Host Family Program

UWC makes education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future. UWC Changshu China offers life changing educational experiences for students from more than 100 different countries and regions.  Promoting multi-cultural exchanges is a key element of UWC education.

Host family program has been a long tradition for all UWCs througout the world.  It offers a good opportunity for families in China and foreign students to get to know different cultures, share experience and build friendship.  

“In 2018 winter break, I stayed with a host family in Tianjin together with seven other UWC students.  For many of us, it was the first time that we were away from our families and home for a big celebration like Christmas. However, we all had a memorable time since we got to explore the northern region of China, we traveled to Beijing, Hebei and Tianjin.  We all had a great time with the host family.  

For Chinese New year break, I again stayed with a host family (since I was quite happy with my previous experience), this time in Nanjing. And I was with a friend from Ukraine; this experience in particular was really special to us because we got a better understanding of the Chinese culture. The host family was again equally welcoming and loving as the one in Tianjin. They took us to the historical places in Nanjing, including gardens on a snowy day, museums and old Buddhist temples. On other days we cooked together, while we practiced Chinese with them, they practiced English with us and overall we had a chance to understand each other's culture better. 

I am really grateful to my host families for letting me feel at home during the festivals. ”

 ——Nissim Gurung, Nepal 

“Host family stay is an incredible opportunity for cultural interchange for both hosts and hostees! I was so lucky to spend my Chinese New Year in a beautiful city, Nanjing, and experience all the traditions I've learned about in my Chinese class in real life, including New Year Eve, New Year Eve dinner，visiting a temple on the first day of New Year. My host family members were more than happy to get to know more about Ukraine, our culture, traditions and cuisines!”

——Mariia Dzholos, Ukrain