When living in a new country, it is not always easy to make new friends or practise the spoken language, even more so in the winter months, when most would be satisfied with only socialising with their blanket and heater. And although such events and gatherings do not seem to be very regular, they do exist. Here are three events where you can socialise, network and practice your English:

English Cafe Malta: Make friends & speak English

The most popular meet up event in Malta for everybody who wants to make friends, explore new cultures and practice spoken English! Happening every Thursday (all year round) from 7:30pm onwards, the event welcomes more than 150 guests each time. People from all ages and nationalities attend the meet up. Among them are students, expats, Erasmus, interns, professionals, tourists, native speakers, Maltese people. The entrance fee is €2, drink included. No pre-booking needed, so just turn up!

Malta Social meetup club

The Malta Social club on meetup.com puts together Malta’s international social activities for international people, with the aim of bringing people, both local and expats, together to socialise and have fun. The events organised regularly, include social evenings, book clubs, film nights, cultural visits, theatre trips, and meals. See the whole programme of events on www.meetup.com/MaltaSocial/.

Networking events for creatives

Why not socialise by discovering a different part of the island, whilst sketching or writing? The Facebook group Outdoor Artists organises regular artistic events such as sketching and writing sessions, which might be more appropriate for those of you looking to socialise while getting familiar with Malta’s creative scene. Participation for the sketching events is usually on a donation basis, and you will need to register your attendance. They also organise Creative Networking Evenings occasionally, which revolve more around socialising.