Choosing an English course isn’t complicated, but the sheer range of options can make it feel that way. General English, Intensive, Business, IELTS, One-to-One: the labels are everywhere, and it isn’t always obvious which one fits what you’re trying to achieve. This guide cuts through that.
Start with the basics: answer these four questions
Before you look at course types, get clear on these four things. The answers narrow your options fast.
1. What’s your current level?
If you’re a complete beginner, you’re looking at Elementary and Pre-Intermediate courses. If you can hold a conversation but get stuck on complex grammar or professional vocabulary, you’re Intermediate to Upper-Intermediate. If you’re already proficient and want precision, you’re Advanced. Most schools, Maltalingua included, assess your level before you start so you end up in the right class.
2. What do you actually want to achieve?
Be specific. “Improve my English” is a direction, not a goal. Are you learning for travel? For your job? To pass an exam? To feel more confident with friends? To get ready for university? The answer changes which course is right for you.
3. How much time do you have?
One week of intensive study can be worth three weeks of part-time study, depending on the intensity. If you’re on a tight holiday allowance, make the most of your mornings. If you’re retired or on an extended break, a longer part-time course can be easier to sustain.
4. What’s your budget?
Course prices in Malta are generally transparent. Standard General English (20 lessons per week) is the most affordable. Intensive courses (20 to 30 lessons) cost more but give you more exposure each day. One-to-One tuition is the premium option: a good deal more per hour, but much more targeted.
The main course types, explained
### General English (Standard)
The everyday workhorse of English language learning. It covers all four skills, speaking, listening, reading and writing, with a focus on practical communication. Usually 20 lessons per week, mornings, Monday to Friday.
This is the one to pick if you want solid, well-rounded improvement and you’re not under pressure to hit a specific target quickly. It’s also the most social course, since you’ll be in a class with students from all over the world working on the fundamentals together.
Good for: most learners, especially beginners to intermediate.
### Intensive English
Same General English core content, but with extra afternoon sessions, usually 20 to 30 lessons per week. The afternoons dig deeper into specific areas: speaking fluency, listening practice, vocabulary building or exam technique, depending on the school.
If you have limited time and want to make serious progress quickly, Intensive is the right call. The trade-off is that it leaves less time to explore Malta in the afternoons.
Good for: learners on a tight schedule, those preparing for exams, or anyone who learns best with more daily exposure.
### Business English
Built around professional communication: meetings, presentations, negotiations, email writing, telephoning. Classes often use case studies and scenario work relevant to particular industries, and usually need Intermediate or above as a starting point.
If you’re learning English specifically for your career, or planning to, this is more useful than General English. You’ll still improve your overall level, but the context is workplace-oriented.
Good for: professionals, managers, and anyone using English at work or getting ready to.
### IELTS Preparation
IELTS is the most widely recognised English language test for university admission, visa applications and professional registration. An IELTS preparation course teaches you exactly how the exam works: the question types, the timing, the marking criteria and the test strategies.
This isn’t about “being good at English,” it’s about performing well under exam conditions, and the difference matters. A good IELTS course gets you familiar with the test format and helps you spot where you’re losing marks.
Good for: anyone who needs a recognised English qualification for university, immigration or professional purposes.
### One-to-One (Individual Tuition)
Personalised tuition with a dedicated teacher. The curriculum is built around your goals, your level and your pace. There’s no waiting for others to catch up, no being held back by a faster student, and no hiding in the back row.
One-to-One is especially effective for advanced learners with specific gaps (pronunciation, writing structure, professional vocabulary), people preparing for high-stakes presentations or interviews, or anyone who prefers a very focused, custom approach.
Good for: advanced learners, professionals with specific targets, and learners who want the most from their time.
Putting it together: matching goals to courses
“I want to feel more confident speaking English on holiday and in everyday situations”
→ General English (Standard). Solid all-round improvement with plenty of time to enjoy Malta.
“I have a short holiday but I want to make real progress”
→ Intensive English. More lessons per week means faster absorption.
“I need English for job applications, CVs or work”
→ Business English. Professional language in context, ready to use straight away.
“I need an IELTS score for university or a visa”
→ IELTS Preparation. Exam-specific skills and strategies alongside genuine language improvement.
“I’m an advanced speaker with specific gaps and I just want targeted work”
→ One-to-One. Custom curriculum, your pace, your goals.
“I’m retired and want to combine learning with a relaxed holiday”
→ General English (Standard) plus the Cultural Activities option. Morning lessons, afternoon excursions, and a social environment.
One thing worth knowing before you book
The school you choose matters as much as the course type. Class sizes, teacher qualifications and the quality of the materials all make a real difference to your outcome. Maltalingua limits classes to a maximum of 12 students, with an average of 8 to 10. The teachers are native and near-native English speakers with CELTA or DELTA qualifications, and the school holds EAQUALS accreditation. These aren’t marketing details; they directly affect how much you learn.
Ready to get specific?
Answering four questions honestly gives you a surprisingly clear picture of which course fits. If you’re still unsure, Maltalingua’s team can help you work it out before you commit to anything.
Use the quotation tool to get a personalised course recommendation and clear pricing, with no booking fees and no material costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right English course in Malta?
Start with your goal, whether that’s general fluency, exam prep or business English, then weigh up your available time and budget. From there, pick Standard (20 lessons) for a balanced trip or Intensive (30 lessons) for faster progress.
How do I know which level to book?
You don’t have to guess. A placement test before you start puts you in the right class, and your level can be adjusted in the first days if needed.
Does class size really matter?
A lot. Smaller classes mean more speaking time per student. Maltalingua caps adult classes at 12, well below many larger schools.
What if I'm not sure which course fits?
Tell us your goals and dates and our team will recommend the best fit. Fill out our short quotation form to get started.