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EIL UK

Working towards a tolerant and understanding world

03/09/2026

A special Japanese visitor, a new friendship, and memories to last a lifetime.

Recently, Malvern welcomed a wonderful visitor from Japan, a museum curator who came to experience life in the UK through our Individual Homestay Programme (IHP).

When she first arrived, spoken English was a little challenging, but with every conversation and shared experience, her confidence grew. Before long, she was chatting more easily and becoming more comfortable using English in everyday situations.

Her host made sure she experienced much more than just the sights. She enjoyed outdoor swimming, joined a local WI meeting for a fish supper evening, and explored the beautiful Cotswolds. She even had time to catch up with Paddington Bear.

By the time she returned to Japan, she was taking home far more than photographs. She left with wonderful memories, a new friendship, and a much greater understanding of spoken English, something that will be invaluable in her work back at the museum.

This is exactly what the Individual Homestay Programme is all about. It offers real connections and cultural experiences you simply cannot get from staying in a hotel. 🌍

30/08/2026

It’s always a pleasure to hear from our former students and see where their journeys take them.

We were pleased to learn that Ludovica from Italy, who joined us for a School Cultural Exchange in 2021, has completed her degree in International Business Law at Coventry University.

In a lovely example of the lasting bonds these exchanges create, her hosts, Caren and Simon, attended the graduation ceremony to celebrate with her. 🎓

It’s a reminder that a cultural exchange is often about more than the initial placement; it’s about building connections that can last for years.

We wish Ludovica all the best as she continues her studies with a Master’s Degree in the Netherlands.

27/08/2026

32 Young People. One Journey. A World of Possibilities.

We’re getting ready to welcome 32 Italian students for another EIL School Cultural Exchange programme. And they’re already excited about the adventures ahead.

On 4th September, they’ll arrive, meet their host families and begin an experience that is about so much more than spending time in another country.

These programmes open minds, build confidence, and create lifelong friendships. They give young people the chance to see the world, and themselves, a little differently, an experience that can stay with them for years to come.

Behind every one of those experiences is a host family opening their home and making a young person feel welcome. To every one of our wonderful host families: thank you. We genuinely couldn’t do what we do without you. ❤️

We are counting down to new friendships, new experiences, and life-changing memories in the making.

Bring on 4th September! ✈️

22/08/2026

We wanted to share a belated but heartfelt congratulations to EIL alumni, Joy Haizelden, on an absolutely incredible achievement a few weeks ago.

Joy was part of the women's wheelchair basketball team that had a flawless run to win gold at the Commonwealth Games, becoming Commonwealth Champions. In a remarkable display of dedication, her week didn't stop there. Just three days later, she travelled to Alabama to graduate with her PhD.

We are incredibly proud to have played a small part in her journey. Years ago, when she was in her early teens, an EIL homestay gave Joy the opportunity to train at the University of Worcester Arena, the national centre for excellence for disability sport.

It is a powerful reminder that providing the right support can help young people achieve extraordinary things. A huge congratulations to Joy on becoming a Commonwealth Champion and earning her PhD in the same week. A true champion on the court and in the classroom. 👏

16/08/2026

A day in the life at EIL… 🌍

Emails, meetings, programmes, host families, students, schools… and just enough coffee to keep the whole thing moving. ☕

Some days are spreadsheets and schedules, some are solving last-minute puzzles, and some are simply about making connections that can change a young person’s experience of the world.

It’s busy. It’s varied. It’s occasionally chaotic. And we absolutely love it.

Just another day at EIL — helping young people explore, connect and thrive.

20/07/2026

A cultural exchange doesn't need to last for weeks or months to have a profound impact. While many of our programmes involve longer placements, our HOST UK programme shows just how meaningful a short stay can be. ❤

Our HOST UK programme connects international students pursuing Higher Education in the UK with volunteer hosts for weekend visits, offering a true home away from home.

A story from a student from China perfectly captures this. Reflecting on her HOST UK weekend, she told us: “We’ve made so many beautiful memories together.”

