option for none locals in malta?

ricky ViP

3522POSTS

14 years ago

#14

Hi Helz,

I'm sorry to say that you still seem to think of Malta as the holiday island.

Where you might find work you will not find the beaches. In fact Malta hardly has any beaches. And if you want to be anywhere near the sea you will pay for it.

Looking at work in school and childcare ? What exactly do you mean? School work is regulated in Malta. If you are a trained childcarer you should have a chance of getting a job with a private company. Any public school or kindergarten will require Maltese language skills.
You should send your CV to as many job agencies as possible. The summer season is starting and hotels and restaurants are looking for seasonal workers.

You really should just go for a job and see where you end up ! Malta is quite small. If you have a limited budget stay away from the beaches.

Cheers
Ricky

Toon Cyprus Expert

10236POSTS

14 years ago

#15

Sad to say that ricky is correct beaches usually mean expensive - no beaches usually mean cheaper and lots of cheaper accom and living costs.

Toon Cyprus Expert

10236POSTS

14 years ago

#16

helz wrote:
Thankyou for your comments again they really are so helpful! We are a youngish couple late 20's our daughter is age 7 could you recommend an area which is good for work school etc dont want to be too out of the way want us to have the relaxed beach sun lifestyle after work and at weekends but i want to be near the busy part for all our amenities etc. Also I am looking for work prefreably in childcare a school is this an option for none locals in malta?

you can still have the beach sun lifestyle after work as nowhere is too far here (unless you are Malti...then 6km is a long long way to go...lol) ...the island is only 17miles x 8miles...and most places can be reached in up to an hour but beware of the bank holidays and sundays as these days are a nightmare.

Most of the better beaches are in the north...selmun bay, imghiebha bay, mistra bay, mellieha bay, Little armier and armier, paradise bay, gnejne bay, golden bay and ghajn tiffieha too....there are lots of other areas where you can swim but not many sandy beaches.

Busy parts (for work) are usually defined as valetta, sliema, and the various industrial zones throughout the island. and on that basis it may be better for you to look at sliema gzira msida st julians swieqi

Toon Cyprus Expert

10236POSTS

14 years ago

#17

£3000 will give approx 3500 euros at the current tourist rates best to get it changed via a foreign exchange company - probably better rates. try these for example

http://www.foreignexchange.org.uk/http://www.travelex.co.uk/uk/

and this one is good for putting cash on card at the best rate -
then use the card for all your outlays while here - like a credit card..
http://www.fairfx.com/

The real feel of malta wont be found in any tourist are for sure....try and get accom in one of the outlying villages (ones with only one bar and restaurant ideally as they will only be full of locals....on the other side of the coin Mgarr Naxxar and Attard are urban housing and very nice and not flooded wioth tourists...or further south places like fgura, paola are down to earth places....zurrieq is very nice too

then of course close to Valetta you have the three cities . senglea vittoriosa and cospicua - cant really get anymore malti than that..IMHO

consultancy@maltavaletser Guest

0POSTS

14 years ago

#18

Heya,

As far as living goes, San Gwann, Naxxar and Mosta are not resort towns but very Maltese.
You have to remember that Malta is kinda one big resort so wherever you live you will see the tourist buses and hoardes of people with cameras.
That said it is a nice place to live but you need a bit of money. wages are crap but prices are high.
Konnect is quite a good employment agency and you will find lots of work in bars and restaurants but minimum wage!
cheers

Steve

helz Active member

42POSTS

14 years ago

#19

Thanks for all the info

My parnter is desperate to get into the drainage industry over there he is currently branch manager in the lead drainage firm in the UK and really is the best at what he does he is trained to do everything and anything in the business. Do you know where you would apply for drainage jobs? And is this a job role he could get into in Malta?

scubaboy Serial expat

872POSTS

14 years ago

#20

With Konnekt you wont realistically be getting jobs like bar & Resturant work, for this type of work you need to look into the Times of Malta Website, Maltapark, keepmeposted websites...

Drainage.... well this is going to be a tough industry to get into in Malta... as some of the Youtube videos will show you if you type Malta Rainstorm or floods....

Wasteserv may be worth looking at or some of the larger construction firms.

Hope this helps

Julian

PS. I do agree with Steve that Konnekt are very good, but so are Castille and Reed Global

J.

ricky ViP

3522POSTS

14 years ago

#21

Hi helz,

he should watch out for job offers on the website of the ETC. Most of the work is done by the Water Services Corporation and a few family-run busineses and local handymen.

He should also Google 'drainage' and 'Malta' for some local companies that he can apply to.

I'm not sure if there any management level jobs available but there again my bet is that they are reserved for the Maltese clique.

I'll watch out in the Sunday Times of Malta to see if there are any related job offers.

I wish him luck in his job search.

