Local families from Abingdon and surroundings got together for a tea party recently to swap stories. They all belong to HOST. a national charity which enables international students at UK universities to spend a weekend in a British home. This allows the student to get a glimpse of British life and culture (and food!) and the family to learn a little about life in another country. Students from China, Costa Rica, USA and Japan have spent a weekend in Abingdon recently.

Hosts have different reasons for volunteering – their own children may have received hospitality when studying abroad and they want to reciprocate; or they may want to introduce their young children to other people with different ways of life; or they may have a special interest in a particular country. Students apply for a HOST visit throughout the year, but December and Christmas visits are particularly wanted. If you would like to offer a student a weekend away from campus and a warm welcome into a British home contact Margaret@margarethancox.freeserve.co.uk or look on the website www.hostuk.org