The clocks have turned back and the temperatures have dropped once more. Many of our students are used to warmer climates, even in winter, and in particular find the damp cold of the UK a shock to the system!

With this in mind, November is the best month for suggesting indoor activities with your student. Movie nights are a good option for all, so try suggesting films that are set in the UK. Do you have roast dinners? Why not have your student help you prepare a part of the meal and explain to them what a roast dinner is? Crafts are increasingly popular- we've found some easy and low-cost kits for painting by numbers, ceramic painting and clay moulding in the shop Tiger. Perhaps a therapeutic craft afternoon is in order...?!

If you're still looking for inspiration, reach out to your Regional Manager and they will be able to suggest some more idea for you and your student.

Don't forget to send your Regional Manager photos of the things you get up to!

You read that correctly, charity shops are very much trending at the moment! The viral 'thrifting' trend on TikTok is fascinating to see with the incredible (and sometimes questionable!) finds that young bargain hunters manage to unearth.

Charity shops are a relatively unique concept to the UK and whilst you can find them elsewhere, they are not as frequently donated to as they are here. Vintage shopping has always been popular amongst teenagers, but typical vintage shops can often be pricey. That's why charity shops are great; often places where people unknowingly donate a niche or designer brand, there's no denying the anticipation that rummaging through rails of clothes can create.

Why not recommend some local charity shops in your area to your student, explaining that they are essentially the British version of vintage shops. If they search 'UK Charity Shop Haul' on TikTok, they'll get the idea. Here's one that might catch their eye!

There is plenty to see and do in the UK, and not just the usual tourist attractions. However for international students, it can be hard to know where to choose, how to get there and what to do whilst there!

Our tailored itineraries offer students a ready-made day out to follow. Two new excursions will be released per month, covering areas in the North and South of UK. Check back here if you ever need inspiration or if your student asks for recommendations (EF Explores is also on the student bulletin board).

SOUTH ENGLAND & WALES

• Explore Canterbury
• Visit Durdle Door
• Explore Isle of Wight
• Visit Alpacas

NORTH ENGLAND & WALES

• Explore Sheffield
• Visit Delamere Forest
• Explore Lancaster
• Visit Seal Pups

The Cube was a popular British TV gameshow that you can now try. Competing in teams, students will take part in a series of mental and physical challenges to ultimately try and earn bragging rights of being The Cube Champions!

After this, they will have the opportunity to explore all that Manchester has to offer, from cool vintage stores to cute cafes and cobbled streets!

Students can sign up here. They can also find details on the student bulletin board.

Located near to Bath in the east of England, Bristol is a lively city, famous for it's street-art and being home to the renowned graffiti artist, Banksy!

Students can join their classmates this November for an action packed day of Laser Tag, with opportunity before and/or after to explore the buzzing city of Bristol. Whether they are a seasoned Laser Tagger or a complete beginner, it's going to be a competitive and adrenaline fuelled day out!

Students can sign up here or find more information on their bulletin board.

With it's streets said to be the main inspiration for Diagon Alley and other key locations in Harry Potter, York is definitely worth a visit!

For this EF Regional Meetup, Class of 25 students will take a special Harry Potter walking tour. They will visit magical set locations, explore themed shops and get a real feel for the Potter universe. They can also spend as much of their own time as they like exploring before and after.

Please remind your student/s to check their bulletin board if they wish to attend.

Steeped in academia, the city of Cambridge offers plenty to see and do with independent shops, cute cafes and awe-inspiring architecture.

For this EF Regional Meetup, Class of 25 students will take a guided tour through the streets of Cambridge, which are lined with the 32 colleges that make up the university. As an added bonus, they will go inside King's College, founded in 1441 and recognised for it's iconic chapel!

Please remind your student/s to check their bulletin board if they wish to attend.

Does your student deserve to be recognised?

Whether it's because they have gone above and beyond to support a friend, because they have been a positive force or huge help at home or at school, or because they have simply been a lovely student, you can nominate them to receive an EF Student Recognition Award.

Click here to nominate an EF student!

Welcoming an international student into your home is a special thing to do and we want to hear all about it!

Send us your photos and stories so that we can show the global HSEY family just how amazing our UK host families are.

Send your photos or stories to your Regional Manager today!

Our Facebook group is a great place to share photos and stories with your fellow host families.

It is also used for:

• Asking questions
• Important updates
• Community engagement
• Getting to know the UK team

Click here to join the group!