Is this possible?

10POSTS

12 years ago

Hello everyone, and thank you for taking a sec to read this.
My wife and I are looking VERY strongly at moving to Malta. I am American & she is German. We currently live in Germany, and I work for the US Air Force. I am a veteran (15 yr military and Iraq vet) and have 5 yr in gov service as a civilian. Basically I am sick of it, and want out. I do not want to go back to the US, and am tired of all the politics and issues. Since Malta is English speaking and (at least looks like) a very wonderful little place. We have decided to try to move there. It is us, our 3 daughters and 6 chihuahuas (we breed ad raise chi's). I have over 16 yrs experience in Graphic Design, Video Teleconferencing, Audio Video Production and Photography. And I have a very strong background in computers and networking.

So, with all that said, I have started applying to jobs and have been checking out rental homes online as well as judging cost of living. We will be moving with a built in 850 euros a month from my dissabiliy payments. So it seems like we could do well on a 25000 euro a yr income.

My question, is this possible? Am I going about this the right way, or is there a better way?
Any and all input is really appriciated.

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K4ot1K Member

10POSTS

12 years ago

Redmik, thank you for the reply.

I am not in a wheelchair. I have a damaged knee and lower back, but am mobile and other than not being able to lift things too heavy, I get by ok. My other dissabilty is a blownout eardrum.

It's good that I seem to be on the right track with the budget. What I have figured is MUCH lower than what i am making now, however, money isn't everything and we are more looking for a quality of life change. The rentals seem like you can get a nice one for around 800-1000 a month, so thats what I am basing alot this on.

My daughters are 11, 13 and 15. How do they handle dissabilities in Malta? My oldest is a high functioning Autistic. In Germany she would have no chance at any kind of future. They just don't help people with dissabilities here so much. I was assuming that since English is a major language that school wouldn't be too much of an issue, and can't be as bad as the US.

GuestPoster566 ViP

3692POSTS

12 years ago

I suggest you read the threads regarding education, I cannot advise or make any comment upon that.
From what I read about managing disabilities out here, I sense that although they try............ they could try a lot harder.
Perhaps this site may offer contacts to advise?

1 member reacted to this post

K4ot1K Member

10POSTS

12 years ago

Another question I just thought of is, are people in Malta accepting of expats? I know here in Germany you get a split with about half the people I have encountered not being accepting or inviting to non Germans. Basically do you get shunned or looked down on because your not from Malta originally? We looked at New Zealand, but decided against it because of such a problem with this.

MikeInPoulton Serial expat

617POSTS

12 years ago

Hi K4ot1K

i think redmik has summed it up nice and succinctly there (he speaks from a vast amount of experience). On the topic of integration as an expat if you notice there are over 6000 members of this blog alone (and I'm sure there a many other similar blogs around..............but not as good I hasten to add). Further if you look to the top of the page (at the 'green' band and click on "Network" you will be able to see all of the members profiles there and of course their nationalities; this would give you an indication of the spread of nationalities and cultures currently enjoying life on the 'Sunny Isle'.聽 You can, of course, search that Network for like-minded, same nationality people as yourselves and make contact with them that way.聽 There is also a thriving meet up group that Ricky arranges (details pinned at top of threads) where any misgivings newcomers might have could be dispelled (or made to look easier after quaffing a few ales).

Good Luck

Mike

6327farag Active member

43POSTS

12 years ago

On the subject of autism my sons school has recently took part in autism awareness day they are also attending a seminar for children to understand more about autism next week. He is only 3 and it seems like something they are really pushing in schools here now.

Speaking with maltese freinds they had said when they were in school there was nothing like this done and children with learning disabilities were often just classed as unruley children with behaviour problems. So in that respect seems the schools are going in the right direction.

1 member reacted to this post

Toon Cyprus Expert

10240POSTS

12 years ago

quafifng is the answer all that ales you.....

GuestPoster566 ViP

3692POSTS

12 years ago

I have found nothing but acceptance and friendship here, though of course, I can only state our experiences.
If you accept their way of doing things and are willing to learn, people here are willing to teach.
One thing we have found, as I am sure many others have, is that people here want to know everything about you. Sometimes, it can at first, seem a bit intrusive but it's just curiosity and they are willing to share, sometimes, their most intimate details with you. (I have to say, I also found that in the USA聽

but I guess that's an 'English' thing.)
No one minds you asking them questions, though you may get several different answers to the same question and from people in the same agency.
Also, we have found, that they like to tell you what you should do and what it is you need but that is just their way.
We have found that we have to be very specific when ordering things and your wife and daughters may have some 'fun' getting the hairdressers to do what they want, rather than what the hairdresser decides is best for them.
Be specific, passively assertive and ask lots of questions. That is the way we have found.聽

