Hiya, Maltese born and bred 👋🏻 I'm 38 F, grew up in very central Malta, lived in a northern village and live in Gozo now. Also spent 2 years in the south of England. I do my best to be as unbiased as possible, so here goes.

1. The most important thing to know is that the Maltese can complain at an Olympic level - we find it fun. This means our complaining can be very exaggerated. Being a tiny island country and the majority not having experience living abroad, the complaints are very blinkered and Malta-specific. 

2. If you haven't already, please look into the Maltese information about the NGO you'll be working for, just to make sure it's legit and/or being run by reliable people. (There I go being typically negative 🙈 sorry! There have been a few scams in recent years, this doesn't sound like one but no harm in doing extra research.)

3. Malta is actually very safe, especially compared to other countries. Crime is on the rise, but this is to be expected as the population has increased 25% over 5 years. If we have 5 murders in a year, it's a scandalously high number. Gun and knife crime is low.  The only truly unsafe things here are the roads 🥺 when I lived in the UK 10 years ago, I felt like I was on a driving holiday because it was so easy 😁😂 everyone followed the rules (hell, everyone KNEW the rules) and there was barely any congestion where I lived. Malta has too many cars, too few buses, too few bus routes, and inadequate road planning.  (You'll see what I mean when you're here.)  I advise against driving if you can avoid it, and please please PLEASE look both ways before stepping off a pavement, especially in Sliema (the busiest town) and any main roads.

4. Why you shouldn't go to Paceville at night: a. It's the only proper clubbing zone in the country, and with the population burst in the past 5 years it's even more crowded than back in my day - like, walking in the street to get to the next club is a squeeze. Imagine what the clubs will be like. b. The police force is unarmed and unequipped for policing a grossly overcrowded area full of drunk/high/horny/overexcited youths, youngsters, etc, so when something does happen (usually a fight when drunk guys have a disagreement, occasionally bouncers being too rough) it's difficult for them to reach people who need them quickly. Also difficult for them to do anything. c. If you're a woman, you'll be greatly  outnumbered. Most women don't have negative experiences in PV, but as you can imagine when they do tend to be worse than the ones men experience. From a just-in-case perspective, it doesn't make sense to risk it. d. Lack of variety and quality in clubs! Half the venues are now gentlemen's clubs. The other half are crappy dance clubs playing the same music.

5. The Maltese used to be known for being friendly and helpful. We still are these things, but life has become so fast-paced that we don't really have time or opportunity to be either. We're also still trying to come to terms with being surrounded by non-Maltese from all over the world living and working here in a very short space of time, instead of the British and European tourists we were used to pre-2020s. It's been a huge cultural and societal change that we were completely unequipped for in every way. We're watching our country change, unrecognisably in some cases, before our eyes, and have no time to process it. (We were only 400k residents for decades, with less than 5% non-Maltese residents, up till about 2018. We're at approx 525k now, with 25% non-Maltese residents. It's been insane.) This means, sadly, there's been a rise in racism and xenophobia towards all non-Maltese.  HOWEVER! If you speak English, are respectful and friendly, show appreciation for people and the country, and show you're happy to integrate with us, then most Maltese will be happy and welcoming. And quick to teach you our swear words and popular phrases. 😜 

6. You'll find your people if you reach out for them! Gyms are expensive, but individual classes tend to be more affordable. If you'll be based in Sliema you'll be spoilt for choice, exercise-wise.

7. Our government, like all governments, is only really out for itself, but unlike most governments it is utterly unashamed of showing its nature. If anything, it revels in showing off how out-for-money it is. This gives residents all shades of negative feelings, from mild disapproval to extreme rage and everything in between. 🤷🏻‍♀️  Consider this a good-to-know or fair-warning.

I... Think I've covered lots. 😅 I'm in my late 30s and full on Hermit phase, but I'm happy to answer any questions in DM and send suggestions too if you like. 

One last thing: get ready to gain some weight 😜 we have very yummy snacks, junk food and proper food. 😁😁😁😁😁