A Christmas to Remember
Once again, host and student feedback stories highlight the warmth, generosity and cultural learning that made this Christmas and New Year truly memorable for everyone on the 2-3 night HOST UK Festive Stay. If you’re one of the hosts who welcomed an international university student to your home over Christmas or the New Year to share traditions, discover new experiences and build meaningful connections, thank you. Read on to appreciate the amazing impact this short homestay had on all involved.
Driving to beautiful places in a very old Citroën
Eirene in Devon hosted Ningyuan (China) from Imperial College
Reflecting on her Festive Stay, Ningyuan wrote: “I enjoyed every part of my visit! It was an amazing and truly memorable trip for me. Eirene has a beautiful, well-decorated house filled with stories about her and her family. She shared a lot of knowledge about plants and British culture, and she drove me to many beautiful places in her very old Citroën. I loved our daily walks with her and Leo (a super cute dog), and I enjoyed watching TV with her in the evenings. She also gave me a Christmas gift, which made me feel surprised and touched! I truly appreciate everything she has done for me. Through this experience, I feel that I understand British culture much better, and I have made new friends, which gives me a real sense of belonging in the UK. I am also much more confident in my English now.”
Carols in Shakespeare’s church
Angie and David in Worcestershire hosted Toshika (Japan) from University of Reading
Angie told us: “On arrival we took Toshika to Stratford upon Avon to hear the carols in Shakespeare’s church and see the Christmas lights. On Christmas Day we went to a nearby village to watch a silver band play at a local pub and the next day David took part in Morris dancing. It was a fantastic time, and we are planning to meet up with Toshika in Oxford in the near future and keep in contact.”
A long walk and dinner together
Peter and Ruth in Cumbria hosted Minghui and Hui (China) from University of Leeds
Ruth described the recent Festive Stay as follows: “Our two students were strangers to each other before the visit, but they had contacted each other and travelled together. The visit was wonderful and we felt they got on really well with each other.
“On Christmas Eve we visited the local church where Peter showed the students the organ, which he then played during the service. Returning home at midnight we helped them to hang up a stocking by the fireplace which delighted them in the morning filled with small gifts, from Santa Claus! On Christmas Day we had a long walk and then traditional dinner with turkey and Christmas pudding, crackers to pull, all new things for the students, together with our extended family.”
Hui, one of the visitors, wrote: “It was a very impressive experience for me and definitely worth applying for this programme. I learnt a lot of cultural activities and how to celebrate Christmas in the UK.”
I could feel the atmosphere of an old fishing town
Marion and Simon in Cornwall hosted Yuri (Japan) from The School of Oriental & African Studies
“Thanks to my hosts, this holiday became an unforgettable memory for me,” Yuri reflects. “My hosts welcomed me into their home as if I were a member of their family. I was able to experience an authentic British way of life, including wonderful meals and chatting in front of the fireplace. They took me to some local places where the natural landscape was beautiful, and I could feel the atmosphere of an old fishing town. The time I spent with their friends was also very inspiring. I was also very happy that I could share some aspects of Japanese culture and history with them.”
Time to appreciate simple moments
Peter and Diane in Hertfordshire hosted Abdul (India) from Reading University
“What made my visit truly special, was the warmth and kindness of the family, which made me feel completely at home” wrote Abdul in his feedback. “Experiencing a Christmas dinner for the first time in my life and celebrating New Year together will always be a cherished memory. Spending time with their kids made the stay lively and joyful, and I was even inspired to start learning international cuisines. The peaceful surroundings, the goats, the meadows, and learning about the local Roman history made the experience both relaxing and enriching. Overall, the visit was deeply refreshing for me, and I will remember it as one of the happiest and most meaningful breaks I’ve had in a long time.”
Reflecting further he said: “This HOST UK visit made a meaningful difference to me both personally and emotionally. The warmth, care, and sense of belonging I experienced helped me truly relax and reset after a demanding period of study. It reminded me of the importance of human connection, kindness, and taking time to appreciate simple moments. I returned feeling refreshed, grateful, and motivated, carrying with me memories that will stay with me for a long time.”
Tea at a neighbour’s house and interesting conversations about Arabic customs
Jane in Cumbria hosted Aya and her son (Egypt) and Aulia (Indonesia) from University of Leeds
Jane recalled: “The students arrived on New Years Eve, and I took them to tea at a neighbour’s house. Each of the students had supplied some food from their home country which we incorporated into the evening meal. On New Years Day we went for a walk in the morning and in the afternoon, we played games. The two mature students got on very well together and involved Aya’s son a lot.
“Aulia was the perfect guest! She came well prepared, helped in the kitchen, cooked an Indonesian dish, and thoroughly enjoyed all three outings we had. They were very willing to try new experiences, and we had lots of interesting conversations about Arabic nations and language, different customs, sharing recipes etc. Our neighbours loved having them round for an English Afternoon Tea! It was a fantastic time.”
Scottish dancing and fresh eggs for breakfast
Helena and David in Inverness-shire hosted Syed (Pakistan) from University of the West of Scotland
In the words of Syed: “My visit was a truly enriching and heartwarming experience that I will cherish as a highlight of my time in the UK. From the moment I arrived after the scenic drive from Glasgow to Inverness, my hosts were communicative, kind and incredibly welcoming.
“A major highlight was our hike on New Year’s Eve; the scenery was picturesque, and seeing the local landscapes and historic sites (like the thatched forest hut) was fascinating. The most special moment, however, was being invited to celebrate Hogmanay 2025 at the local town hall. Participating in the Scottish dances and ringing in the New Year with the community gave me a genuine and wonderful introduction to British culture.
“I also deeply appreciated the domestic hospitality. The meals were a delight—starting with breakfast made from fresh eggs, from their own chickens, to the healthy, greener dinner options that made me feel great. Their kindness extended to my departure on a snowy New Year’s Day, where I was sent off with a thoughtful packed lunch. I have even returned to my studies with a new healthy habit learned from them: keeping a jug of lemon-infused water for daily hydration. It was the perfect start to the year.”
