Dealings with the University can be difficult for the foreign applicant, due to curious features of Maltese culture. Recently, some students published a serious of articles in the school newspaper concerning the inefficiency of the International Office. The International Office responded defensively. "It's not our fault! We do as much as we can....etc." On a whole Maltese culture is not user friendly because they have a different way of functioning. If people want something, they go into the store and shout their demands at the employee. Many an international student will stand in line at such a store patiently, and get up to counter only to have people behind them yell over their shoulder or cut in front of them. The employees will hardly ever make eye contact with you, or notice you, or try to help you in any way until you make it very clear that you wish to do business with them. The International office is no different and if you want something, be persistent. This is of course difficult when you have not yet arrived, as they may choose to ignore your emails or avoid questions or send faulty information. Last year an American applied for and was accepted into a course for Architecture which was in reality not offered. When he arrived in Malta, he opted to stay and took courses that were less advantageous, and was content to seek revenge in publically denouncing the incompetence of all members of the University of Malta.

This is not an isolated case. Programs vary and while some may be useful, where organised, and difficult to follow, in other faculties you may find that workload as well as proffessors are often missing from your classes. Most of the paperwork they send will be faulty and you will need to be flexible. Many courses are stimulating and the university offers a wide variety of subjects. Almost no parts of the University interact with or understand each other well, which leads to much running around and piecing together of contradictory truths. Most people won't have an answer for whatever question you have, and will send you to someone else who has less of an idea. (Or more probably, is not in.) I have the suspicion that the higher forms of authority, such as the Deans, were appointed out of social prestige and have almost no understanding of the underlying practical workings of the university. The secretaries know much about these matters, but have no power to question a faulty or infuriating regulati on or stand practice. The people who could make the real, serious decision that you need only exists on a mytholigical level. If you ever find him, let me know. Recently the university has raised the tuition again, and working with the International Student's Association, I have been trying to track down who made the decision and what exactly the money would be used for. What I have received is universal sympathy and support, but a vague and mysterious void where any answers might be. Everyone agrees that such a huge sum of money is not needed, but since they didn't make the decision, they can't do anything about it.

The picture on top is new decoration on campus. When I arrived, there were a series of 'modern art' paintings on wooden wheels like this and broken boards. Everything was (to me, under educated as I am in the qualities of modern art), ugly as hell. Fading colors and splotches...they looked like a failed student project. I mentioned to a Maltese friend that I was going to come and paint something pretty over them, and she told me off. The artist is actually well known and respected in Malta. This year, that artist gave careful plans for assistants to come and re-paint the rotting wood in different patterns and colors, like the one in the picture. These are at least new and bright. The artists other recent undertaking is to convert a huge bunch of abandoned gas canisters in some port into art by painting them. I'm dying of anticipation. The lowest picture is some of the fun architecture of the University. Some of the new buildings are pretty cool. The library looks like a factory, most buildings are dull and functional, but as the University has been built haphasardly over time you find corners like this, that serve no purpose and take up space. I've been told the architect is one of the best known in Malta. The middle picture I can't explain: they're tearing up the area in front of the Canteen. I don't know yet why but I'm sure I'll find out after break. A note on construction: its all over the island, all the time. Big cranes and blocked roads. Right now they're putting holes in front of my apartment. Yesterday they accidently cut through my phone line. A small group of about 6 men work on a project together, and they take turns so only one does anything while five stand near him making observations. The work takes a long time, and in most cases aesthetics suffer. At least I got to put my footprints in the rough fields of concrete they left in front of my building.

There is one snack shop on campus, the 'Canteen', which very recently has switched owners and offers a decent variety. Especially for vegetarians, there is now a salad bar. Though simple, it was not an option before and the change is welcome. You can also buy beer on campus, and coffee machines spurt espresso and hot chocolate for the winter. IT IS COLD IN THE WINTER. Bring a coat or some sweaters. Nobody ever does, because Malta has a rap for being a sunny little paradise island. It is cold for several months and a harsh wind or storm or rain spell can be endured much better if you come prepared. Back to the University: It has a very good international reputation and the credits are usually accepted and even multiplied when transferring them. The lack of overbearing leadership demands personal study, and you should have plenty of free time for it. If you work well without structure, you'll do great. If not, you probably won't fail.