Program History

Malta stands at the crossroads of Mediterranean cultures and has long been a dynamic open market location for social, business and multicultural exchanges between Europe and North Africa. Its strategic geographic location and excellent harbors have been a major attraction to the world's maritime powers. As a result, Malta was ruled by a succession of foreign powers, starting with the Phoenicians and ending with the British. Malta managed to interact with diverse cultures, which greatly enriched its historical, archeological and cultural heritage. Malta has a 7,000-year history with prehistoric temples older than the pyramids of Egypt and Britain's Stonehenge. Today, Malta's relaxed lifestyle, its climate and sea make it a favorite destination for learning, conferences, medical treatment, back-office operations and even a tranquil holiday.

Malta has two official languages, Maltese and English. Malta became independent in 1964, a Republic in 1974 and joined the European Union in May 2004.

JMU is proud of its close connection with the University of Malta. The association has developed over the past decade as a result of JMU's undergraduate study abroad program on the island under the direction of JMU's Department of Integrated Science and Technology. This collaborative master's degree program represents the culmination of the cooperative efforts of faculty and administrators from both institutions, all in the interest of rigorous academic and research opportunities.