Although there is no official celebration of the winter solstice in the UK, the Chinese community and Chinese students in the UK still uphold the tradition of celebrating the festival by gathering to make dumplings or cook rice balls, making this day an important moment in their cultural heritage.
At this juncture, UK independent boarding schools are well aware of the challenges international students can face during the holidays and offer a range of caring services and activities to help students cope with the loneliness of being away from home. In addition, the third-party guardian service provides additional support to Chinese students on top of the school's pastoral care, especially when celebrating traditional Chinese festivals. These guardians provide day-to-day living guidance and emotional support, and organise celebrations such as winter solstice dinners to give students a sense of festive spirit and cultural connection.
Many boarding schools arrange special events during the holidays to ensure that international students experience British culture while celebrating their own traditional festivals. For example, during the winter solstice, the school cafeteria may offer special menus, such as dumplings or dumplings, for students to enjoy a home-style meal. This not only satisfies the taste buds, but also comforts the soul.
The Creative Inspiration Center also organizes cultural exchange activities for international students to introduce their traditional festivals and customs to enhance mutual understanding and respect. These events engage students from all over the world, promote international friendships, and provide support to ensure that students are not isolated. For example, counseling services are provided to help students deal with emotional issues. Mental health professionals and tutors regularly check in on student well-being and are always available to help.
The boarding school also connects with local families and invites students to experience British family life. This homestay experience alleviates homesickness and enhances language skills and understanding of British culture. The school also offers group activities such as outdoor adventures, theatre trips or city explorations, ensuring that students have a wealth of social practice and recreational activities during the holidays.
Boarding schools communicate regularly to ensure that parents are aware of their child's holiday life and arrangements. Schools use electronic communications, meetings, or chats to reassure parents knowing that their child is being properly cared for and cared for in a foreign country.
Third-party guardian services play a key role in all of this. They are the student's point of contact outside of school and provide emotional support. The guardian is a local resident with a deep understanding of British culture and provides personalised care to the student. They arrange activities during the festival, such as visiting Chinese cultural exhibitions or organizing celebrations, so that students can feel the festive atmosphere and reduce homesickness. Guardians meet with students regularly to learn about life and learning, and to provide advice and assistance. Guardians provide guidance and support when students are struggling. This personalized care provides students with peace of mind and comfort, especially during the holidays.
This care reflects the holistic focus of private boarding schools in the UK on international students, providing not only academic, but also emotional and cultural support. Through these arrangements, the school helps international students enjoy a caring and culturally rich educational environment. This all-encompassing care and support ensures that the experience of studying and living in the UK is both enriching and enjoyable.