Staying with a Host Family in Malta: What You Need to Know [FAQ]
As a student at our school in Malta, you have several accommodation options — as we mentioned in this article Atlas Malta Accommodation – What You Need to Know [FAQ] – English Language School Dublin , you can stay in your own accommodation, in the Atlas Student Residence, or with a host family.
In this article, we’ll answer the most common questions and give you a clear overview of what staying with a host family involves and why it might be the right choice for you.
Why is staying with a host family a good idea?
Staying with a host family is a great way to immerse yourself in a new culture, language, and local customs. You’ll experience how Maltese people live, join them in their daily routines, and have the chance to try traditional meals. This type of stay can help you adapt more easily to a new environment and improve your English faster, as you’ll be speaking and listening in real-life situations every day.
🏡 Benefits of staying with a host family
One of the biggest benefits of staying with a host family is stepping out of your comfort zone. This kind of experience supports personal growth, helps you build confidence, and gives you the opportunity to practise communication skills naturally. It’s also a very authentic way to experience Malta — you’ll feel like a local, not just a visitor.
Another important advantage is the opportunity to build strong and lasting relationships. Many students stay in touch with their host families long after they leave Malta, creating international friendships that can last for years.
Below, you will find some helpful answers and useful information that can guide you and make your stay more comfortable and enjoyable. We’ve compiled these to address common questions and provide tips that you might find valuable during your time here.
ℹ️ General information
What is a homestay, and how is it different from an apartment?
A homestay in Malta means living in the private home of a local family during your studies. You’ll share everyday life with them, which makes your experience more personal, meaningful, and culturally enriching.
Will I have my own room and bathroom?
Yes, you have your own room in the house depending on your booking. You can have the room to yourself (single room) or you can share with another student (twin room).
Homestay’s do not offer private ensuite bathrooms.
Who will I be sharing my room with?
We only allocate students of the same gender to a shared room. If you are a couple and would like to stay together, please send us a request well in advance to check availability.
Here at Atlas Malta, we try to allocate students of similar ages and different nationalities to the same room, however this is not always guaranteed.
The host family can have students from other schools staying in the same house so this is the perfect opportunity to meet new people from all over the world.
Do I get to choose my host family?
No, you do not get to choose your exact host family, but you can provide us with your preferences or specific needs when you apply. Based on this information, we will match you with a suitable host family.
All of our host families are interviewed and vetted by the school. We only use families who are licensed by the local authorities.
Can I change families if I don’t feel comfortable?
Yes, If there is a serious issue or you are not comfortable with your host family, you can request to change through the school. Depending on the nature of the issue, the school will investigate and necessary steps will be taken.
🍽️ Meals & Food
Are meals included, and how many per day?
Yes, Host Families offer 2 different types of board:
- Half = Breakfast and Dinner every day with light lunch on the weekends.
- Full = Breakfast, a packed lunch everyday and Dinner everyday.
Breakfast includes toast, cereal, yogurt or fruit with tea, coffee or juice. Host families do not offer cooked breakfasts.
For dinner you will be provided with a local, home cooked meal prepared by the family.
Packed and light lunches on the weekends is usually a sandwich or wrap, a drink and a snack (fruit etc).
Can I cook my own food or use the kitchen?
No, as all meals are prepared and provided to the students by the host family. Students are not usually allowed to use the kitchen to cook for themselves, without prior permission from the host family.
What if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?
If you have severe food allergies, it’s very important to communicate this clearly before your arrival so the host family is aware and can provide a safe environment.
It’s important that you inform the school in writing of your specific allergy, indicate the severity and confirm if you require any specific medication.
What time are meals usually served?
Breakfast and Dinners are usually served at a specific time and the host family will inform you when you arrive. If for any reason you miss a meal, the families will not provide you with another, nor will they leave the food out for you (unless this has been discussed and agreed in advance). If for any reason you are going to miss a meal, it’s important you notify the host family in advance.
Do I need to help with cooking or cleaning after meals?
You are not expected to, but offering to help is always a kind gesture that goes a long way!
🚿 Daily Life & Routines
What are the rules or expectations in a homestay?
When living in a homestay—especially for the first time—it’s important to remember you’re a guest in someone’s home, not just renting a room. Our host families are opening their homes to you and you become part of the family. It’s important to treat them with respect and be considerate of their culture and way of living.
Can I use the bathroom anytime?
Yes, all host families have a bathroom and a shower for the students to use as they like. However, please be considerate and ask about shower times, do not take excessively long showers and always keep the bathroom clean, just as you would expect to find it!
What’s the best way to do laundry?
Your Host Family will provide you with clean linen and towels once a week. Please note that beach towels are not provided so remember to bring one with!
Your Host Family will also do your laundry once a week and it’s important to arrange this with them. If you would like your clothes to be washed more than once a week, there are several laundromats in the area.
📝 Rules
Can I come and go as I please? Is there a curfew?
If you are an adult over the age of 18, the host family will provide you with a key so that you can enter and exit the house.
Please be considerate to your host family and inform them if you are coming in or leaving early and keep any disturbance to a minimum. Please note that no guests are allowed to enter the host family’s home.
If you are under the age of 18, the school along with the host families have strict curfew times:
The curfews prescribed by the school are:
- 16 year-old – should be home by 10pm (Sun – Thurs) and 11pm (Fri & Sat)
- 17-year-old – should be home by 11pm (Sun – Thurs) and 12 midnight (Fri & Sat)
If you would like to stay out past the above curfew times, the school requires a signed consent form from your parents. The curfew times will then be extended by 1 hour only.
📱 Communication
Can I use Wi-Fi or the internet in the house?
Yes, the host family will provide you with the wifi details when you arrive.
How do I contact my host family before I arrive?
A member of the Accommodation Team will contact you during the week leading up to your arrival. We will confirm the host family you are staying with and will provide you with their contact details.
🎯 Challenging situations
What if I get sick while staying with the host family?
We recommend bringing medication with you to Malta to help if you are feeling sick. If you are unwell, please notify the host family as well as the school. We recommend that you see a doctor as soon as you have symptoms so that they can prescribe you with medication if needed. Please if you are sick, try to keep to your room so as not to infect other students, or the host family.
How do I handle misunderstandings or conflicts?
We always encourage students to try and resolve any minor issues with the families directly themselves. However if there are any issues that a student needs assistance with, the school will be more than happy to help!
🧳 Packing & Preparation
What should I pack for my homestay?
Toiletries are not provided by the host family and bring with a hair dryer if you need one. We recommend bringing a beach towel, light clothes for the summer and a jacket for the cooler months. A hat and an umbrella are also useful!
Is it okay to bring my own electronics or appliances?
Yes, please bring with you an UK style adapter and any charging cables you need. You can also bring a laptop or tablet along with headphones for watching movies.
Should I bring a gift for my host family?
We recommend bringing a small souvenir from your home country as a gift to your host family! This is a great way to start off your journey and it shows appreciation for the family you will be staying with.
If you have any questions or need help choosing a type of accommodation while you stay in Malta, don’t hesitate to contact us — we’re here to help you feel at home.
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