Sans Frontiers Europe offers various types of training programmes, a selection of which fall under the Grundtvig/Comenius European Union programmes. Participants for these courses may apply for grants under Grundtvig or Comenius programme and get reimbursed for their expenses. Sans Frontiers Europe for the past 3 years has been participating in the Grundtvig/Comenius by offering in-service courses.

Sans Frontiers Europe is actively involved in the organization of training courses in relation to culture with the aim of increasing one’s interest and awareness in the rich, cultural heritage Malta as to offer. Sans Frontiers Europe has embarked on a new concept for delivering these courses n site. Due to the fact that Malta, being such a small island, with practically no distances, At Sans Frontiers Europe we thought it would be quite interesting to give lectures on the various sites, rather than in an enclosed space. We believe that On-Site lectures add a new dimension and bring to life the very sites being visited. Furthermore they enhance the individuality of each place.

Our courses consist of a series of lectures with site-visits to complement the topics of the day. Highly qualified lecturers ensure a simple approach of the highest levels of learning. Handouts / Notes will be given to participants prior to site-visits. There will be ample time for discussion on the topics both in the lecture room and on site.

At Sans Frontiers Europe we provide the following courses:

Malta’s Prehistoric Past

For prehistory lovers, Malta is one of the most remarkable places on earth. Monumental buildings called Temples scattered throughout our islands exceed in age the earlier stone structures of Egypt and the surviving monuments of Mesopotamia. They have been defined the oldest free standing stone monuments in the world.  This course will give participants the opportunity to tackle key themes such as the cultural and religious beliefs behind these enigmatic stone structures that have never ceased to exert an atmosphere of magic and mystery.

The Military Heritage of the Maltese Islands:

From the dawn of civilization, man felt vulnerable and made good use of his knowledge to safeguard his own safety. Malta possesses a wealth of architectural defences probably richer than any that may be found in other European countries. The aim of this course is to provide a very interesting insight into the development of fortifications from the early Bronze Age to the impressive fortifications financed by the Knights of St. John up to the 19th century.

The Cult of St. Paul in Christian Churches and Traditions:

When we were safe on land”, wrote St. Luke in the Acts of the Apostles (28, 1), “we found that the island was called Melita”. St. Paul’s shipwreck was the greatest event during the Roman rule in Malta and since the days of Imperial Rome the inhabitants looked up to St. Paul as their patron saint. The aim of these lectures is to provide valuable information about St. Paul, called the Apostle of the Gentiles and the most influential of early Christians. Participants travel with St Paul all along the Mediterranean coast from Turkey to Greece to Malta and Rome.

Family Folklore and Traditions:

The strategic position of the Islands made them attractive to a succession of overlords all of whom have exercised different cultures and ethnological influence that find expression in local customs and traditions that are still kept alive.

The Knights Hospitallers

The Knights of St. John had made the Island of Malta their headquarters in 1530 until Napoleon’s landing in 1798. This series of lectures strive to illustrate the rise, grandeur and decline of this prestigious Order through their legacy spread all over the Island. A reminder of this can be read on the tomb of Grand Master de Vilhena: “Remember, traveller, that wherever you go in this Island, you will discover monuments of his piety, his munificence, his constancy and his charity”.

The Natural Habitat of the Mediterranean Region

Malta is so rich in flora and fauna that it has been rightly defined a botanical paradise. This natural heritage must not only be cherished but protected for future generations to enjoy. The course has been organized so as to illustrate the beauty and variety of nature and to recognize the uniqueness and importance of our natural heritage. It is intended for nature lovers and should be of great interest to participants eager to gain knowledge of the plant world, wildlife, landscape and nature’s natural heritage. The lectures and country walks envisaged impart a deeper understanding of the Maltese “widien” valleys, plants and animals, wayside chapels and increase one’s awareness and appreciation of these beautiful resources.

The Architectural Heritage of the Maltese Islands

Maltese architecture has always aroused the intellectual interest of all those who promote the appreciation and enhancement of the Maltese architectural heritage. The aim of these lectures is to trace the history of Maltese architecture from prehistoric times to modern age and to provide, not only to the specialist but also to the intelligent layman a scholarly contribution on Maltese art, architecture, and culture during the megalithic era up to the 20th. Century. This course should be of great interest to all those interested in the history of Arts in general.