Modern-day 'invaders'

We have recently returned from two weeks on the wonderful island of Malta and feel compelled to write regarding the numbers and behaviour of students invading Malta to learn English.

We have been visiting Malta for the past 20 years or so on a regular basis, my partner being Maltese and obviously having family and friends on the island.

This holiday, although enjoyable overall, was spoilt by inconsiderate students.

We stayed in Sliema this time and relied on the usually very good public transport system to get around. We found finding a bus very difficult, the buses being full of young students. The problem would appear to be the majority of students are not staying with local families but staying in hotels. This means they leave en masse filling any bus that comes their way.

We had the unfortunate incident of being drenched with water one evening walking back to our hotel on the Sliema front. Students had decided for a laugh that it would be fun to pour water over the people walking below their balcony.

Our cousin, who owns a bar in St Julians, also recounted a tale of students in the hotel opposite his bar regularly throwing water bottles from their balconies on to the pavement below. These could seriously harm people walking below.

It was mentioned to us by a good Maltese friend that she questioned a student as to what he or she enjoyed about Malta. The reply was quite shocking. The reply was they could buy Vodka in the stores, stay out till 5 a.m. and nobody would mind if they did not attend lessons in the morning. It may improve if the companies carrying out this business ensured all students were adequately supervised during their stay.

Our hotel had a typical agreement with a lido for its use. Ours happened to be the Sliema ASC lido. On one particular occasion students who daily invaded the area en masse decided to occupy the area reserved for members only. They were asked very politely to remove themselves to other areas that were free. They took no notice. The manager had to return and threaten to forcefully remove them before they would move. This total lack of respect would appear to be the norm in all they do.

Our perception has been reiterated by numerous other people. Consensus seems to be that they will not be returning to Malta because of the students. Malta, we feel, will have to decide whether it wishes to become like the old Spanish Ibiza that actively encouraged young holidaymakers or if it wishes to attract a different type of holidaymaker who comes to Malta for Malta. Our discussions with other people, including Maltese, suggests the Maltese government does not want to upset these young visitors, allowing them to run riot and do whatever they want.

My Maltese partner was disgusted with the invaders of her island.