Could you lay an extra place at your table this Christmas for an international student? Each year the charity EIL UK receives hundreds of applications from international students studying at British universities hoping to experience Christmas or New Year in a British home.

Calvin Hewitt, EIL UK’s Volunteers Manager says “Volunteer hosts tell us how much international students add to their Christmas and New Year festivities. Hosts enjoy sharing their festive traditions and the students are so appreciative and grateful for the friendship and fun at a time of year when everyone who’s far away from their family hopes to find a home from home.”

Christine and Gervin have been hosting international students for 28 years for festive and weekend visits. Christine told us “We have enjoyed meeting people from all over the world giving us a greater understanding of the students’ countries and cultures and even tasting food cooked by some of the students. They in turn have much appreciated meeting a British family and learning about our traditions and food, especially at Christmas.”

Would you like to welcome an overseas student into your home this year? If you could offer friendship and host an overseas university student for a 3-night stay between 24th and 27th December 2025 or a weekend stay at any time of the year, email host@eiluk.org to find out more about this rich and rewarding experience and how you can be part of the HOST UK programme.