The National Student Travel Foundation (Malta) – NSTF - was founded by public deed in 1977. It was set up by the students of the University of Malta for their international educational formation and 30 years since its founding, it still finds its raison d’etre in the interest it brings to students of all ages. NSTF Objective & Philosophy Objective The main objective of the Foundation is: "The direction and development of educational, cultural, and social travel and exchange for students, scholars, and youth at all educational levels in the nation; the expansion and improvement of services; and the promotion of better understanding on an international level" Philosophy "Putting Young People First" is the philosophy that guides the National Student Travel Foundation right from recruitment down to the execution of every educational and cultural project it organizes. It seeks to provide all students with a unique non-formal educational experience with regard to the design and execution of the projects and the training of the volunteers themselves. NSTF is a non-profit NGO, recognised as such by the Government of Malta, that is directly in touch with a large number of Maltese students through the various educational programmes it organises on a national level each year. These programmes complement the educational efforts of local primary, secondary, post-secondary, and tertiary educational institutions. It is also in contact with many youth NGOs overseas, such as MILSET (Mouvement International pour le Loisir Scientifique et Technique) and its members, the Model European Parliament Foundation, et al., through its participation in various EU-sponsored youth exchange programmes and European/international events. All educational programmes on a national level are held on a non-contributory basis for students. NSTF executes deeds of a philanthropic nature associated with the restoration and preservation of Malta’s cultural heritage. It assists students to further their full-time tertiary education overseas through the NSTF Student Travel Bursaries Scheme and awards secondary school students for particular initiatives taken among their companions and in extra-curricular events through the NSTF Prize for Initiative. NSTF also provides specific facilities for student and youth mobility through prestigious international affiliations and fosters the mobility and exchange of students at an international level through NSTS-Student and Youth Travel, incorporating personal travel experiences into one’s education process. History The popular trend of student travel came about after World War II and quickly spread throughout Europe and the western world. Maltese university students rapidly caught onto