NSTS Malta Language School, NSTS Malta - www.nsts.org

THE NSTS - ENGLISH LANGUAGE INSTITUTE

NSTS-Student and Youth Travel has been established since 1954 as a travel organisation that offers specialised travel services for young people, Maltese students and foreigners alike. Throughout the years we have created a number of travel experiences that are designed to enhance personal development. We strive to provide students and youth with opportunities to learn, work, study and develop skills.

Our main objective is: "to promote and facilitate travel for students and youths, on a not-for-profit basis, for them to enhance their personal development through the experience of travel".

ABOUT THE INSTITUTE

The Pioneer: The NSTS - English Language Institute was founded in 1963 and was the first English Language school to operate in Malta. We adopted a policy of quality that reverberated internationally and fostered a steady increase in demand. 20 years or so later NSTS expanded into providing tuition all year round while others started to open summer schools and replicate programmes.

The founder of FELTOM: NSTS founded the Federation of English Language Teaching Organisations (FELTOM) in 1989 to promote quality standards nationally. It endowed it with codes of conduct for good practices, led it over the years into becoming internationally recognised as the quality overseer for Malta, and into the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Tourism enacting legislation specific to English Language Teaching (ELT).

NSTS-English Language Institute today: NSTS maintains its academic leadership as it renews itself through a critical process of reviews of its teaching methodologies and analyses developments in the market place to maintain relevance to the current needs of its learners. Its International Teacher Training Centre prepares prospective teachers for local qualifications and the renowned international teaching certificate of the University of Cambridge (CELTA).

WHY NSTS MALTA

If you want your training to be an invaluable investment of your time, effort and money in exchange for effective long-lasting results for career and professional advancement, you will soon limit your choice to reliable schools with a proven track record.

Your quality assurances: You want results, facts, credentials and independent accreditations. NSTS-ELI has all four plus a record of 45 years of successful teaching to thousands of satisfied learners by a team of dedicated teachers that together established NSTS-ELI as Malta’s leader in ELT and motivator for nation-wide standards.

Our teacher credentials: You will find a formidable long-standing team of motivated trainers who possess high qualifications such as the University of Cambridge ESOL CELTA or DELTA, university ELT degrees, long years of experience and annual refresher courses in ELT methodology.

Our teaching methodology: Our teachers are largely inspired by a communicative language teaching methodology and opt for an eclectic approach which focuses on the development of your language skills. You will readily participate in dynamic teaching activities that are further enhanced by the international composition of your class group.

THE LOCATION OF THE SCHOOL

The NSTS-ELI principal teaching premises are a typical Maltese town house with surrounding spacious sun terraces and a mature orchard for you to enjoy. The house comprises 16 classrooms, the self-access centre, books for use and sale, a teachers’ room, food and drink dispensers and open-air spaces for relaxation.

Courses are held here, except in peak periods such as summer, Intensive and Summer Intensive General English may be held in annexes such as comparable buildings and local school premises.

The school is situated 5 minutes away from Campus Residence, 15 minutes away from Hibernia Residence & Hostel and 15-20 minutes away from the Sliema seafront.

FACILITIES NSTS SCHOOL

The NSTS-ELI principal teaching premises are a typical Maltese town house with surrounding spacious sun terraces and a mature orchard for you to enjoy. The house comprises 16 classrooms, the self-access centre, books for use and sale, a teachers’ room, food and drink dispensers and open-air spaces for relaxation. Free Wi-Fi and Internet Services.

The Self-Access Resource Centre, located in the principal teaching premises, is open on school days till early evening in winter, and early afternoon in summer, save possibly during lesson time. A reservation system operates at the School Secretary. Learners attending an annex use this same Centre.

The Centre provides you with additional opportunities for self-study beyond your classroom teaching. You will find an extensive library of Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) and other software programmes at different levels specifically for your use.

ACCREDIATIONS – NSTS MALTA

International Standards Organisation (ISO): We are accredited to the internationally renowned standard ISO 9001:2000 whose auditors annually inspect our processes to ensure that you receive consistent, reliable and effective services.

FELTOM Accreditation Council: We conform to the national accreditation scheme for ELT schools established by FELTOM and certified by the independent and autonomous Accreditation Council.

University of Cambridge CELTA training: Our trainers have for years successfully trained prospective teachers for the internationally recognised rigorous qualification CELTA subject to the external assessment of the University of Cambridge ESOL.

University of Malta Institute of Linguistics: Professionals in linguistics annually observe our teachers in action and validate our teaching methodologies. An extract from their report provides you with reassurance that goes beyond doubt.

“The majority of classes we observed were conducted in a very competent and professional manner, with abundant evidence of detailed planning and preparation on the teachers’ part who demonstrated native speaker, or near native speaker competence in spoken English. Student questionnaires provided consistently positive feedback across much of the broad range of topics, such as teacher preparation, lesson quality and enjoyment of lessons”.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE COURSES - NSTS - Teaching English in Malta since 1963

The NSTS English Language Institute - Malta provides a complete range of language courses to meet various needs and ensures that you will find the one that will meet your requirements.

Our courses are largely inspired by a communicative language teaching methodology and our teachers opt for an eclectic approach which focuses on the development of your language skills. You will readily participate in dynamic teaching activities that are further enhanced by the international composition of your class group.

NSTS ADULT COURSES

GENERAL ENGLISH INTENSIVE: This is the most popular English language course as it appeals to young and not so young adult learners who are motivated to reap the benefits of top quality professional tuition and the expertise of our highly qualified, friendly and dynamic teachers.

BUSINESS ENGLISH: In the Business English Language course, you will develop vocabulary relevant to your professional business area, present marketing strategies and statistics more confidently and effectively, and also improve your writing as you write more effective formal letters, reports, e-mails and memos.

Furthermore, learner-centred instruction tools such as role-play, group work and simulations will enhance your communication skills, both face-to-face and on the telephone.

INTENSIVE & BUSINESS ENGLISH COURSE: This flexible combination offers you 20 lessons in General English Intensive and 10 lessons in Business English.

Learner-centred instruction tools such as role-play, group work and simulations will enhance your communication skills, both face-to-face and on the telephone.

SUMMER INTENSIVE COURSE: Summer Intensive General English programmes are lifelike classroom situations and action-packed social encounters that draw upon Malta’s eclectic summer resort atmosphere.

As an active member of an international group of learners you will quickly develop your fluency in a relaxed and friendly manner. Our expertly trained, friendly and dynamic teachers create an interactive classroom environment

ABSORPTION - INDIVIDUAL LESSONS & ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES: These are the most specialised and focused lessons designed for highly-motivated professionals, business executives and keen learners who want to rapidly improve their English language proficiency in a limited time. On your first day, your teacher will discuss with you your specific course objective and will then personalise your course content on your work-related interests using current and professional topics.

EXAMINATION PREPARATION & INTENSIVE ENGLISH - LONG TERM COURSES: Our higly qualified and experienced teachers, some of whom are also Cambridge speaking and writing examiners, conduct these two distinct but associated programmes that run from 8 weeks to 1 year....

INDIVIDUAL LESSONS: Individual lessons are designed to enhance your knowledge of the English Language and to help you speak more fluently. Any student following Intensive, Exam Preparation/Long Term, Business, Summer Intensive, Vacation and Teacher Training may apply for such courses. These consist of 5 or 10 additional lessons on a 1 to 1 basis.

NSTS – ELT COURSES

University of Cambridge International Certification; Cambridge ESOL CELTA – a full-time four-week highly intensive course in teaching methodology with observed teaching practice, assignments, self-study and continuous assessment which certify you to EFL teaching in reputable schools all over the world.

University of Cambridge International Certification; CELTA – Certification in English teaching to adults 120 contact hours and teaching practice International certificate recognised to teach world-wide

NSTS International Teacher Training courses; NSTS-International Teacher Training Centre ITTC TEFL - one week modular courses in language awareness and current trends in communicative methodology packed with practical classroom teaching ideas and activities...