GuestPoster566 ViP

3692POSTS

12 years ago

#10

The subject of children with disabilities (I hate that word - I prefer to think of different abilities) in schools being better included is not just a Maltese issue. For many years schools in England also tended to 'label' the children as 'unruly' etc. It is only relatively recently that English schools have integrated such children as it is again only relatively recently that children's conditions have been researched and understood rather than just being put down to 'learned behaviour'.
All children are gifted, it's just that the spectrum of their abilities is so broad that being forced into abiding to a set curriculum is challenging for those whose resources are limited..

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6327farag Active member

43POSTS

12 years ago

#11

Agree with you red. It took until high school until my brother was diagnosed with dyslexia. He was simply branded as underacheiving. We subsequently moved to canada and out of the three of us me and my 2 brothers he was the only one to go on complete high school and recevie recognized qualifications.

The system in canada is execellent my mother works for a company called community living where they work with children right through school and into adulthood on an聽 level playing field with everybody else same classrooms etc

GuestPoster566 ViP

3692POSTS

12 years ago

#12

I used to work with children and young people and some of them used to use being dyslexic as an excuse for their offending behaviour. I would not accept it as an excuse on it's own. I used to point out to them that many great and high achievers have been and were dyslexic. However, it is also a sad fact that a very high percentage of young offenders are dyslexic, many not being diagnosed until well into their teen years. Yet, it is not being dyslexic that contributes to unacceptable or offending behaviour but lack of engagement in the education system. Now, that cuts both ways and it is my view that it is the adults that should take responsibility and make efforts to engage the children. A nation will reap what it sows and the education and nurturing of children should be its priority and I am not surprised to learn that Canada does so well in this. Perhaps other nation's systems could learn from them.

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K4ot1K Member

10POSTS

12 years ago

#13

Thank you all so much for the input.
It sounds like my oldest will be able to find a fit there. It's interesting that dyslexia was brought up. My second oldest has Dyscalculia (dyslexia with numbers only) but we have learned to work with that, and she is not in any special classes now.
I am currently employed and not in a rush to need to do anything, so we are still in the planning stages. As you all know, with a family I can't just do this at the drop of a hat. I want to have employment secured before we go into moving mode. I will most likely move before my family to set things up. So far I have gotten a few bites on some jobs. So it is promissing. I am reading everything I can about Malta, and trying to be prepared when we have things in place. I have read several blogs though of expats that only stay a few years and leave. We were hoping to make this permanent. I don't think integration will be an issue. My wife integrated to American life, and I have integrated to German life so it isn't like we are new to this. I'm just currious if there is something specific that tends to push expats ways after a few years.
Lastly, are pets a problem? Like I stated, we breed and raise Chihuahuas and also work with Dog Rescue and Shelters. It has looked like we shouldn't have trouble bringing our dogs. But It would be good to hear from anyone with experience.
You all have been great, thank you!

6327farag Active member

43POSTS

12 years ago

#14

I brought my 2 dogs with me a jack russel and staffordshire bull terrier was no problem atall although expensive!

Aslong as you have their pet passports rabies vaccanations in date and de worm 48 hours prior to arrival all should be fine. You will pay a small fee when collecting your dogs after the vet checks your documents for each one.

It seems everyone over here has a chiuahaha. The only only trouble with dogs is it can sometimes be hard to find a landlord that will allow dogs. Were onto our 2nd home now and didn't have to much trouble finding a landlord happy to have dogs.

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K4ot1K Member

10POSTS

12 years ago

#15

Do you work with any orginizations that deal with dog rescue? Or is there even a problem in Malta with this?

6327farag Active member

43POSTS

12 years ago

#16

I don't work with animals no. There is a large number of stray dogs particullarly around marsa. There is a rescue shelter called the island sanctuary and also dogs trust malta both are looking for volunteers.

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GuestPoster566 ViP

3692POSTS

12 years ago

#17

K4ot1K wrote:
Do you work with any orginizations that deal with dog rescue? Or is there even a problem in Malta with this?

GeorgeinGozo does, has an interest in animal welfare and I think works for the SPCA.

Toon Cyprus Expert

10240POSTS

12 years ago

#18

altho there is a dog and cat problem in my experiences though its people that are the real problem...

1 member reacted to this post

GuestPoster566 ViP

3692POSTS

12 years ago

#19

toonarmy9752 wrote:
altho there is a dog and cat problem in my experiences though its people that are the real problem...

