HOSTs with the most

Students share their thoughts on, and experiences of, the HOST UK scheme where international students spend time with British families.

A number of international students from Imperial will be spending time with British families over the festive period, as part of a scheme run by the charity HOST UK together with the College’s International Office.

The host families are spread across the UK, and are selected for their hospitality, eagerness to learn more about other cultures and let students experience their traditions.

The International Office covers the cost of applying to the scheme for Imperial students and their spouses, and there is no charge for the accommodation.

We caught up with some students who had been, or were going to be, hosted by a family.

Priyank Hirani (Electrical and Electronic Engineering) is a postgraduate student from India who will be heading north to the small coastal village of St Bees in the Lake District:

“The whole idea of letting a stranger visit you for a couple of days amazes me and it goes to show how the world today is becoming a global village. I’ve just completed my undergraduate studies in Goa, which is known for its beaches, so it will be interesting to see how St Bees compares! I’ve certainly missed the sea. I am looking forward to meeting new people, finding out about their culture and sharing my own – probably by cooking an Indian dish for them.”

Another postgraduate student, Jiaqi Xu (Humanities) pictured below, spent time with a host family in Hempnall, near Norwich, in early December:

“The family were very nice and hospitable and had many pets in their home. We had a great time walking along the beach with the dogs in Walberswick and Southwold, and nearby villages. I also enjoyed the local food and decorating the Christmas tree.”

Shi Lim (Mechanical Engineering) a fourth year undergraduate visited Cambridge:

“I decided to sign up for HOST because I thought it would be a huge pity if I did not get a first-hand experience of what British life is about. I pictured the following scenario: When I return to my home country and my family and friends ask about my life in the UK for the past 4 years, I would be able to tell them about Imperial College, the course I have been doing, living with friends, travel etc. The one thing that I will not be able to tell them in detail would be the local culture and way of life, especially those of people who live outside London. At the same time, my partner and I thought we should play the role of ambassadors for our home country, Singapore.”

Xuan Luoa,  a postgraduate at the Business School, pictured below, visited Hemel Hempstead:

"I had a wonderful weekend with my lovely host family (Geoffrey and Irene) and another student from America called David. We visited a fantastic and rather cute place called Bekonscot Model Village. It is a detailed miniature version of a British town, consisting of different houses, farms, zoos, marina and harbour, etc. It certainly enhanced my understanding of British culture!"

The Welfare and Support Team at the International Office – including Sara Chesnick, Katie Leung, Christian Adams, Alison Walker and Dr Sharon Bolton – are responsible for coordinating the scheme.  To find out more about the HOST scheme visit: www.hostuk.org.uk