Useful Phrases for the Malta Pre-Departure Integration Course

Useful Phrases for the Malta Pre-Departure Integration Course

Complete Detailed Guide with Practical Expressions

This guide provides practical phrases organised by the grammar topics you need for both Phase 1 (online exams) and Phase 2 (live interview). Use these phrases to sound natural, confident, and prepared.

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PART 1: PHRASES FOR THE PHASE 1 ONLINE EXAMS

A. Understanding Question Types

When reading multiple-choice and true/false questions, recognise these patterns:

Question TypeSignal WordsExample
Factual	What, When, Where, Who	"What is the capital of Malta?"
Definition	What is...?	"What is a 'festa'?"
Yes/No (True/False)	Is it true that...?	"Is it true that the course costs €250?"
Comparison	Difference, More, Less	"What is the difference between..."
Condition	If, When, Unless	"If you fail the exam..."
Negative	Not, Except, Unless	"Which workers are not exempt?"

B. Phrases for Understanding Exam Questions

SituationUseful PhraseWhy It Helps
Identifying the main topic	"This question is asking about..."	Focuses your reading
Recognising a negative statement	"I need to look for the exception..."	Avoids confusing "not" and "except"
Understanding a comparison	"The question wants me to compare..."	Identifies what's being contrasted
Processing a conditional	"If this happens, then that follows..."	Understands cause and effect
Distinguishing facts from opinions	"This is a factual statement from the course..."	True/false questions test facts only

C. Phrases for Reviewing Course Content

Topic AreaUseful Phrases to Know
Living in Malta	"Malta has two official languages: Maltese and English."
	"The capital city is Valletta."
	"The currency is the Euro."
	"The main public hospital is Mater Dei Hospital in Msida."
Transportation	"Public buses are operated by Malta Public Transport."
	"The prepaid bus card is called a Tallinja Card."
	"People drive on the left side of the road."
Culture	"A 'festa' is a village feast celebrating a patron saint."
	"A 'pastizz' is a traditional Maltese pastry."
	"Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion."
Course Requirements	"All first-time work permit applicants must complete both phases."
	"The course costs €250."
	"You have 42 days to complete the course."

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PART 2: PHRASES FOR THE PHASE 2 LIVE INTERVIEW

A. Opening & Introductions

Greeting the Interviewer

PhraseUse
"Good morning/afternoon. Thank you for seeing me."	Formal, respectful opening
"It's a pleasure to meet you."	Polite and professional
"Thank you for the opportunity to interview today."	Shows appreciation

Introducing Yourself

PhraseUse
"My name is [Your Name]."	Clear self-introduction
"I come from [Your Country]."	States your origin
"I am [Number] years old."	Basic personal information
"I have been working as a [Job Title] for [Number] years."	Professional introduction

Explaining Why You're Applying

PhraseUse
"I am applying to work in Malta because..."	States purpose
"I am looking for new opportunities in my field."	Professional motivation
"I have heard about the good work opportunities in Malta."	Shows research
"I am attracted to the positive and friendly environment in Malta."	Shows cultural interest

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B. Present Simple Tense Phrases

Used for: Facts, routines, general truths

Interview QuestionUseful PhraseGrammar Point
"What do you know about Malta?"	"Malta is a small island country in the Mediterranean."	Present simple for facts
"What is the capital?"	"The capital is Valletta."	Present simple for facts
"What are the official languages?"	"Maltese and English are the official languages."	Present simple for facts
"What is your job?"	"I work as a [job title]."	Present simple for occupation
"What does your job involve?"	"I am responsible for [duties]."	Present simple for responsibilities
"What do you do in your free time?"	"I enjoy [hobbies]."	Present simple for habits

C. Past Simple Tense Phrases

Used for: Completed actions, previous experience

Interview QuestionUseful PhraseGrammar Point
"Tell me about your previous job."	"I worked as a [job title] for [number] years."	Past simple for completed work
"Where did you work before?"	"I worked at [Company Name]."	Past simple for previous employer
"What did you learn in your last job?"	"I learned how to [skill]."	Past simple for learning experience
"Have you been to Malta before?"	"Yes, I visited Malta [time]. / No, I have never visited."	Past simple/present perfect
"What did you learn from the course?"	"I learned about workers' rights and Maltese culture."	Past simple for learning

