A Weekend of Health and Wellbeing

Lilly is a Ghanian student from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. She told us about an invigorating HOST UK Weekend Stay spent with Becci and Nicholas on their family farm in Worcestershire. Enjoying time away from the hustle and bustle of London was the perfect way to reset and unwind before completing her studies.

‘This visit made a meaningful difference to me both personally and in how I view cultural exchange experiences,’ says Lilly. ‘Initially, I approached the stay with a great deal of anxiety due to my personality, as I am quite introverted and often struggle with small talk. I was also nervous about being received as a Black international student in a new environment and unsure how I would adapt to living with a new family for three days. However, one moment that immediately eased my concerns was the very first hug I received from my hostess at the station. It was so warm, maternal and genuine that I instantly felt welcomed, accepted, and reassured that I would be alright. From that point onwards, my anxieties quickly faded as I settled into the experience. I felt genuinely included and at ease within the family, which helped me grow more confident in engaging with new people and unfamiliar settings.’

‘My hosts were incredibly warm and welcoming, and every member of the family made me feel genuinely wanted and at home. We spent time discussing our respective countries, and they took me sightseeing around neighbouring towns, sharing the rich history behind each place, which I found fascinating. The visit broadened my understanding of everyday life in the English countryside and deepened my appreciation of the diversities in culture across countries.’

‘It truly felt like a match made in heaven, as my hostess is a highly experienced midwife while I am a budding doctor who hopes to specialise in obstetrics and gynaecology. This gave us plenty of engaging conversations within the field, including the differences in care between our respective countries. She also told me about her work coordinating student placements in Uganda and Tanzania, and we spoke about the possibility of extending similar opportunities to Ghana, my home country. I also shared details of my MSc dissertation on perinatal health, which she showed genuine interest in and expressed enthusiasm to read upon completion.’

‘I also had lovely engagements with the rest of the family. Such as morning walks around the farm with my hostess’s husband, who would always offer me a caramel-coated wafer biscuit to keep my energy up, going to the pub and playing a game of pool with my hostess’ son and having little girly chitchats with my hostess’ daughter. Even the little moments, like spending time with their very affectionate dog, made it feel homely and special. Overall, it was a really memorable experience that I’ll carry with me for a long time.’