Make an international student welcome
Many international students come to Northern Ireland to study at our universities. Will they feel welcome here? Will they make contact with people and life beyond the academic environment? What will they do for a homely break if home is too far away?
For 26 years, national charity HOST has been linking students with volunteer hosts, who invite a student to spend a day, a weekend, or Christmas in their home. Chatting; eating together; playing games; seeing the area; joining in with the local community; making friends – a HOST visit lays down wonderful memories to be re–lived in China, India, and other parts of the world.
And hosts learn from their guests too. Caitlin, a student from the USA, wrote after her HOST visit: ‘I saw a community showcase which was heartwarming and wonderful. It gave me a new perspective on life. My host family was so welcoming, they truly made me feel a part of their family and lifestyle, and I couldn’t have asked for a better weekend.’
If you could make a student welcome, please contact HOST through www.hostuk.org or call Betty Flanagan on 02825 645633.