D. Future Tense Phrases

Used for: Plans, intentions, predictions

Using "Will" for Spontaneous Decisions/Promises

Interview QuestionUseful PhraseGrammar Point
"What will you do when you arrive?"	"I will register with Identity Malta for my ID card."	Will for future plans
"Will you learn Maltese?"	"Yes, I will try to learn some Maltese phrases."	Will for intention
"What will you do if you get lost?"	"I will ask for directions or use Google Maps."	Will for future action

Using "Going to" for Planned Intentions

Interview QuestionUseful PhraseGrammar Point
"What are your plans?"	"I am going to find accommodation first."	Going to for planned action
"What will you do about housing?"	"I am going to rent a room in a shared apartment."	Going to for plan
"What do you hope to achieve?"	"I am going to work hard and integrate into the community."	Going to for intention

E. Modal Verbs Phrases

Used for: Obligation, possibility, advice

Modal VerbInterview QuestionUseful Phrase
Must (Obligation)	"What are your obligations?"	"I must complete both Phase 1 and Phase 2."
Have to (External obligation)	"What documents do you need?"	"I have to register with Identity Malta."
Should (Advice)	"What should you do if..."	"I should call my supervisor if I'm late."
Can (Ability)	"What can you do?"	"I can use public transport to get around."
Could (Possibility)	"What could happen?"	"I could find a cheaper apartment outside the city centre."
May (Permission)	"What are you allowed to do?"	"I may be eligible for a longer permit."
Need to (Necessity)	"What do you need?"	"I need to get health insurance."

Complete Modal Verb Example Answer

"As a worker in Malta, I must respect local laws. I have to complete the Pre-Departure Course. I should learn some basic Maltese phrases. I can use public transport to travel. I may be eligible for a longer residence permit if I complete the integration course."

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F. Conditional Sentences Phrases

Used for: Scenario-based questions

Type 1: Real/Possible Conditionals (If + present, will + infinitive)

Interview QuestionUseful Phrase
"What will you do if you are late?"	"If I am late for work, I will call my supervisor immediately."
"What if you get sick?"	"If I am unwell, I will inform my employer and follow the sick leave procedure."
"What if you can't find accommodation?"	"If I can't find a place to live, I will ask my employer for help."

Type 2: Hypothetical Conditionals (If + past, would + infinitive)

Interview QuestionUseful Phrase
"What would you do if a colleague was bullying?"	"If I saw a colleague being bullied, I would offer support and report it."
"What would you do if you felt unsafe?"	"If I felt unsafe, I would report it to my supervisor or OHSA."
"What would you do if you lost your ID?"	"If I lost my ID, I would contact Identity Malta immediately."

Mixed Conditional Example Answer

"If I am late for work (type 1), I will call my supervisor. If I saw a safety hazard (type 2), I would report it immediately."

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G. Passive Voice Phrases

Used for: Describing processes, when action is more important than doer

Interview QuestionUseful PhraseGrammar Point
"How does the process work?"	"The course is offered through an online platform."	Passive for process description
"When do you apply?"	"Applications are submitted to Identity Malta."	Passive for procedure
"How is the interview conducted?"	"The interview is conducted online."	Passive for procedure
"When is the certificate issued?"	"The certificate is issued after completing both phases."	Passive for outcome

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H. Reported Speech Phrases

Used for: Explaining what you have learned

Interview QuestionUseful PhraseGrammar Point
"What did the course teach you?"	"The course said that I must respect local laws."	Reported statement
"What do you know about workers' rights?"	"I learned that employers must provide a written contract."	Reported fact
"What did you find interesting?"	"I was told that Malta has 14 public holidays."	Reported information
"What have you heard about Malta?"	"I understand that the cost of living is reasonable."	Reported understanding

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I. Workplace Communication Phrases

