As a guardianship service to international students, we are fortunate to be part of many international celebrations. Chinese New Year is one of the largest festivals which is celebrated by many of our students and their families.
We often ask our host families why they choose to host international students in their home and frequently the answer is relating to the culture exchange between the student and the family. Both sides get to share their language, traditions and food and learn from the time they spend together.
Chinese New Year often falls at a time when schools are on exeat weekend, therefore students are lucky enough to spend their celebrations with their host families.
Last weekend we enjoyed hearing from host families and students about their new year festivities.
Lea and Helena both study at Haileybury College. They both had a fantastic time making traditional Chinese dumplings and also visiting China Town in London to witness the celebrations and have dinner at a local restaurant.
Chen and Hui of Downe House School, were happy to receive a visit from their Pippa’s Area Manager Julie, who gave them a traditional red envelope with some gold chocolate coins inside.
Veronica, Kayley and Honglin from Oundle School, shared the weekend with their Pippa’s Area Manager Sarah. They cooked also cooked dumplings and enjoyed a Chinese New Year supper with Sarah and her family.
Pippa’s Area Manager Rose, took some of her students from Sherborne Boys, Sherborne Preparatory School and Port Regis School to a Chinese restaurant for some delicious food.
Michelle, Max and Issac who study at The Leys School, stayed with their host family Dawn and Max. They cooked a traditional Chinese meal including the traditional dumplings!
Sarah, Pippa’s Area Manager for Cheltenham visited her students and gave them a chocolate bunny to celebrate the year of the Rabbit.
The Pippa’s Guardian’s team wishes everyone a very happy Chinese New Year.
Please take a look at our video here: