Thanks to a funding grant received from the EU's Lifelong Learning 'Grundtvig' programme we were able to run a wonderful workshop titled "European Art History for Beginners" in March.

Our talented volunteer camera man, Filipe Roldao, has just finished putting together a video of the event (thank you Filipe!) so copy and paste the following link into your browser and take a look:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNMqf3-qlFM

This workshop brought together 17 participants from 11 countries, including the UK, to look at art from across Europe, to have a go at creating art together and to learn about each other's cultures. Needless to say that a fantastic time was had by all. Our learners were friendly, warm and fun-loving people and it was a pleasure to spend the week with them.

A special thanks go to our artist-in-residence, Jane Taylor, and to our coordinator and intercultural trainer, Basia Ligas. Well done team for your hard work!

We give a warm welcome to a group of Chilean students who have come to spend 6 weeks in the UK. The group arrived last week, just before the cold weather, and we hope they are now enjoying the snow! They spent their first week with host families in Surrey, near London and can be seen here at Mercedes Benz World. Their next stop is Worcester for 3 weeks, where they will go to a local school and meet British young people, before they travel to Southport for a Victorian seaside experience.

He did it! George bravely walked 12 miles across the Malvern Hills with his washing machine on his back! See his video of the day here: There and Back Again.

If you want to support George in his challenge, you can still donate on our Just Giving page https://www.justgiving.com/georgeanstey112.

Well done George!

Last week we said goodbye and thank you to Charles, our most recent office volunteer. He came from Poland to learn about the workings of an international charity and has been a great help. This is his summary of his time here:

"I’m Charles and I’ve had a practice at EIL headquarters in Malvern. I’ve been here for three months, doing various tasks, mainly the office work, but I’ve also learned a lot about the UK culture and people. If you want to learn about other countries, their culture, history or customs, there is no better way than going to that country by yourself. Here in UK I have learnt many things, I have met many people and I have experienced that this office is quite different than others… In my opinion all the staff members are really dedicated to the cause of international peace & understanding, they are very kind, calm and always willing to help, no matter of their own problems. As a stranger from the central European Country I can honestly say here, that this company provides many excellent opportunities for all people.