Spain vs Malta: which Mediterranean destination to choose for your language exchange in 2025?
Dreaming of an exchange in the Mediterranean but undecided between Spain and Malta? You're not alone! These two enchanting destinations offer unique experiences for Brazilian exchange students, each with its specific advantages. In this comprehensive guide, we will compare these countries in all the essential aspects so that you can make the best decision for your international future in 2025.
Language learning opportunities
The choice between Spain and Malta naturally starts with the language you want to learn. In Spain, you will have complete immersion in Spanish, the second most spoken language in the world as a native language, with more than 460 million speakers. This experience is especially valuable for Brazilians, as Spanish shares linguistic roots with Portuguese, facilitating initial learning and accelerating your progress. The program Study and Work in Spain offers the perfect opportunity for this cultural and linguistic immersion.
Malta, on the other hand, presents a different and equally fascinating proposition. The country has English as one of its official languages, used widely in business, education, and tourism. By 2025, around 88% of Maltese people will be fluent in English, creating an ideal immersion environment for those who wish to improve this global language. Malta's advantage lies in the possibility of practicing English daily in a unique Mediterranean context, combining the learning of a language essential for the global market with the experience of living in a rich Mediterranean culture.
Visa processes and financial requirements
Understanding the visa requirements is critical to planning your exchange with peace of mind. See how each destination compares:
For Brazilians who wish to study in Spain, the process includes:
- Schengen visa required for stays longer than 90 days
- Financial proof of approximately €100 per day or minimum of €900 for the entire stay
- International health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000
- Full documentation translated and, in some cases, apostilled
- Acceptance letter of the Spanish educational institution
For those considering Malta, the scenario is strikingly different:
- Visa Waiver for Brazilians staying up to 90 days
- Simplified process for student visas for longer periods
- Less red tape compared to other European destinations
- Possibility to enter as a tourist and subsequent change of status
- Fast approval of documentation for students
This difference in entry requirements can be a decisive factor, especially for those planning short-term exchanges or seeking less red tape in the initial migration process.
Cost of living and budget
Financial planning is essential to ensure a smooth experience abroad. In 2025, the difference in the cost of living between these two Mediterranean destinations will be an important factor in your decision.
Spain offers a cost of living approximately 15% lower than Malta, according to recent comparisons. In medium-sized Spanish cities such as Valencia, Seville or Granada, a student can live comfortably with around €800-1,000 per month, including accommodation, food and transportation. Large metropolises such as Madrid and Barcelona naturally require a larger budget, approaching €1,100-1,300 per month, but they still offer excellent value for money considering the quality of life and the cultural opportunities available.
Malta, being a small archipelago with limited space and resources, has higher costs, especially in housing. A typical monthly student budget in 2025 will be between €900-1,200, with accommodations costing significantly more than in many Spanish regions. However, shorter distances in Malta can reduce transportation costs, and the country offers special packages for international students that can help balance the budget during your stay.
Job opportunities during the exchange
Combining studies with professional experience is a smart strategy to maximize your exchange. Check out the possibilities at each destination:
The availability of work during the exchange varies significantly between the two countries. Study and Work in Malta offers interesting conditions for exchange students who wish to supplement their income while studying. Here's how the opportunities compare:
- Trending sectors in Spain: The Spanish market values professionals in tourism, hospitality, technology, and language teaching, with Brazilians being especially in demand for positions that require Portuguese and Spanish.
- Promising industries in Malta: The archipelago has strong demand in areas such as tourism, online gaming, financial services, and information technology, with English being an essential requirement for most positions.
- Legal Limitations: Both countries have restrictions for international students, generally allowing part-time work (20 hours a week) during term time and full time during official holidays.
- Average compensation: In Spain, the hourly wage for students ranges from €6-10, while Malta offers between €7-12, with technical and specialized areas paying above the average in both destinations.
- Professional networking: Spain offers a wider network of contacts because it is a larger country, while Malta provides a more concentrated environment where it is easier to meet key professionals in your area of interest.
Cultural adaptation and Mediterranean climate
For Brazilians, cultural adaptation is a crucial factor in the success of the exchange. Spain offers a smoother transition due to cultural and linguistic similarities with Brazil. The Spanish lifestyle, with its tapas, siestas, and socializing in the squares, resonates with many aspects of Brazilian culture. The climate varies by region, but generally provides hot summers (25-35°C) and mild winters (5-15°C), with more than 300 days of sunshine a year in regions such as Andalusia and the Mediterranean coast.
Educational systems and teaching methodologies
Each country presents different approaches to language teaching, reflecting its educational traditions and market needs.
Language schools in Spain are renowned for their communicative approach, focusing intensely on conversation and practical everyday situations. The Spanish method values cultural immersion as an integral part of learning, with classes often complemented by outside activities such as visits to markets, museums, and cultural events. The quality of education is controlled by the Cervantes Institute, ensuring high standards in accredited schools across the country.
Malta has developed an international reputation for excellence in teaching English, with methodologies that combine traditional British techniques with more modern and interactive approaches. Maltese schools typically offer smaller class sizes than many European competitors, allowing for more personalized attention. An important differential is the country's natural multilingual environment, where students practice English not only in the classroom, but constantly in their daily interactions with people of different nationalities.
Social life and leisure activities
The social aspect of an exchange often determines how memorable your international experience will be, and both Spain and Malta offer vibrant yet distinct scenarios.
In Spain, social life revolves around the public squares, tapas bars, and cultural events that take place regularly in every city. The country is famous for its vibrant festivals such as La Tomatina, San Fermín, and the numerous local patron saint festivities. Cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia offer rich and diverse cultural scenes, with world-class museums, concerts, and nightlife that starts late and ends at dawn. In addition, Spain offers opportunities to explore varied landscapes, from Mediterranean beaches to mountains in the Pyrenees and historic cities with medieval and Moorish architecture.
Malta, with its compact territory, presents a more concentrated and international social experience. The country attracts students from all over the world, creating a cosmopolitan environment where you will be constantly interacting with people of diverse nationalities. Key social activities include seaside parties, electronic music festivals, and cultural events that celebrate the archipelago's rich history. For lovers of water activities, Malta offers exceptional conditions for diving, snorkeling and various water sports. The proximity between major attractions means you can easily explore the entire country during your stay, from megalithic temples to quaint fishing villages.
Be Easy
Na Be Easy, we understand that choosing between Spain and Malta is an important decision for your future. Our expert team offers personalized consulting to help you find the ideal program based on your learning objectives, budget, and personal preferences. With years of experience sending Brazilians to Mediterranean exchanges, we guarantee full support from document preparation to adaptation to the chosen destination.
Ready to make your exchange dream a reality? Contact Be Easy right now and discover how we can help you start your international journey!