Describing Responsibilities

PhraseGrammar Focus
"I am responsible for [task]."	Present simple
"My duties include [duties]."	Present simple
"I report to [person/role]."	Present simple
"I work as part of a team."	Present simple
"I deal with [customers/clients/tasks]."	Present simple

Describing Workplace Rights

PhraseGrammar Focus
"Employees are entitled to 24 days of annual leave."	Passive + entitlement
"Workers have the right to request pay information."	Have + right to
"Employers must provide a written contract."	Modal + obligation
"Employees are protected against discrimination."	Passive + protection

Describing Workplace Obligations

PhraseGrammar Focus
"I have to follow health and safety rules."	Have to + obligation
"I must report any hazards to my supervisor."	Must + obligation
"I am expected to be punctual."	Passive + expectation
"I need to inform my employer if I am sick."	Need to + necessity

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J. Asking for Clarification Phrases

Essential phrases - asking for clarification shows you want to understand correctly

SituationUseful Phrase
You didn't hear the question	"I'm sorry, I didn't quite catch that. Could you please repeat?"
You don't understand	"I'm sorry, I didn't quite understand. Could you explain it more simply?"
You need an example	"Could you give me an example of what you mean?"
You want confirmation	"Do you mean...?"
You need clarification	"Just to clarify, are you asking about...?"
You need more time	"That's a good question. Let me think for a moment."
You want to rephrase	"So what you're saying is... is that correct?"
You want the question repeated slowly	"Could you please speak a little more slowly?"

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K. Scenario-Based Answer Phrases

These phrases help you structure your answers to scenario questions:

Step 1: Acknowledge the Situation

PhraseExample
"If that happened, I would..."	"If I were late, I would call my supervisor."
"In that situation, I would..."	"In that situation, I would report the issue."
"I would handle this by..."	"I would handle this by speaking to my manager first."

Step 2: Describe Your Immediate Action

PhraseExample
"First, I would..."	"First, I would remain calm."
"My first step would be to..."	"My first step would be to inform my supervisor."
"I would immediately..."	"I would immediately report the safety concern."

Step 3: Describe Follow-up Actions

PhraseExample
"Then, I would..."	"Then, I would follow the company's procedure."
"After that, I would..."	"After that, I would document the issue."
"Finally, I would..."	"Finally, I would follow up to ensure it was resolved."

Step 4: Explain the Outcome

PhraseExample
"This would help..."	"This would help resolve the situation quickly."
"I believe this is the right way..."	"I believe this is the right way to handle it."
"This shows..."	"This shows my commitment to safety."

Complete Scenario Answer Structure

"If that happened, I would remain calm. First, I would inform my supervisor. Then, I would follow the safety procedures. After that, I would document everything. Finally, I would follow up to ensure the issue was resolved."

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L. Phrases for Expressing Opinion

FunctionUseful Phrase
Expressing belief	"I believe that..."
Expressing opinion	"In my opinion..."
Explaining reasoning	"I think this is important because..."
Showing understanding	"I understand that..."
Agreeing	"I agree with..."
Disagreeing politely	"I see your point, but..."
Showing certainty	"I am confident that..."
Showing uncertainty	"I'm not entirely sure, but I think..."

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M. Closing the Interview Phrases

SituationUseful Phrase
Thanking the interviewer	"Thank you for your time today."
	"I appreciate this opportunity."
Expressing enthusiasm	"I look forward to the opportunity to work in Malta."
	"I am excited about this prospect."
Polite closing	"Do you have any further questions for me?"
	"I hope I have answered your questions well."
Final farewell	"Goodbye and have a good day."
	"Thank you and goodbye."

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PART 3: SECTOR-SPECIFIC PHRASES

A. Hospitality & Tourism Sector Phrases

SituationUseful Phrase
Greeting guests	"Welcome to [Hotel/Restaurant]. How can I help you?"
Taking orders	"May I take your order?"
Handling complaints	"I apologise for the inconvenience. Let me resolve this for you."
Describing the menu	"Our special today is [dish]."
Asking for preferences	"Would you prefer..."
Offering suggestions	"I would recommend..."

