Queen’s University Seeking Hosts for Arriving International Students

Published on: 2010/07/27 - in News

For two decades, the Queen’s University International Centre (QUIC) has been running a volunteer host program that makes the transition a little easier for many international students. The Centre is again seeking volunteer hosts for these students when they arrive in Kingston this fall.

“It’s quite an important moment, arriving to Kingston and on campus,” said student programs promotion and volunteer coordinator, Hanna Stanbury.

“Hosts make them feel welcome and ease their way into a new environment. It starts the Queen’s experience on the right foot.”

International students often travel long distances before arriving at Queen’s and many enter the city feeling jetlagged and exhausted. Volunteer hosts allow the students a safe place to stay and sleep for one to three nights following their arrival. Hosts are not required to provide meals, transportation, or other services.

Many hosts enjoy experiencing the opportunity to get to know young people from around the world. Pamela Hollywood, who works in the University’s Office of Advancement, has hosted half a dozen students from countries that included Germany, India, Pakistan and Israel.

“I heard about the program and thought it was a great way to give back,” she said. “For me, it’s a matter of making individuals feel comfortable in a country they’re not familiar with, and making their transition as easy as possible.”

Ms Hollywood has remained in contact with many of the students she’s hosted, and is happy to be able to offer a welcoming place for young people to stay.

“Parents can take comfort knowing their children are in good hands,” she said.

For more information or to become a host, visit the QUIC website or contact Hanna Stanbury at hanna.stanbury@queensu.ca.

————————————————————————————————

Photo courtesy Queen’s University News Centre:

International graduate student Reem Khan (left) and host Pamela Hollywood.