NSTS International Teacher Training Centre

Modern Trends in communicative language teaching;

Language awareness’ in communicative methodology;

NSTS - CLUB 50 + COURSE

We designed this friendly English conversation group programme for people of similar age to further facilitate your life in a globalised English speaking society. Your lessons are based on Maltese themes and based on authentic materials to bring out the character, customs and traditions of Malta.

NSTS Junior Courses

Vacation Interactive English Courses: As our friendly teachers use communicative teaching methodology, you will role-play, listen to songs, play language games, do research, interviews, field-work and projects, and practice English in class and in many real English-speaking situations outside the classroom.  The course consists of 20 lessons of 45 minutes each per week in international classes of maximum 15 students.  1 full-day cultural and leisure outing, 4 half-days/evenings of sports, water sports, fun, games barbeques and parties per week are also included in the package, so is entrance to the NSTS Aquacentre beach club.

Summer English Residential courses are held in Gzira and Lija, a small quaint town in the centre of Malta. Students are accommodated at the University Residence and follow lessons at the Annabille Preca School just accross the road. The school has been recently refurbished and classrooms are airy and spacious. Each classroom is equipped with the necessary classroom furniture and receives natural light. Ceiling fans and wide windows ensure adequate ventilation. The school premises offer open spaces and wide corridors, making it an ideal location for summer courses.

SCHOOL GROUP PROGRAMMES

Our school group study weeks offer inter-cultural experience programmes that form part of the high school curriculum in many countries. We offer four different programmes which take place during the scholastic year, generally for stays of 1 week. The four different programmes offered include: 

• Project English lessons
• Cultural Immersion Programmes
• General English Course & Work Experience
• Cultural & Adventure Immersion Programmes

High School Programme

Malta’s centuries long education, including its university founded by the Knights Hospitalliers in 1592, assumed a strong English influence as result of the recent 200 year British presence.

Our system follows the 5 year primary, 5 year high school and 2 year senior high school pattern which, together with sports and self-development activities, prepares students for entry into university and life.

We invite teenage students to join our high school and senior high school programmes to benefit from this internationally renowned English education set within the hospitality of our Mediterranean island.

For older teenage students we offer our university foundation or pre-bachelor course, modelled upon the curriculum in economics, management, marketing and accountancy of a British international examination body.

We will prepare you to attain direct entry into the first year of a bachelor’s Management degree course at a number of English speaking universities in England, Australia, Canada and The States, upon successful completion.

We provide tuition to prepare you for a vast multidisciplinary range of courses that boost the skills Employers are looking for.

Foundation Programme

This is a 3 or 2 semester innovative combination of Intensive English and university foundation or pre-bachelor studies that prepares you for entry direct into the first year undergraduate degree course at a number of English speaking universities world-wide. 

If your level of English is elementary (A1) or pre-intermediate (A2) you must follow the 3 semester course to focus upon improving your English and examination techniques and prepare yourself for IELTS band 6.0 or for Cambridge CAE examination.

During the second semester you will reduce the intensity of your English studies as you start your studies in economics, management, marketing and accounts. You will prepare yourself to sit for examinations in June that will grant you access to university.

If your level of English prior to enrolling is intermediate (B1) or upper intermediate (B2) you may join, at your own risk, at the start of the second semester and follow a top-up reduced number of lessons of English till your IELTS or Cambridge examination, and start off directly on your four academic subjects.

The course timetable envisages a number of weekly lessons of unsupervised independent self-study and revision. The dual nature of this course places additional study demands upon you but you will have sufficient time to succeed if you work hard.

You will also have time to do sports, swim, go to the gym and keep in shape, as well as to enjoy your week-end evenings out entertaining yourself.

By the end of your course you will be proud to hold two British qualifications, in English language and in Business Studies that are recognised by a number of English speaking universities world-wide and enable you to enrol directly as an undergraduate student, saving one important year. After this year you are two years closer to your degree.