One of those memories was a trip to Alexandra Palace with her host, David. He pointed out a fascinating detail in a piece of art that most would miss—a large image created from thousands of tiny photographs sent in by visitors. It’s exactly the kind of hidden gem a local friend would share.

This is a wonderful reminder that the depth of an experience isn’t measured by its duration. A warm welcome and a shared adventure are all it takes to make someone feel at home and create a connection that lasts.

12/07/2026

Experiencing Britain Through Family Life...

What makes an Individual Homestay so special? It allows travellers to experience the UK as part of a family rather than as a tourist.

During his stay through EIL's Individual Homestay Programme (IHP), our Italian visitor enjoyed everyday British life with his host family, sharing meals, conversations and family outings. These natural experiences help improve English language while gaining a genuine understanding of British culture.

One memorable part of the stay was meeting Woody, an eight-month-old Guide Dogs puppy in training. Through his host family, our visitor saw first-hand how volunteers help prepare these remarkable dogs to one day support people living with sight loss.

An Individual Homestay offers something hotels simply cannot provide: real connections, authentic cultural exchange and the chance to experience daily life from the inside.

For travellers looking to explore the world differently, it is an experience that creates lasting memories and friendships. 🙂

07/07/2026

One of the most rewarding parts of our work is seeing how cultural exchange can blossom into lifelong friendship. Our HOST UK programme, which connects international students with volunteer hosts for short stays, is filled with these special moments.

But this story is truly remarkable. 😀

What started as a simple HOST UK visit in Hampshire back in 2013 recently led to a wedding celebration in Kenya, with the student's host attending as a cherished guest.

It’s a powerful reminder of how a small act of welcome can create a bond that crosses continents and lasts a lifetime.

Discover their incredible journey on our blog: eiluk.org/blog

05/07/2026

🌍 Could you change a young person's life... and perhaps your own too?

We are looking for wonderful, caring people who would be willing to open their home to an Italian student as part of a School Cultural Exchange Programme, from 4th September until 12th February.

For a few short months, you'll be giving a young person the chance to experience life in Britain, improve their English, and become part of a family far from home. It can feel daunting for them to leave everything that's familiar, but a warm welcome and a kind household can make all the difference.

What many host families don't expect is just how much they receive in return.
You don't just gain a student—you gain new traditions, fresh perspectives, laughter around the dinner table, and memories that stay with you long after they've returned home. Many families remain in touch for years, visiting one another, celebrating milestones together, and forming friendships that cross countries and generations.

You don't need to be a 'perfect' family. You simply need to be kind, welcoming and willing to share your everyday life. Those ordinary moments—a family meal, a walk with the dog, watching a film together—often become the memories that mean the most.

If you think you could offer a home, or you know someone with a spare room and a big heart, we'd be so grateful if you could get in touch or tag them below.

Please also consider sharing this post. The right person might not see it unless it reaches them through a friend.

Sometimes the smallest act of kindness becomes the beginning of a lifelong friendship. ❤️

28/06/2026

Yesterday, we shared student Alessandro's story of discovery. For the final post in our series, we switch perspectives to a host family, whose first homestay experience with student Sara has just come to a close.

Her host family described the experience as “more than we had ever expected,” highlighting the deep cultural exchange that developed over the weeks she stayed with them.

What began as a placement quickly became a shared journey of learning, friendship, and daily life. Sara was fully involved in family activities and routines, and in return brought insight into her own culture and life in Italy, which the family found equally rewarding.

One of the most striking aspects for the host family was Sara’s progress in English. They shared, “To see her grow from speaking English OK to the fluency she has now has just been fantastic.”

Alongside language development came confidence, friendships, and many happy memories created through shared activities at home and beyond. The family are now looking forward to welcoming future students, following such a positive and enriching first experience.

A huge thank you to all our students and host families who make these incredible, life-changing connections possible. 😀

Address

17 Graham Road
Great Malvern
WR142HR

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441684562577

Website

http://www.eiluk.org/

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