HOST'S Home Page
We urgently need more hosts - we have international students from all over the world who are applying for a visit. The Universities make a contribution to HOST's costs for every student visit and so, at a time when our core-funding is being cut, this is a vital source of support. Have a look and see if HOST-ing is for you!
“We have been round the world in our own sitting-room” - A Cornish Host
Could HOST be for you?
If you enjoy meeting people,
If you are interested in other cultures,
If you can offer an occasional welcome to your home…
HOST could be for you!
“I am forever indebted to HOST for providing me with such wonderful friendships” - A Host from Sussex
HOST is about:
International students
There are thousands of students from all over the world at British universities
and colleges. As well as pursuing their academic studies, many hope
to meet the people and experience the culture here. Yet the majority
have little access into the life of the country outside the campus.
Volunteer hosts
By offering one or two invitations a year, for a day, a weekend or over
Christmas or another festival, hosts can make a great difference to
the lives of international students and their impressions of the UK.
At the same time, the hosts have the interest and pleasure of making
friends with well-informed guests of all ages from overseas.
A meeting of cultures
HOST offers a uniquely personal opportunity to both students and hosts
to be ambassadors for their own country and to make a positive contribution
to international understanding. What better way of exploring and learning
about a country than spending time with the people who live there? What
easier way of encountering the rest of the world, than in the comfort
of your own home!
"We could not have had a better Christmas, with a more delightful couple. We hope to stay 'friends for life'!"
Want to know more?
Opening your home and your life to a stranger from another country may
seem an unusual thing to do. Yet since HOST was founded in 1987 several
thousand people have joined the scheme and found it immensely worthwhile.
People offer to join HOST for many reasons. Some want to meet people from countries they already know; others find the students give them an insight into places they are never likely to visit. Some want to introduce their children to people of other backgrounds; others have no children at home, but enjoy the company of young people. Some want to forge links with particular parts of the world; others are looking for a little language practice with a native speaker. All enjoy making strangers welcome, and helping them to feel at home here.
As one host couple told us: - “HOST, you have changed our lives!”
Call or e-mail us with your mailing address and contact telephone number
and we will be delighted to send you an information pack and put you
in touch with a local organiser. It takes a few weeks to complete the
registration process, so contact us soon.
hosts@hostuk.org
020 7254 3039
What the students say:
“It is a really unforgettable event. For an overseas student, it is a good opportunity to learn and experience British life.” - Taiwanese student who visited North Yorkshire
“I have spent the whole year only with international students and I think it is important to go back to Brazil having spent time with British local people as well.” - Brazilian visitor to Cornwall
“I learnt more about English people during that weekend, than in three months living as a student in London.” - Yugoslavian student who visited a host in Wiltshire
"I was treated as part of the family instead of a guest during my visit. I had a great time with them.” - Malaysian visitor to Northern Ireland
“It dispelled the myth that the English are stand-offish because they were so welcoming.” - American visitor to West Yorkshire
“The HOST experience was a genuine showcase of the British generosity, their culture, their friendliness and their openness to different cultures.” - Malaysian comment on their visit to Oxfordshire
Helping to recruit more hosts:
We are grateful to the website www.mabels.org.uk who are helping us to recruit more hosts. The site provides advice and information on assisted living, retirement advice, articles of interest, health care & wellbeing for those in their 50s and older.