The UWC Changshu China Host Family Program brings local families and international students together through genuine, two-way cultural exchange. Language barriers fade, cultures connect, and stories are shared naturally.

This winter break, families from more than 20 cities across China opened their homes to over 60 international students, filling the season away from home with warmth and care.

In this article, we highlight two UWC alumni families and invite Devid from Cambodia and Liyan from Jordan to share their heartfelt host family experiences.

Devid Ven

DP1 student, from Cambodia

"Welcome to your home."

Those were the first words I heard when I stepped through the door of my host family's place in Kunshan, Suzhou. In that instant, the nervousness I carried with me melted away. Their smiles and open arms made it clear that this was not just a place to stay—it was a place to belong.

My name is Devid Ven, a DP1 student from Cambodia. I stayed with a host family alongside two friends from UWC Changshu: Malachi Oyula Shiundu from Kenya and Naftari Anania Jarome from Tanzania.

Curiosity has always guided both my academic and personal explorations, especially my interest in global interconnectedness. 

Living with my host family—my kind host mother, Ayi, and her son, a recent UWC Maastricht graduate—deepened this perspective. Their warmth and guidance gave me a lived understanding of cross-cultural connection.

Before arriving, I worried about language barriers and unfamiliar customs. Yet from the first day, those fears began to fade. Despite language differences, we communicated through gestures, shared laughter, patience and the Mandarin we learned at school. 

One evening, my host brother reflected on his UWC experience: "You know how people talk about change? UWC didn't just talk about it. It taught me to stop being scared of a challenge and to just look at it, take a deep breath and step into it. That's who I am now, because of UWC." 

His words resonated deeply with me, as the host family experience encouraged me to embrace uncertainty with the same openness and courage.

Our days soon settled into a gentle rhythm. Mornings often began with the discovery of new fruits at breakfast—so delicious that I miss them even as I write this. One memorable introduction was a northern delicacy I had never known: the frozen pear. So cold it made my teeth ache, yet bursting with a sweet, crystalline flavor, it became an unexpected favorite. Coming from a tropical country, this experience felt especially magical. 

Evenings were just as meaningful, spent learning Chinese board games or experiencing the calming use of essential oils to help us relax and unwind.

Cultural exchange flowed naturally in both directions. One afternoon, I taught my host family the hand movements of Robam Kom Araek, a traditional Cambodian dance. I explained how each gesture tells a story of the plant life cycle—from a seed breaking through the earth to blooming flowers and ripe fruit. 

As I demonstrated scattering imaginary seeds, I felt a quiet joy in sharing my culture and seeing their interest. The dance became more than a performance; it was a reflection on life, rooted in Cambodian tradition.

Beyond daily life, my host family introduced me to the wider world. They took me to Shanghai for the New Year and to the zoo, where I saw pandas, kangaroos and many other animals for the first time. In Suzhou, I discovered an unexpected love for karting.

The Suzhou Pingtan left the deepest impression, offering a form of cultural immersion both visceral and transcendent. Suzhou Pingtan is a traditional Suzhou art form that combines storytelling, singing and instruments in a calm, intimate style. 

Unlike museums, which appeal to the intellect, the Pingtan spoke directly to emotion. Its powerful, high-pitched vocals were astonishing and moving, showing me that the heart of a culture can be felt even without understanding every word. 

Through these experiences, I didn't just learn about Chinese culture but I felt it, lived it and was welcomed into its heart.

This journey was also one of self-discovery. In the safety of their kindness, I tried things I never imagined and discovered new facets of myself. 

I learned that family transcends blood and borders. It is found in shared laughter that needs no translation, in the deliberate effort to connect and in creating a space where you can truly be yourself. They were my supporters, transforming a foreign country into a place of belonging.

Liyan Suleiman Ahmad Alrawashdeh

"It was a gentle and genuine glimpse into life in Suzhou, filled with simple moments, shared effort, and quiet warmth."

I'm Liyan, a student from Jordan with a love for Arabic calligraphy, design, and exploring different cultures through food and conversation. When I learned about the host family program, I was excited to experience daily life in China from a personal perspective.

I traveled to Suzhou with three other UWC students: Gracia from Congo, Lecky from Namibia, and Goma from Afghanistan. While we came from different backgrounds, sharing this experience created a strong sense of companionship. We often gathered in the evenings to talk about our days and exchange observations.

My host family lived in a peaceful neighborhood in Suzhou. Tang Mama, my host mother, was warm and kind-hearted, dedicating her time to running a charity organization. John, her husband, originally from England, was gentle and thoughtful, often playing guitar in the evenings and sharing stories from his life. Together, they created a welcoming and genuine environment for all of us.

Interestingly, Tang Mama and John are not new to hosting UWC students. In fact, their son is a UWC Changshu alumnus, and over the years, they have opened their home to many students like me. 

During our stay, we even had a video call with their son, who is now abroad. It was inspiring to see how their family remains connected to the UWC community across generations and distances.

One of the most memorable days was when Tang Mama invited us to join her at her charity, "Tang Mama," which focuses on supporting children, alleviating poverty, and addressing water scarcity in Africa. 

That day, we visited a local community center where we spent time with children supported by the charity. We threw a small birthday party for them, played games, and just sat together talking and laughing. It was beautiful to connect directly with the people Tang Mama's work supports.

What struck me most was Tang Mama's quiet dedication. She worked with such steady compassion, showing us that real change is often built through consistent, humble effort. I also remember how Lecky, who loves crochet, joined one of the charity workshops where volunteers created handmade items to sell, with all proceeds going to support families in need.

During a break, Tang Mama introduced us to Mindy, a young woman who had been helped by Tang Mama years ago. Mindy's journey was truly inspiring—from being a recipient of aid to now working alongside Tang Mama, creating awareness videos for the charity. 

We had a heartfelt conversation with her about how each of us, with our own skills—whether in design, drawing, or community outreach—could also contribute to the future. She also invites different Zhi Xings from the school to participate in her charity. 

That day wasn't just about charity work; it was about witnessing how compassion turns into action, and how one person's kindness can create cycles of hope across the world.

There were lighter moments as well. John would sometimes play Christmas songs on his guitar, and we would listen together, sharing simple and warm moments. During the holidays, we exchanged small gifts. I brought them dates from Jordan, and they gave me local crafts. Tang Mama also taught us about Chinese customs, such as receiving items with both hands as a sign of respect.

This experience showed me that a host family is more than just a place to stay. It is an invitation into someone's life, with all its routines, values, and quiet kindness. I learned that meaningful connections do not always come from grand moments, but often from shared everyday experiences.

UWC Changshu China is still recruiting host families for the 2026 Spring Festival holiday. If you or someone you know is interested in joining the host family program, please scan the QR code below to fill out the application form.

2025-2026 Chinese New Year holiday (February 14, 2026 – March 2, 2026). The deadline for applying to be a host family during Chinese New Year is January 25th, 2025.