Not wrong!!!!

georgeingozo ViP

3703POSTS

12 years ago

#20

redmik wrote:
K4ot1K wrote:
Do you work with any orginizations that deal with dog rescue? Or is there even a problem in Malta with this?

GeorgeinGozo does, has an interest in animal welfare and I think works for the SPCA.

I'm a volunteer at Gozo SPCA :-)

there are many organisations involved with dogs

AAA
Island Sanctuary
Noahs Ark
SPCA Malta
Gozo SPCA
Dogs Trust
Happy Paws

are the main ones off the top of my head

1 member reacted to this post

georgeingozo ViP

3703POSTS

12 years ago

#21

K4ot1K wrote:
we breed and raise Chihuahuas

There are new regulations on both breeding and selling animals, so anyone breeding more than 3 litters a year needs a breeders licence, and anyone selling a dog(or cat or rabbit) needs a trading licence, which will be subject to an inspection of premises.

K4ot1K Member

10POSTS

12 years ago

#22

Good to know, thank you for the info. The same is pretty much true here about a breeders license. But not as much issue with selling.

Roger Rabat Active member

65POSTS

12 years ago

#23

K4ot1K wrote:
Like I stated, we breed and raise Chihuahuas .............

Frankly, I hope you don't continue this if you come to Malta.聽 We have rescued five of these little dogs in the eight years since we arrived in Malta.聽 We have also adopted other breeds abandoned locally.

1 member reacted to this post

MikeInPoulton Serial expat

617POSTS

12 years ago

#24

toonarmy9752 wrote:
quafifng is the answer all that ales you.....

GuestPoster566 ViP

3692POSTS

12 years ago

#25

I have to say that I too had concerns when I read that this proposed moved included 6 chihuahuas. I know animals mean a lot to some people but I've stated before and I'll state again that I do not consider it responsible to the animal to have dogs in most areas out here. I hope that K4ot1K visits first to see what suitable accommodation there will be available. This could be the difficult part of the process.

Toon Cyprus Expert

10240POSTS

12 years ago

#26

Red... it reminds me of something I saw recently - of 12 dogs of a medium to large size on a roof in St Pauls Bay and on enquiry found that they re owned by two flat dwellers !!!!!!! and apparently they bark all day and roam about the roof - at least they had a bit of shade there... but that is no life for a dog,,,, one dog never mind 12....聽 will people ever learn.... i think not.

GuestPoster566 ViP

3692POSTS

12 years ago

#27

Agreed Toon.聽

K4ot1K Member

10POSTS

12 years ago

#28

Apparently I struck a nerve with this topic. First, I want to assure everyone, we are responsible dog owners. Having worked in dog rescue we have seen what bad owners cause. Our dogs are treated very well, and are well taken care of. Not all of our dogs are breeding pairs, and we do not breed very often. If breeding dogs is an issue in malta, then we would likely discontinue it, and just focus on helping other dogs. When we breed it is from champion lineage and our dogs have all paperwork showing their line and awards. One reason we breed (besides enjoying the puppies) is that our Chihuahuas run from 600-1000 euros in Germany. However, we are extremely picky about who gets them, and we turn down most offers to make sure we find the best home. We do the same with rescues we take in. And we generally avoid placing with dogs with Americans here due to way too many abuse and leaving them behind issues. We have one elderly female (my puppy), a rescue chihuahua, he is the family puppy and is not for breeding at all, then we have two champion females one of breeding age and one that is still a baby and won't be breeding age for a couple years. And one female that we got from am Amish family when we lived in Wisconsin. And lastly we pick up our new little boy next month, he is champion linage and would be for breeding. But as I said, if it is an issue in malta, then we just won't do it.

coxf0001 Serial expat

783POSTS

12 years ago

#29

I don't think it is the breeding that people are talking about. There is no problem with breeding and there is a following in show dogs. It is the make up of the island that is more of a problem. With limited space and hot weather, there is plenty of room for abuse.
Caring people will find places for dogs to walk but it seems perhaps a cultural thing to just leave dogs outside, on balconies, roofs etc. They don't seem to see it as abuse. Dogs roam, foul the place and can be a general nuisance.

tearnet ViP

2179POSTS

12 years ago

#30

As REDMIK said I think the biggest problem you will have is finding聽 living space big enough聽 and at a price you can afford.
You will pay out big money for anything with聽 a large enough聽 garden to house all your animals in comfort and you will still have neighbours in very close proximity.
Roof space is often the only outdoor space available for pets (and this is sometimes shared with other renters), that's why dogs, rabbits, pigeons etc are often housed on the roof.

