Вы услышите интервью. В следующих заданиях выберите правильный ответ.
1. One thing that attracted Emma to Malta was …
1) the size of the island.
2) the chance to learn a new language.
3) the centuries-old buildings.
2. Studying in Malta reminded Emma of …
1) her earlier education.
2) playing a game.
3) her usual university
3. Emma was surprised by …
1) the way the other students spoke to her.
2) how early classes started in Malta.
3) restrictions on movement at the university.
4. Emma found that at university in Malta there was more …
1) tuition time.
2) use of technology.
3) learning outside class.
5. Emma thinks it’s best for students to …
1) write assignments for assessment.
2) work under pressure.
3) have a job while they study.
6. The closest friends Emma made in Malta …
1) were in the same situation as her.
2) were natives of the island.
3) she met while having a break.
7. Emma says international students should …
1) challenge themselves academically.
2) actively look for friends.
3) enjoy some activities solo.
1 – 3
2 – 1
3 – 3
4 – 3
5 – 1
6 – 1
7 – 3
Ralph: When students from North America head to Europe to study, it’s normally to experience large cities like London, Paris and Barcelona. But Emma Richardson went somewhere quite different – the island of Malta. She’s here to tell us about her experiences. Welcome, Emma.
Emma: Hello, Ralph.
Ralph: So why did you choose to go to Malta?
Emma: I’m studying history of art, and I’m particularly interested in the art and architecture of the 1600s, and there’s plenty of that to see on Malta. I knew I would find new enthusiasm for my studies there. Also, my language skills aren’t great, so Malta was a good option for me because English is an official language of the island, and all classes are taught in it. If someone ever used one of the other main languages of the island, Maltese and Italian, in class, someone always translated for me.
Ralph: So, you didn’t have any difficulty in adjusting to the classroom environment in Malta?
Emma: I wouldn’t say that. Lectures on Malta are much more formal than at home, and there are more rules to obey. I felt like I was back at high school, actually. I’m used to using the first names of teaching staff, but that’s not the culture in Malta. I stopped doing it when people told me it was disrespectful. Also, I was amazed to find you can’t leave the room for any reason once a lecture has begun, even to go to the toilet, and students aren’t allowed to take any food or drink into lecture halls, not even chewing gum.
Ralph: So did all the rules bother you?
Emma: Not really, because I only had two or three hours of contact time with my teachers per week. In Malta, you’re expected to do the vast majority of your studying independently, whereas at my own university we spend a lot of time studying textbooks together in class. In Malta, you receive a short introduction to the topic from the lecturer, then you have to do the rest yourself. Also, you’re expected to have read enough before the session to be able to participate in discussions. Classes are less passive than at home.
Ralph: Are there different modes of assessment in Malta too?
Emma: Yes. It’s all by exam. Any pieces of coursework you have to complete don’t get officially graded. I don’t think it’s very fair, because some students work best when they have time to plan their work carefully, not under timed conditions. Also, having to write an essay or two in just two hours doesn’t really reflect the world outside university.
Ralph: What about the social side of college? How was that in Malta?
Emma: Well, nobody lives on the campus of the University of Malta, so the only socialising that takes place there is in the canteen in the daytime, where they sell delicious cheese pastries and coffee, by the way. Most Maltese students live with their families, and I didn’t see my Maltese classmates outside of university much. But I made some good friends from among the people I lived with in the accommodation centre for international students. It’s about a 40-minute walk from the campus. Others opt to stay with a family closer to the university buildings.
Ralph: Finally, what advice do you have for students going to Europe for the first time?
Emma: Don’t be afraid to go out and explore on your own. You won’t have as many friends available as you do at home, so you’ll need to be willing to do things alone if you want to make the most of being in Europe.
