1 ECTS
Cultural Adjustment, Wellbeing, and Next Steps - Level 2
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Module Description
This module supports learners in understanding the practical and personal aspects of adjusting to life in Malta. It explores common experiences related to cultural adaptation, wellbeing, social support, and managing change in a new environment. Topics include the pace of Maltese bureaucracy, the island mentality, privacy norms, managing expectations, balancing familiarity with new norms, and managing homesickness. Learners are introduced to practical strategies for maintaining wellbeing, accessing support services, building positive routines, and continuing their integration journey in Malta. The module also encourages learners to identify personal goals, community supports, and next steps related to living, working, and participating in Maltese society.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry requirements:
(a) Status: Foreigners residing in or planning to reside in Malta, with a valid or pending residence permit, or in the process of applying for a Single Permit or other relevant permit under Maltese and EU law.
(b) Language: Functional proficiency in English since all instruction is delivered in English. No formal English language qualification is required, but applicants are expected to follow and participate in English-medium instruction.
(c) Qualifications: No prior formal qualifications are required. The award is open to adults from all educational backgrounds.
(d) Digital Competences: Basic ability to use a smartphone or computer for communication purposes (e.g., email, messaging, accessing online resources) is desirable but not mandatory. Learners requiring additional digital support will be accommodated.
No prior knowledge of Maltese language, law or culture is assumed or required.
Target Audience
- This award targets foreign individuals who would like to undergo a cultural integration short course.
Career Paths
- This award does not lead to a warranted profession or regulated occupation. It is designed to support the social, civic and professional integration of foreigners residing in or relocating to Malta, and is directly relevant to occupations and roles in which cultural competence, workplace integration and civic awareness are valued. These include, but are not limited to: administrative roles in public and private sector entities employing international staff; community liaison and integration support roles; roles within NGOs, social services and community organisations working with migrant populations; hospitality, tourism and customer-facing roles requiring intercultural communication skills. The award is complementary to, but does not replace, any specific National Occupational Standard (NOS) currently listed on the Malta Qualifications Database (MQD). No specific NOS directly maps to the cultural integration domain at this level; however, the award aligns with the spirit of the European Key Competences framework, particularly in the areas of civic competence, cultural awareness, and personal, social and learning-to-learn competence.
Assessment
Module 8 is assessed through simple reflective and practical activities related to cultural adjustment, wellbeing and support, and future planning in Malta. Assessment methods may include a short resource-matching task in which learners identify appropriate services or organisations for common every day or adjustment-related situations, and a simple personal next steps plan identifying practical goals, useful support services, and actions to support continued adjustment and integration in Malta. Assessed on participation, completion of tasks, and appropriate use of module resources. Pass mark: 75%.
Learning Outcomes
- CompetencesAt the end of the module/unit, the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:
- Participate in guided activities related to cultural adjustment, wellbeing, and support in Malta.
- Use tutor-provided materials and guidance to identify practical sources of support and wellbeing resources in Malta.
- Participate respectfully in guided discussions related to adjustment experiences, wellbeing, and future goals.
- Knowledge
At the end of the module/unit, the learner will have been exposed to the following:
- Identify common adjustment challenges that may be experienced by newcomers to Malta: bureaucratic delays, cultural differences, privacy norms, and homesickness.
- Familiarise oneself with basic facts about the concept of culture shock: its stages and the fact that adjustment takes time.
- Comprehend simple, practical coping strategies for supporting wellbeing and managing adjustment: maintaining routines, building social connections, seeking information, and using available support.
- Describe key support services available to foreigners in Malta: community organisations, counselling services, and peer support networks.
Recognise the importance of balancing personal cultural identity and familiarity (home-country practices) with adaptation to Maltese norms.
Skills
At the end of the module/unit, the learner will have acquired the following skills:
- Use a provided coping strategies card to match at least three adjustment challenges to suitable practical strategies.
- Complete a simple personal wellbeing checklist to identify one area where they may need additional support, then name the relevant service using the module resources list.
- Follow a provided step-by-step guide to submit a simple administrative request or query to a Maltese public service.