B. Construction & Labour Sector Phrases

SituationUseful Phrase
Safety instructions	"Please wear your protective equipment."
Reporting issues	"I need to report a safety concern."
Asking for help	"Can you help me with this task?"
Following instructions	"Yes, I understand the instructions."
Asking for clarification	"Could you explain this procedure again?"

C. Healthcare & Social Care Sector Phrases

SituationUseful Phrase
Patient interaction	"How are you feeling today?"
Providing care	"I will help you with..."
Reporting observations	"I noticed that..."
Explaining procedures	"The procedure involves..."
Reassuring patients	"Please don't worry. We will take care of you."

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PART 4: PHRASES FOR THE BROADER INTEGRATION COURSE

This 40-hour course includes topics like Maltese history, law, renting, and language.

TopicUseful Phrase
Maltese history	"The Knights of St. John ruled Malta from 1530."
	"Malta became independent in 1964."
Maltese law	"The Employment and Industrial Relations Act protects workers."
	"I understand my rights and responsibilities."
Renting in Malta	"I need to budget for rent and utilities."
	"I should check the tenancy agreement carefully."
Budgeting	"I will track my expenses to manage my finances."
	"I need to save for unexpected costs."

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PART 5: QUICK REFERENCE PHRASE TABLES

Essential Survival Phrases

SituationEnglishMaltese (Bonus)
Hello	"Good morning/afternoon."	"Bongu/Bonġu"
Goodbye	"Goodbye."	"Ċaw/Sahha"
Thank you	"Thank you."	"Grazzi"
Please	"Please."	"Jekk jogħġbok"
Sorry/Excuse me	"I'm sorry. / Excuse me."	"Skużani"
Yes/No	"Yes. / No."	"Iva. / Le."

Common Grammar Mistake Fixes

MistakeCorrectionExplanation
"I have 25 years."	"I am 25 years old."	Use "am" for age
"I am work in Malta."	"I work in Malta."	No "am" before main verb
"I no speak Maltese."	"I don't speak Maltese."	Use "do/does" for negatives
"I can to speak English."	"I can speak English."	No "to" after modal verbs
"He go to work."	"He goes to work."	Add -s for third person singular

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PART 6: MOCK INTERVIEW PHRASE PRACTICE

Practice Dialogue 1: Introducing Yourself

InterviewerCandidate
"Good morning. Please introduce yourself."	"Good morning. My name is [Name]. I come from [Country]. I am [age] years old."
"Why do you want to work in Malta?"	"I am applying to work in Malta because I have heard about the good opportunities in my field. I am also attracted to the positive and friendly environment."

Practice Dialogue 2: Scenario Question

InterviewerCandidate
"What would you do if you were late for work?"	"If I were late for work, I would call my supervisor immediately. I would explain the situation and give an estimated arrival time. Then, I would apologise for the delay."
"What would you do if you didn't know how to do a task?"	"If I didn't know how to do a task, I would ask my supervisor or a colleague for help. I would never pretend to know. I believe in learning properly."

Practice Dialogue 3: Course Knowledge

InterviewerCandidate
"What did you learn from the course?"	"I learned that the capital is Valletta and that the official languages are Maltese and English. I also learned about workers' rights, including 24 days of annual leave and health and safety."
"What are your obligations as a worker?"	"I have to follow health and safety rules. I must report any hazards. I need to respect my colleagues and follow the company's policies."

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PART 7: FINAL PREPARATION CHECKLIST

Before the Interview

TaskDone?
Review all course materials	[ ]
Practice answering questions out loud	[ ]
Prepare your introduction	[ ]
Know your sector's requirements	[ ]
Prepare 3-5 scenario answers	[ ]
Learn basic Maltese phrases	[ ]
Check your internet connection	[ ]
Find a quiet space for the interview	[ ]
Have your ID ready	[ ]

Key Phrases to Memorise

Category Phrase
Opening	"Good morning. Thank you for this opportunity."
Self-introduction	"My name is [Name] from [Country]."
Clarification	"Could you please repeat the question?"
Scenario answer	"If that happened, I would..."
Closing	"Thank you for your time. Have a good day."