Its hard for people who have never visited the Island to imagine how small and densely populated Malta is.

Abandoned and abused animals are a big problem on a small island and the problem is largely reliant on help from charities and volunteers.

Forgot to mention Horses kept in garages!!

Terry

6327farag Active member

43POSTS

12 years ago

#31

And not just horses my next door neighbour has a donkey 2 goats and about 20 birds aswell as the horse in the garage! Bloody thing wakes me up every morning.

On a positive iv personally not found it a problem with my dogs. I enjoy taking long walks upto 3-4 hours sometimes to nowhere in particular and my dogs are acustomed to this so they tend not to bark or leave a mess in the house if we go out becuase they know they will be getting a walk at night.

But as stated the maltese don't treat their dogs as us british or americans do they are treated more like cats and are generally left to their own devices( obviously not all but in my experiences its a common occurance)

I refused to leave the uk without my dogs me and the missus had many an argument about it and I don't regret bringing them here

tearnet ViP

2179POSTS

12 years ago

#32

6327farag wrote:
And not just horses my next door neighbour has a donkey 2 goats and about 20 birds aswell as the horse in the garage! Bloody thing wakes me up every morning.

On a positive iv personally not found it a problem with my dogs. I enjoy taking long walks upto 3-4 hours sometimes to nowhere in particular and my dogs are acustomed to this so they tend not to bark or leave a mess in the house if we go out becuase they know they will be getting a walk at night.

But as stated the maltese don't treat their dogs as us british or americans do they are treated more like cats and are generally left to their own devices( obviously not all but in my experiences its a common occurance)

I refused to leave the uk without my dogs me and the missus had many an argument about it and I don't regret bringing them here

Totally agree, we walk our dog twice a day and have no problems finding some where to walk her.

Most of our Maltese neighbours who have dogs tend to "walk" them outside the house or across the road and the dogs are not socialised with other dogs, so tend to be barking / aggressive during the day our terrified when someone gets close.

Terry

GuestPoster566 ViP

3692POSTS

12 years ago

#33

I just want to reassure K4ot1K that I was not criticising your care of dogs etc. I was just considering, as Terry also picked up on, that finding adequate accommodation may be problematic. I would urge you to visit first to at least to see that lay of the land and what is available at what cost. Just seeking to offer comments regarding practicable issues.

I have PM'd you regarding this.

Fusspot Active member

99POSTS

12 years ago

#34

I think your main problem will be the right property in your price range, as your daughters will all want separate rooms if not now within a year or two (I have 2 sisters and a brother so I know lol!!) and you will need room for the dogs, Villas/ houses are expensive to rent here compared to apartments and you also need to be in the right area for schools. I'm not trying to put you off but you may need to increase your budget and this will impact on other things.

K4ot1K Member

10POSTS

12 years ago

#35

I was looking at about 1200 a month for rent there seemed to be a lot of nice places for that. My biggest thing is a pool. I want a pool.

Damsel Contributor

176POSTS

12 years ago

#36

I really dont know much, but I think Inspire do some work with Autistim.

This may be worth a look for you....

JayJay1970 Contributor

128POSTS

12 years ago

#37

As others said the right area will have the right priced property, although many houses are called houses of distinction, and I looked at 3 of these older properties they look very beatiful but as they were built onto the bedrock with no waterproofing they typically become very damp in winter and as I have an asthmatic son there's no way I could have taken one on.

We opted for a ground floor apartment with a large patio, roof space and a 3 car garage ( with loo) and plenty of shoreline for our retriever just a minute away.

We went to an area with excellent English speaking schools and don't have a pool because the maintenance is ridiculous when the pure warm med is literally 1 minute away, with a rock cut pool a second or two further.

We were very lucky with our property it has 3 bedrooms is only one of two apartments in the block and lovely neighbours.

The only thing that has soured our experience is for our oldest boys schooling because we came mid term they won't take him until next year (16 doing a levels) he's very upset he has no schooling until September and so I'd say plan your move accordingly.

The authority said there be no problem the school insists otherwise.

Other than that just do your research come and visit ( don't look at properties on websites as the are mostly very out of date) and you should find what you need within budget.

1 member reacted to this post

MikeInPoulton Serial expat

617POSTS

12 years ago

#38

Sound advice JayJay

and another dimension to think about when moving, particularly with children who are at a potentially critical time within their education.

Mike

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mkiel Active member

32POSTS

12 years ago

#39

the Maltese have an opinion about everything but disregard the facts & they are always right聽 .
Bureaucracy is a nightmare聽 & when you ask a question you get several answers all swearing they are right.