Cheers
Ricky

helz Active member

42POSTS

14 years ago

#22

Thats brilliant it is a tough role to get into in Malta but we are going to do our best as it really is his passion and he happens to be really good at it

ricky ViP

3522POSTS

14 years ago

#23

Hi helz,

can you define the job a bit more precise? Is it more a management/planning position or the hands-on business of digging up streets and pulling out the dead rats and things that plug up the drains?

Cheers
Ricky

L&S Member

10POSTS

14 years ago

#24

With the minimum rental agreements being 6 months, (although most want contract for 1+ years) We saved 6 months money, of what we would spend in the UK, which when then transferred into euros, gives you a little bit more.
This has come in handy, I never fully accounted for buying silly things like coat hangers, bedding, iron a bigger kettle, tea and coffes jars etc. Its them little bits that mount up. Whilst the apartment came with a few bits and pieces, we did need to spend a little on such things.

We stuck to our guns in relation to rent contract, We have a landlord that is willing to 6 month contract, and End it if we dont find work, and end up going back to UK, but is happy for us to review the agreement if we find work and stay

IrinaC Active member

84POSTS

14 years ago

#25

Hi guys,
I would really advise you to have a bit more saved up as money goes extremely fast when you arrive with no job or anything set up. Especially taking into account the field you are looking to get into, as it may take some time. Getting an apartment through the agent will add up to twice the rent, as you would have to pay a month deposit (a usual practice), plus agent's commission, which is half month rent. If you add a car to it (an old one) and some transportation, moving costs etc, that are hard to avoid, your savings will be gone and the hard times will start. Working conditions here are not the most laid back either. You can have a nice laid back time on the weekends, but beaches are really very small and usually pretty crowded. So do some really careful planning and don't think of the place as a vacation spot, because it will not feel like one when you actually live here.

Regards and best of luck,

Irina

Toon Cyprus Expert

10236POSTS

14 years ago

#26

L&S wrote:
With the minimum rental agreements being 6 months, (although most want contract for 1+ years) We saved 6 months money, of what we would spend in the UK, which when then transferred into euros, gives you a little bit more.
This has come in handy, I never fully accounted for buying silly things like coat hangers, bedding, iron a bigger kettle, tea and coffes jars etc. Its them little bits that mount up. Whilst the apartment came with a few bits and pieces, we did need to spend a little on such things.

We stuck to our guns in relation to rent contract, We have a landlord that is willing to 6 month contract, and End it if we dont find work, and end up going back to UK, but is happy for us to review the agreement if we find work and stay

Thats good that he is so accomodating not all of them are...hope you geordies (assumed form location given on profile) are settling in - and wish you best of luck finding work etc...but stick at it - IT IS WORTH IT.

Toon Cyprus Expert

10236POSTS

14 years ago

#27

Very true words IrinaC...for sure....keep your eyes an ears open for everything and be careful what you tell people - its a small island and gossip is rife....

Its always best to ask round bars cafes and locals for accom as there are good properties to be had without incurring agents fees...even if a building is being built and looks loke being finished soon ask the guys if they know the owner...they are not all up for sale some get rented out to long termers...well worth asking. good luck guys

helz Active member

42POSTS

14 years ago

#28

Thanks for all your comments guys. Just one question after the saving job hunting and securing moving leaving family and friends etc etc is it worth it? How would you sum up a day to day in Malta and how do your weekends holidays and free time differ to the UK?

Toon Cyprus Expert

10236POSTS

14 years ago

#29

I think in the simplest terms - Malta both living and working, socialising and relaxing is exactly what YOU make it - the old saying here is very true - its like marmite you either love it or you hate it. - BEST ADVICE IS TO TRY IT FOR A SHORT PERIOD AND THEN DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT YOU CAN "CUT IT"

You must always remember living here and holidaying here are two completely different experiences and must never be combined....

helz Active member

42POSTS

14 years ago

#30

Well were coming for a research trip in June 11th this year staying in Bugibba self catering so we can get out shop and meet the locals. Has anyone been to Bugibba? Hope we get a feel for the place staying there. Going to hire a car and drive round to island too at busy times to see what living there would be like. Any tips on how to get the best out of our trip would be greatly appreciated

rooikat Serial expat

410POSTS

14 years ago

#31

Helz: My gut feel is that you are placing too much emphasis on this one exploratory trip. Your chances of 'meeting' locals on a first trip will probably be confined to business transactions in food and general supply stores! Every part of the island is different, the north west,(towards the Gozo ferry)is quite touristy in comparison to the South, where you would find more Maltese people. The weekends in the south/east areas see the Maltese outside with their families and children - but I wouldn't say that they are that friendly towards tourists, they just get on with their own lives in the same way that you would in your home territory. The high 'people' traffic areas of Valletta, Sliema, St Julians etc are a mish mash of nationalities and tourists but you will find quite a lot of Maltese families out and about over the weekends in these areas. The inner part of the island is very different again, a mix of smaller towns, farmlands, small 'agricultural' homes etc.
The far west of the island has a few beaches and beautiful scenery (plus touristy places) but not that densely populated.
We have visited the island repeatedly, and every time we visit we find areas to visit that we have not seen before, and just love the diversity. Where we have managed to talk and mingle with the Maltese while walking through the streets has been during festival times when everyone is enjoying themselves and more inclined to be friendly. It is a Marmite island - we love it, and after visiting for many years will be moving to Malta in November. However, a word of caution, it appears to me that parents with school age children (and teenagers)appear to find it far more difficult to adjust to Malta than couples without parental concerns. Don't expect this one trip to give you all the answers you are looking for, rather visit again (and again)finding out more and experiencing more before making life changing decisions.

