Coming to a new country is an exciting opportunity for international students. Often, they have spent many years working towards the chance to spend a year or two of their education in the UK.

Host family scheme

How to set up a host scheme in your city

 "All Internationals want to find a genuine friend amongst British students 39% develop their best friendships within their own cultural group, 38% with another International student and 18% had a British best friend, 5% stay in the UK with no friends at all" Friends International

However, for many students, it can also be a lonely and confusing experience. They frequently feel isolated, experience culture shock, and find it difficult to meet local people and make friends.

A hospitality scheme helps international students to make friends and feel welcome by giving them the opportunity to be invited into a local home, meet local people and discover local culture and customs. Students are put in touch with a local person or family who will invite them to their home for an occasional meal. Some students establish lasting friendships with their hosts and have made several return visits, or have invited their hosts to visit them.

The following diagram on the outlines a suggested timescale for setting up a hospitality scheme.

Spring/Summer
Contact churches to find hosts

Sept/Oct, and throughout the year
Advertise scheme to students (via university, international café etc)

On receiving students' forms
Email students within a few days of receiving their forms, to confirm details of the scheme

Within a week

1. Match students with hosts
2. Write to hosts with the students' contact details, and ask them to email students within two weeks of your letter, or by a set date.
3. Write to students with hosts details

Within a month
Email/phone hosts to check that they have been able to contact students

Within several months
Email students and hosts to ask for feedback

Ongoing
Inform hosts and students of any international / social events organised

At the end of the year
You may want to organise an event/party for all hosts and/or students

British Council Host UK scheme for weekends away

HOST brings together international students at universities and colleges in the UK with friendly British residents who welcome students to their homes for a short visit. Hosts give students an experience of the culture and way of life in Britain. Students give hosts a personal insight into other parts of the world. It is a unique opportunity for both students and hosts to be ambassadors for their own country and to make a positive contribution to international understanding. Why not visit the HOST webiste www.hostuk.org.uk?

"I am really grateful to my host family, when I arrived in England they cooked for me, they showed me English customs and taught me colloquial English. I started going to church with them and I am thankful that they introduced Jesus to me!" A student from Taiwan.

Further Reading

• Hints for Hosting International Students (leaflet)
• Practical points to help you prepare to host an international student (eg ‘no’ may mean several things) 15p
• Welcoming international students in your church - This booklet is a practical guide designed for those wanting to begin an international student ministry in their local church. £1.50
  

To order any of the above resources please contact Friends International.