National charity, HOST, need volunteers to help international students settle into the UK

Could you host an international student for 1-3 days? HOST offers international students a one-off invitation for a day, weekend or Christmas with volunteer hosts. 

 

HOST is a national charity, supported by many universities including LSBU. They offer the opportunity for international students to spend a short time with British residents in their homes and have been doing so for the last 27 years. 

Settling into university life is often a difficult time, especially if you are new to the UK, HOST work tirelessly to make this transition a little easier. International students are invited to stay in a British home for 1-3 days, giving them the chance to gain an insight into life outside of university, covering the following areas:

• Friendship with British citizens
• An insight into the British way of life
• Language practice in a social context
• The chance to ask questions on their new life in the UK

The benefits are not for the students alone; this offers a lot to the volunteer hosts as well. Hosts are given the chance to show kindness to students who may be homesick or lonely, give guided tours of their hometown and above all, a fascinating encounter with someone from another country. One host described the experience as ‘A wonderful way to find out what is going on in the world and meet the future.’ You do not need to live near a university to be a host; students are willing to travel for this experience. 

For cultural exchange, friendliness, fun and to remain in the memory of an international student as one of their best experiences in the UK, please visit the HOST website for further information.