A MALVERN-based charity which works to create international friendships across the world is looking for families to give a welcome to foreign visitors

The Experiment in International Living UK was founded in 1936 and is the UK member of a global network of EIL offices that has been awarded Peace Messenger status by the United Nations.

EIL UK, based in Graham Road, welcomes hundreds of international visitors to the UK every year and provides them with home-stay accommodation.

Host families provide a home away from home for visitors to learn about new cultures and to share their own.

EIL UK offers a variety of experiences for international visitors. These include:

Day visits for international students studying at the University of Worcester or weekend visits to a family from other universities around the UK;

High school students staying from one to three terms, living with a family whilst attending their local high school or college;

Cultural programs custom-made to provide visiting groups with a theme, from media studies to drama and international relations.

Mary Griffiths, EIL's host network coordinator, said: "Our programmes teach people that by living together, we learn to live together to create a more peaceful, tolerant and understanding world.

"If your family is warm and welcoming and interested in other countries and cultures, are willing to share your home and take pride in your local area, you might enjoy being a volunteer host family.

"We are looking for more families in Worcestershire as this beautiful county is popular with participants. EIL offers volunteer host families a contribution towards accommodation and food.

"As an individual it can be hard to know how to make a difference when faced with the myriad problems of the modern world. You can be a part of what EIL is achieving by bringing the world to your home through hosting." "To focus on young people seems a good place to start when thinking about the kind of peaceful and positive future we all want for our world."

To find out more, contact 01684 562577 or host@eiluk.org.