Students have a briefing on arrival that sets out issues like being polite – saying please and thank you, the need to form an orderly queue (something which is not always easy for them to understand) and that hanging around in large groups is not helpful and can be seen as intimidating. Most host families will also explain regularly the behavioural expectations of the British culture.
The Overseas Student Advisory Committee is set up to facilitate safe and enjoyable experiences for students when they visit Eastbourne and I am happy to say that most students do go home with a really positive view of the town and its hospitality. I would urge that if people have a problem or there are instances of unacceptable behaviour to feel free to contact me as chair of the group and if the school can be identified then feedback can be made to the school direct.
I would also like to congratulate Eastbourne on being host to more than 30,000 students each year from a huge variety of cultures. Last year Eastbourne won an award for being the best location for learning English from one world wide language school. It is important we continue to offer these young people a positive and safe experience of independent travel.
Penny Shearer, Economic Development Manager and Chair, OSAC, Grove Road, Eastbourne.

I was glad to read Valerie Wood's comments on students as I was moved to write on this subject last year.
Considering their general attitude – and let's be honest – most of them here are foreign, one begins to understand, but not excuse, the hostility shown them by some of our own youth. For let's face it, they don't exactly go out of their way to make themselves popular.
But then, students are a privileged caste – or so they've been led to believe. Yes, our town centre does get blocked by students, and no wonder, as it seems Eastbourne has a disproportionate number of English Language schools, and thus, students. You don't seem to get this to the same degree in towns like Hastings, Brighton or Worthing.
So time the language schools – and students – were more widely and equitably distributed to relieve pressure on local services and resources. C Morgan, Elms Avenue, Eastbourne.