Stage 1 (I-Belong)
Culture & Language Integration Course
Course Overview
This certified training program prepares foreign professionals and Third-Country Nationals (TCNs) in Malta for the official Culture and Language Integration Examination administered by the Department of Examinations.
The primary objective of this programme is to facilitate the successful integration of immigrants into the Maltese society, fostering social cohesion, and empowering participants to reach their full potential.
Designed in alignment with national labor migration policy and Identità requirements, this course equips participants with essential Maltese language skills, cultural understanding, workplace ethics, and civic awareness—enabling eligible candidates to qualify for 2-year work permit renewals and long-term career stability in Malta.
Entry requirements
Course Structure
Progression
Assessment / Grading & Pass Rate
During Course
Teaching methods
Intakes
Entry requirements
Eligibility Criteria:
- Third-Country Nationals (TCNs) residing and working in Malta.
- Minimum age of 18 years.
- Basic foundational English (spoken and written).
- Valid Malta residence permit or an active single permit application/approval in principle from Identità.
Required Documents:
- Valid Passport (Bio-data page copy).
- Current e-Residence Card (front and back) or official Identità application receipt/approval letter.
- Active email address and Maltese mobile contact number.
- Tax Number or Social Security Number (if currently employed).
Course Structure
Our curriculum covers 20 comprehensive sessions across 5 key themes:
Theme 1: Maltese Language & Practical Communication
| Session | Topic / Core Focus | Covered Learning Outcomes |
| 01 | Introduction to Maltese | Semitic roots, Romance influences, alphabet, pronunciation, and basic greetings. |
| 02 | Everyday Vocabulary | Numbers, days of the week, weather, telling time, and politeness markers. |
| 03 | Workplace & Directional Vocabulary | Essential job site terms, equipment names, and asking/giving directions. |
| 04 | Conversational Maltese | Ordering food, shopping, local market transactions, and practical roleplay. |
| 05 | Essential Grammar Foundations | Simple sentence structure, basic verbs, pronouns, and positive/negative statements. |
| 06 | Emergency & Medical Phrases | Describing health symptoms, medical terms, and emergency communication. |
| 07 | Language Practice & Oral Prep | Dialogue exercises, conversational practice, and oral exam preparation. |
Theme 2: Maltese History, Culture & Traditions
| Session | Topic / Core Focus | Covered Learning Outcomes |
| 08 | Geography & National Heritage | Archipelago geography (Malta, Gozo, Comino), national symbols, and landmarks. |
| 09 | History & Social Customs | Historical eras, village festas, local traditions, etiquette, and family values. |
Theme 3: Civic Engagement & Government Institutions
| Session | Topic / Core Focus | Covered Learning Outcomes |
| 10 | Civic Structure & Governance | Parliamentary system, local councils, public departments, and state bodies. |
| 11 | Civic Rights & Responsibilities | Fundamental rights, legal duties, public law compliance, and civic obligations. |
Theme 4: Workplace Culture, Rights & Health & Safety
| Session | Topic / Core Focus | Covered Learning Outcomes |
| 12 | Workplace Etiquette & Standards | Professional conduct, attendance expectations, hierarchies, and norms. |
| 13 | Employment Rights & Contracts | Single Permits, employment contracts, leave entitlements, and dispute resolution. |
| 14 | Occupational Health & Safety (OHSA) | Employee/employer duties, hazard identification, PPE, and reporting procedures. |
| 15 | Workplace Ethics & Diversity | Equality regulations, anti-harassment policies, diversity, and support services. |
Theme 5: Community, Health, Development & Exam Review
| Session | Topic / Core Focus | Covered Learning Outcomes |
| 16 | Public Healthcare System | Accessing health centers, Mater Dei Hospital procedures, and wellness services. |
| 17 | Emergency Services & Legal Support | Police services, reporting crimes, emergency contacts (112), and legal aid. |
| 18 | Personal & Professional Growth | SMART goal setting, workplace integration, and career networking in Malta. |
| 19 | Comprehensive Course Revision | Full syllabus consolidation across Language, History, Civics, and Labor Law. |
| 20 | Mock Exam & Registration | Full practice exam simulating the Department of Examinations paper. |
Progression
Course Details
| Feature | Details |
| Delivery Mode | On-Campus |
| Target Audience | Third-Country Nationals (TCNs) seeking permit renewal or integration |
| Certification | Institutional Certificate of Completion (Prepares for national exam) |
| Assessment | Prepares candidates for the official Exam |
Assessment / Grading & Pass Rate
Assessment Structure
The national assessment is coordinated by the Department of Examinations (
myexams.gov.mt) and consists of two main components:- Part A: Written Examination
- Evaluates civic knowledge, Maltese culture, history, workplace norms, employment rights, and occupational health and safety regulations.
- Formatted with multiple-choice, short-answer, and scenario-based situational questions.
- Part B: Oral / Practical Assessment
- Evaluates basic spoken Maltese language proficiency.
- Tests everyday conversational skills, practical workplace terminology, and basic verbal comprehension.
Passing Criteria & Certification
- Overall Passing Mark: Candidates must achieve an overall aggregate score of at least 50% across the examination components to pass.
- Mandatory Institutional Attendance: To be eligible to sit for the examination or receive the preparatory course certificate, candidates must maintain a minimum of 80% class attendance during the training program.
- Official Credential: Candidates who satisfy both the attendance requirement and the 50% passing mark receive the official Culture and Language Integration Certificate, fulfilling the Identità compliance criteria required for 2-year work permit renewals in Malta.
During Course
The course delivery at La Vallette includes lectures, presentations, group discussions, and role-playing simulations to enhance student engagement and practical learning in hospitality and tourism management.
• Lectures and Presentations
• Group discussions
• Role-playing and simulations
Teaching methods
- Face to Face Lectures
- Presentations
- Tutorials
Intakes
Upcoming Intake Dates & Schedule (2026 / 2027)
| Intake Month | Start Date | Schedule Options | Registration Deadline | Status |
| September 2026 | September 28, 2026 | Evening / Weekend | TBA | Open for Enrolment |
| October 2026 | October 12, 2026 | Evening / Weekend | TBA | Open for Enrolment |
| November 2026 | November 09, 2026 | Evening / Weekend | TBA | Open for Enrolment |
| January 2027 | January 18, 2027 | Evening / Weekend | TBA | Open for Enrolment |
Important Note on Timing: We strongly recommend enrolling at least 3 to 4 months prior to your current card expiration date to ensure complete training hours and exam alignment with Identità renewal windows.
Course Information
Mode of Delivery: Face to Face on Campus
Age Group: 18+
Duration: 20 Sessions (2 Hours Each)
Total learning Hours: 40 Contact Hours
Awarding Body: La Vallette Institute
Intake: (Contact us for upcoming intakes/ Current Intakes)
Language of Instruction: English
Course Delivery Schedule: 2 to 3 days Weekly
Training Campus: Office 1-6, Angelica Court, Triq Giuseppe Cali, Ta’Xbiex
Tuition Fee: €250
Official Links:
Take the next step
We’ve empowered students to achieve their academic and career goals, fostering personal growth and professional success.
Benefit from our established track record of student success and satisfaction.
