EF Talks: Barbara, a star EF host, on opening her home to the world

With a lively and gentle dog named Guinness greeting every visitor with equal enthusiasm, grandchildren who come around on the weekend and adore making friends from around the world, and a love for world cuisine, hosting international students has always felt like a natural fit for Barbara. And she’s been doing it for thirty years.

We were keen to chat to Barbara to find out what it’s been like to open her home to so many EF students from every corner of the world.

Hello Barbara! What brought you to hosting with EF?

It’s so long ago… I’ve been hosting on and off for about 30 years. The first student I had was a Japanese student, a young man. He was with me for two months.

What were the challenges you faced with hosting your first student?

Trying to understand each other! Trying to understand what food he liked or disliked – simple things like that. Communication is the hardest part if they don’t speak much English, but that gets easier over time as their English improves.

What is it like to live with an international student?

No different to having your own kids, you just don’t shout at them as much!

I feel like a real mum when I’m hosting, though lately I feel more like a grandmother, as some of them are younger than my own grandchildren!

What has been your favorite culture to host?

I’d have to say Japan. I’ve learned a lot about Japanese culture through the Japanese students I’ve hosted: origami, how to dress in a traditional robe – interesting things like that. One of my students went on holiday and came back with a traditional costume to dress me in!

The students have made food for me as well, especially the Chinese students who cook very authentic food.

When your students arrive how do you welcome them?

Nine times out of ten, they email before they get here. I tell them about the dog, and about how my grandchildren come over on weekends. My dog, Guinness, is such a softie and the students always love him!

What is your go-to meal that you cook for the students?

A lot of the students like chips and pizza, but I prefer cooking hearty meals like gammon ham and vegetables. I like introducing them to British culture through food. Their English also improves a lot at the dinner table; the students I host are always from different countries, so they have to speak English at the dinner table together – and with me, of course!

When they arrive, are they ever nervous?

Of course they are! But after a few days they are usually fine; they get to know me and become comfortable in my house.

What has been your favorite experience hosting international students?

There have just been too many! I couldn’t pick one and say it’s been my absolute favorite. I still keep in touch with quite a few of the students I’ve had, and they still visit me in Oxford.

One of the girls who I keep in touch with over FaceTime is getting married this month, so she is bringing her fiancée to meet me! She was from Mexico and stayed with me for three months.

Is it ever emotional when your students leave?

Oh yes, it’s always sad. But we still keep in touch!

What would you recommend to other families thinking of hosting students?

I think you have to treat each other with respect, that’s absolutely key.

Can you describe your experience in three words?

Thoroughly enjoyed it!

I’ve lost count of how many students I’ve hosted over the years, but I’ve gained so many memories through it!