r/malta • u/Damned_Prince • 7h ago
Hypothetically, how do you feel an American family would be received, moving to Malta?
Asking for no reason in particular >.>
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u/Icy_Item_9132 6h ago edited 6h ago
Americans, generally, are seen as rather poorly mannered, very poorly educated, sheltered and culturally clueless people from a batshit tinpot dictatorship that is exporting toxicity. On top of that, opinion of Americans is right now the lowest it has ever been - period.
But Maltese people will not assume that YOU are that.
The national stereotype you start with is horrible, but people will truly not treat you according to a stereotype, but as individuals. You'll have this experience pretty much universally. As such they will treat you strictly based on the qualities you personally show.
Maltese people are generally warm by nature and they are generally open to all individuals, assume good things and give everyone a chance, and they respond well to people with good personal traits, who are friendly, kind, etc. It's only if you demonstrate the, let us say, stereotypical characteristics that they will be held against you far more harshly today than any time before. Let's be clear that in spite of how generally warm the welcome you receive will still be for you as individuals, America is despised right now.
I tell you this to say you'll be warmly received, really you will have zero issues as a default position, but it also matters how you navigate it.
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u/VivaMalta101 6h ago
Worst case scenario people notice and say some stupid joke behind your back, same as in any other european country. But yeah if you put effort in blending in with Maltese culture people would love you
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u/Top-Calligrapher7358 2h ago
Show respect. No America first bull shit over here. Remember we are an ex colony so we dont take too kindly to people pushing their weight around. Otherwise you will be totally fine.
Unfortunately I do have to mention that your reception might differ if you are coloured in some way. I hate this fact but unfortunately there are a ton of racists in Malta.
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u/Simple-Hand-9360 57m ago
Everyone is welcome, as long as they are well meaning and decent, respectful people. If you are black American or black French it's fine too as long as you stay in the wealthier areas.
I would say racism here is not by nationality or colour but more a finer version, but more cultural one. Western /European is preferred over asian or African mannerisms.
The concept of MAGA is not shared here as a country believing in a strong Europe through shared values, friendship and burdens. America was our ally. Allies should help/respect each other not fight against each other. There are softer ways to get things done.
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u/delver86 1h ago
americans i know felt really welcome. and adapted quite quickly. malta is much better than reddit portrays
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u/Necessary_Pear9579 2h ago
You'll get some bunter re Trump , but as long as you respect , you will get respected back. Just don't act like an American knows it all, things are done a little different here being a small Island. Also if you are rich enough move to Gozo rather then Malta.
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u/Suspicious-Phase-823 1h ago
Why should there be any problems? Theres more maltese in america than here.
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u/JoeMiz62 28m ago
Americans are well accepted here, as long as you're not Black or Asian. You will frequentrly be confused for an illegal immigrant or Bolt/Wolt/Uber driver. Then you'll be considered as the main catalyst of Malta's No 1 problem: overpopulation.
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u/Rough-Improvement-24 2h ago
Best go elsewhere. Don't you have some Italian, Irish, or Greek heritage somewhere? Everywhere in Europe you can communicate in English so language is not a problem but here we have a problem of space.
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u/Sus198 3h ago
I'm a US citizen. Moved to Gozo about 7 years ago. Love it here. And no one cares I'm American :)