Toon Cyprus Expert

10236POSTS

14 years ago

#32

good solid and valid comments rooi.....

Toon Cyprus Expert

10236POSTS

14 years ago

#33

I would say that staying in Bugibba is not the place to stay and meet the locals as they will invariably be tourists and long term ex pats of all nationalities....

helz Active member

42POSTS

14 years ago

#34

Thanks again for your comments

We are getting a hire car from the airport for the week we are there so want to drive round the island just to get to know the areas more then anything. I just didnt want to go to Malta for this research trip and go to the beach all week and to days out meant for tourists just wanted to get an idea of what it would be like to be there permenantly. We were going to look for jobs schools and a place to live and do a weekly shop and use the bus etc just to get an idea of costs and what we can get by moving there. We are hoping to take the plunge at the start of 2013 just hope I love the island once i'm there as much as I do now by simply reading about it

scubaboy Serial expat

872POSTS

14 years ago

#35

rooikat...

but I wouldn't say that they are that friendly towards tourists

Really ??? Seriously the South of the Island I have only ever found friendly and helpful people.... and this is over 30 years of knowing the island..

Toon... (really not speaking to you until the end of the football season) ....

You must always remember living here and holidaying here are two completely different experiences and must never be combined....

100% Agree with this comment... actually 110% agree

Enjoy your time.... Bugibba, Qwara, St J, Sliema, etc All very touristic Noisy areas.... South Marsascala - Touristy, Marsaxlokk - Touristy at weekends, Birzebbuga - Maltese travel here to get away from the tourists lol...

Julian

ricky ViP

3522POSTS

14 years ago

#36

Hi helz,

after visiting Malta for 20 years and now being resident a for 4 years I have to say that it is extremely difficult to have 'real' Maltese friends. Being friendly is one thing but the Maltese are usually very reserved with foreigners. One sign is when you get invited to their homes then you have been accepted. But it will take time.

For the first years you will have to socialize with fellow Expats. All the rest you will have to earn slowly but surely.

And don't forget, the language will always be a barrier. Unless you learn Maltese! And I don't know a single Expat that actually speaks Maltese - even after 20 years in Malta!

We are always the foreigners but you can earn their friendship, respect and trust.

Cheers
Ricky

scubaboy Serial expat

872POSTS

14 years ago

#37

Sorry Ricky,

I have to disagree, again i think this is down too the individual person, how you are, what your personality is like and how you put yourself across...

I have only lived in Malta since June last year and I have quite a few REAL Maltese freinds... and to be honest a lot of the Expats that I know in my area... and i do have to say that none of them are on here ... are always wanting to change Malta to become a little world like they are used to ..

This is probrably going to sound wrong and make me a few enemies but Why the hell move to a country, then complain about the roads, the traffic, the people, the climate, the prices..... Do you homework first...

This is their country who are we to change what the maltese are happy with just to get things our way...

This is a typical example of what is going on in the UK... People move there and get everything they want...

Sorry... I have now stepped off my soapbox..

Ricky, it wasn't a go at you ... needed to vent sorry

Julian

scubaboy Serial expat

872POSTS

14 years ago

#38

toonarmy9752 wrote:
Sad to say that ricky is correct beaches usually mean expensive - no beaches usually mean cheaper and lots of cheaper accom and living costs.

Birzebbuga !! ??

Cheap cheap cheap

Julian

Toon Cyprus Expert

10236POSTS

14 years ago

#39

pretty bay - hardly pretty Julian.....and not exactly a great beach - and I WILL speak to you before the end of the season from 3rd 4th or 5th place......LOL

and now for a Chelsea bun washed away with a newky broon

rooikat Serial expat

410POSTS

14 years ago

#40

Hey Scuba, I was talking from the perspective of a brand new tourist (i.e.Helz)when I stated that the Maltese are not that friendly in the beginning. Yes, they are very helpful, but many are wary of tourists/foreigners - I don't blame them, because as you so rightly say, the 'Maltese way' is constantly critizised by many expats. I'm sure that once one moves to the island and one's face becomes familiar to the locals they will let those defences down, you have proved it! We have already made some Maltese friends that we make a point of emailing before we arrive and we meet up with them.