Welcome (From Barry And District News)

Welcome

MORE than a quarter of a million adult international students have come to the UK this year.

They are a valuable source of revenue to our universities and colleges of further education.

However, by the time they return to their own countries, fewer than one in 50 of them will have been invited inside anyone's home.

This is a disappointment to many students, who come here hoping to meet local people, learn about our way of life and introduce their own culture.

They are far from their own families and cannot just pop home for the odd weekend.

At Christmas, while we are celebrating, many students are stranded in largely deserted halls of residence.

I am the voluntary regional organiser for HOST, a charity backed by the British Council and many academic institutions, which arranges one-off invitations for students to volunteer hosts.

Visits are for two or three days, with no ongoing commitment, but often lasting friendships are made.

More hosts are urgently needed in Wales.

I would be delighted to give further information. Please call me on 029 2069 3903 or visit www.hostuk.org

Lynette Chappin, Voluntary Regional Organiser for HOST in South Wales, 113 Pantbach Road, Rhiwbina, Cardiff.