NSTS – Poblic Holidays: The NSTS - English Language Institute is closed on Public Holidays which are: January: 01st; - February: 10th; - March: 19th and 31st; - Good Friday; - May: 01st; - June: 07th and 29th; - August 15th; - September 08th and 21st; - December: 08th, 13th, 25th and 26th;

Any lost group lessons will not be made up for nor refunded, while when possible time-table adjustments will make up for the lost lessons. Individual lessons will be rescheduled when possible.

NSTS General FAQ

Where is the English Language institute found?: The main premises situated at 12, Taliana Lane, Gzira houses Executive, Business, adult Intensive, academic year and external examination courses in the mornings and afternoons, and the local adult courses in the afternoons and evenings.

What can be found at the school?: The premises compromise very spacious, bright and airy classrooms that offer much room for movement, group work and pair work. They are surrounded by a garden and relaxation areas including food and drink dispensers for students. The common areas and classrooms are all air-conditioned.

A self-access resource centre equipped with 12 computer terminals for individual study on a vast choice of Computer Assisted Language Learning programmes, direct access to internet and use of e-mail for private purposes is free of charge. Wi-Fi connection is also available.

When is the school open?; The school is open Monday to Friday between 08.00hrs-19.00hrs, except on public holidays.

NSTS Malta Accommodation

NSTS operates a number of school residences within walking distance of the principal teaching premises, and a register of carefully selected host families who offer home stays to adult learners. We also hold special rate contracts with 3, 4, and 5 star hotels and apartments.

We strongly recommend that you reserve your preferred accommodation with us when enrolling on your course.

NSTS RESIDENCES: Our residences are furnished to satisfy the needs of both short and long term adult students, equipped with Wi-Fi, security, safety, energy saving and environmental friendly measures and registered as hostels.

They consist of self-catering studios and bedrooms with private bath/shower facilities for single, twin and triple occupancy, plus hostel rooms of four to eight beds with shared facilities for the more economically minded.

Furnishings are functional and simple. Studios come complete with kitchenette, equipped with microwave baking oven and electric hob to prepare your daily meals, dining table and desk/study area. Bedrooms and hostel rooms share kitchen and dining services.

Studio, bedroom and hostel room facilities include heater, ventilator, internet point, telephone, safe deposit box, bed linen and towels that are periodically replaced, and twice weekly cleaning.

Common amenities include breakfast room, internet café, DVD lounge, meeting and games rooms, coin operated laundry, roof-top or ground floor sun terraces, food and drink dispensers.

NSTS Host Family: Maltese host families welcome adult learners of English into their homes, share with them their hospitality, traditions and experiences, and create opportunities to practise English.

Living at a host family makes new friends. You will participate in the daily events of the home, dine and socialise with your hosts offering a helping hand, and ideally share your bedroom with a learner from another country.

We are very careful on our selection process to register host families and our staff regularly executes visits to check on hospitality and standards for your own comfort.

Most of our families live within walking distance or a short bus ride from the teaching premises, though particularly during peak times, we register families from further afar.

NSTS University College: A student residential complex for students who enroll on our Junior Vacation course, consisting of 2, 3 and 4 bedded rooms using bunk-beds within apartments of some 7 rooms with common showers and toilets, surrounding a large central swimming pool with deck and garden.

Sports facilities at the college include a tennis court, seven-a-side football, basketball, netball and volleyball court, jogging track and extensive fields and grounds. Accommodation is on Full-board or half-board basis.

A daily activity and sports programme of games, tournaments, DVD’s, play-station, animation, and daily bus shuttle to NSTS-Aquacentre are included. A 24 hour reception, night security and supervision services are in operation from 23rd June till 19th September.

HOTEL: We are delighted to reserve your room in a 3, 4, or 5 star hotels where we hold allocation and special rate contracts to your advantage. These lie within some 30 minutes on foot or by public transport from the principal teaching premises. Rooms in 4 and 5 star hotels, and generally in 3 star hotels, are well appointed, Wi-Fi or internet and TV connected, heated and air-conditioned, and public amenities are various and commensurate with the local star rating.

We also reserve 2 and 3 bedroom apartments for families and groups of friends.