DID you know that in universities and colleges across the UK there are many thousands of international students who would just love to meet some of the inhabitants of these islands and chat about the differences in our culture and lifestyles, as well as discover points of contact?

Rather than be tourists, they would prefer to see the country in the company of the people who live here. Rather than stay on campus, with colleagues who speak their own language, they would value the chance to spend a weekend practising English with the locals. Rather than spend Christmas alone in a deserted hall of residence, they would love to join in with the celebrations and find out what's going on.

Could you offer a weekend or Christmas invitation to your home, to one or two students, once or twice a year? You would be giving them an experience which would stand out in their memories of Britain, and which might change their perceptions of this country for ever. Your own life would be enriched by friendship with adults from all over the world, and you would be doing your bit for international relations.

If your sofa is big enough for two — and you have a spare bed — you may like more information about volunteering with the HOST scheme. HOST is a well-established national charity, founded by the British Council and the Foreign Office.

Mrs Judith Rougier

Reed House

Hatherleigh