HOST UK Official

From a weekend stay in Hampshire to a wedding in Kenya.

A simple HOST visit in 2013 was just the beginning of an incredible story for one international student and her host.

Discover how their connection blossomed into a lifelong bond that crossed continents. Read this heartwarming story on our blog.

https://eiluk.org/news/blog/a-friendship-that-led-all-the-way-to-my-wedding/

Our heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers who make our HOST UK programme a success! 😍

Volunteers’ Week 2026 is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the vital contribution our hosts, supporter volunteers and trustees make to EIL UK. You are at the heart of our mission to deepen cultural understanding and to create the long‑lasting friendships that enrich so many lives.

Thank you for giving your time, enthusiasm and skills so generously. Your commitment has made an extraordinary difference, supporting every participant who returns home with memories and experiences that will stay with them for a lifetime. Your impact is felt in every story shared, every connection made and every moment of understanding that reaches across cultures.

Long conversations and memorable landmark visits made this HOST UK Weekend Stay in Derbyshire truly special. ✨

One of the highlights was a visit to the beautiful Heage Windmill — the only working stone tower windmill with six sails still standing in England. It's exactly the kind of hidden gem that a local host knows best. 🙂

“We’ve made so many beautiful memories together,” says a University of Birmingham student from China after her HOST UK Weekend Stay. One of the highlights of her visit was a trip to Alexandra Palace in north London — the famous “People’s Palace”, first built in the late 19th century and still a much-loved destination today.

Reflecting on a photo from the day, host David explains: “You can’t tell from the picture, but the backdrop behind us is actually made up of thousands of tiny photographs. Visitors to the Palace were invited to send in pictures of themselves, and an artist used them to create the large image you can see behind us.”

Thank you, David, for sharing this wonderful memory with us. ❤️

We love it when a HOST visit turns into a genuine cultural exchange around the kitchen table! 🍜

Quan, a student from the University of Leeds, recently stayed with our wonderful hosts Mandy and James, and the feedback from both sides was just lovely.

Quan told us: "The hosts were so kind and friendly; they took impeccable care of me. I truly enjoyed the trip and am so grateful to them."

And for Mandy and James, the highlight? Having Quan cook authentic Chinese cuisine together with their children. Now that's what a real cultural exchange looks like!

A huge thank you to Mandy and James for making Quan feel so welcome, and to Quan for sharing a taste of home. ❤️

What starts as a HOST visit can become so much more than you ever imagined.

When Marie and Eric first opened their door to Joevyn, a student from Malaysia, they had no idea it would be the beginning of a friendship that would last a lifetime. From festive stays and graduation to a wedding in New Zealand and the arrival of a new baby, their bond has never faded.

This beautiful story is a reminder of why hosting matters so much, and why we are so grateful for every single host in our community.

Read their incredible story here: https://eiluk.org/news/blog/a-host-family-bond-that-never-faded/

We are so happy to share this... 😍

Some hosts don’t just meet expectations — they go the extra mile.
We’re delighted to announce the winner of our “Hosts Who Go the Extra Mile” campaign! 😍

After receiving so many wonderful nominations and heartfelt stories, one family truly stood out for their warmth, generosity, and the genuine care they show in welcoming
others.

A huge congratulations to Helen Hughes, along with her lovely family, Jack and Jacob!

Your kindness, hospitality, and the thoughtful way you make people feel at home clearly left a lasting impression on everyone who nominated you. You set a brilliant example of what it means to go the extra mile.

Thank you to everyone who took part and shared their stories – we’ve absolutely loved reading every single entry.

More opportunities to celebrate our amazing hosts coming soon!

A lifetime of hospitality 💙

Toni Olsson, a host in Cornwall, who recently died aged 87, welcomed international students to her home all her life.

Former students all over the world enjoyed Toni’s unforgettable hospitality – her passion for life, love of people, music, languages, travel, Cornwall; her involvement in the United Nations Association; and the many interesting people she introduced to her guests.

Dr Milena Kremakova, originally from Bulgaria, first met Toni 19 years ago, and has visited her regularly ever since. She writes: ‘The HOST experience was and remains a defining event in my life. Toni was a force to be reckoned with and I am enormously sad that she is gone.’

A warm welcome makes such a difference! 🙂

Sometimes the most meaningful thing a host can offer isn't a day trip or a special occasion — it's just a seat at the table.

This one's worth a read. 👇

🌿 What this hosting experience shows

It’s rarely the big days out that stay with students — it’s the everyday life in between.

This reflection comes from a Japanese student’s recent stay with a UK host family, and it captures beautifully how those small moments can make the biggest difference.

https://eiluk.org/news/blog/a-stay-to-remember/

Shared meals. A kind word. Sitting together in the evening. Being included, even when language isn’t perfect.

That’s where confidence grows, and where a real sense of “home” begins to form.

🌍 For hosts, it shows us that
• Ordinary routines can have an extraordinary impact
• Kindness and patience matter more than perfect communication
• Students remember how they felt, not just what they did
🌱 Opportunities to go further

Many hosts choose to continue their journey through additional placements or wider programmes such as IHP or HOST UK — building on the same spirit of openness and cultural exchange.

And often, one experience is just the beginning.

💬 What do you think helps someone feel at home in a new country?

We know so many in our HOST UK community go the extra mile!

Send us your nominations via PM or email [email protected]

We can't wait to see your stories! 😍

👀 We’ll soon share our first “Host That Goes the Extra Mile” — have you nominated someone special in your community yet?

Keep an eye on this space — you might just recognise someone who has made a difference 💫

Nominations are still open, so there’s plenty of time to shine a light on someone who deserves it. Send us a PM or email us on [email protected]

Because appreciation should be shared.