Sunday, 30 October 2005
International Sunday Lunches
These Sunday Lunches are a great opportunity for international students to spend an afternoon in the home of a local family. Our thanks go to all those who host students and, on this day, especially to Derek & Alison Peakman and Nan & Billy Magee.
Sunday, 8 May 2005
Bar-B-Que
Sixteen students came to our farewell Bar-B-Que. The weather was kind to us and we all enjoyed the afternoon. A BIG THANK YOU goes to Simon & Alison McKay-Mills for letting us use their home and for cooking some great food!!
Tuesday, 3 May 2005
TABLEtalk
Our last TABLEtalk evening for this academic year. It’s sad to say goodbye to so many students. We hope that you have enjoyed sharing in our lives as much as we’ve enjoyed sharing in yours. Many students have given us feedback from this past semester; here are just a few of the comments:
STUDENT COMMENTS:
Question: What have you enjoyed most or found most beneficial about TABLEtalk?
Ania from Poland: “I enjoyed the company of people from different nationalities the most... and the tea :) And sweets of course :)))) And atmosphere :)))) For the first time I come there just to see what is going on there - and I still remember how excited I was after. I just knew that this is something special. It gave me an opportunity to talk with other students, to know them better … . The most beneficial thing was just to speak to people :) Simple - but how important! Not only to improve my language and get rid of instant fear that I make some mistakes - but also to make new friends. Thank you for that :)”
Imma from Spain: “The best thing of the TABLEtalk is to meet people, speak with them, and enjoy playing games.”
Lars from Germany: “The games were very funny. The possibility to meet native people or other students is the best of TABLEtalk. I think it is also good that TABLEtalk is not so religious. It is more neutral than I expected.”Libor from the Czech Republic: “Meeting people and the friendly atmosphere.” Min from China: “I enjoyed knowing so many people and improving my English.”
Question: What comments do you have regarding the INTERNATIONAL SUNDAY LUNCHES?
Kevin from China: “I think the international Sunday lunches are a good supplement of TABLEtalk. The international students have a chance to enter common local family homes and experience their real life.”
Ania from Poland: “Crazy question... Of course the lunches were great. Free food :))) and great company. I had a lot of fun. I wish I could attend them more often :)”
Imma from Spain: “Sunday lunches were very nice, the best thing is to know how a real Scottish family is and how is their house. Then, the meal is always wonderful, and this is good because in the Residence we never eat as good food as in the Sunday lunch!”
STUDENT COMMENTS:
Question: What have you enjoyed most or found most beneficial about TABLEtalk?
Ania from Poland: “I enjoyed the company of people from different nationalities the most... and the tea :) And sweets of course :)))) And atmosphere :)))) For the first time I come there just to see what is going on there - and I still remember how excited I was after. I just knew that this is something special. It gave me an opportunity to talk with other students, to know them better … . The most beneficial thing was just to speak to people :) Simple - but how important! Not only to improve my language and get rid of instant fear that I make some mistakes - but also to make new friends. Thank you for that :)”
Imma from Spain: “The best thing of the TABLEtalk is to meet people, speak with them, and enjoy playing games.”
Lars from Germany: “The games were very funny. The possibility to meet native people or other students is the best of TABLEtalk. I think it is also good that TABLEtalk is not so religious. It is more neutral than I expected.”Libor from the Czech Republic: “Meeting people and the friendly atmosphere.” Min from China: “I enjoyed knowing so many people and improving my English.”
Question: What comments do you have regarding the INTERNATIONAL SUNDAY LUNCHES?
Kevin from China: “I think the international Sunday lunches are a good supplement of TABLEtalk. The international students have a chance to enter common local family homes and experience their real life.”
Ania from Poland: “Crazy question... Of course the lunches were great. Free food :))) and great company. I had a lot of fun. I wish I could attend them more often :)”
Imma from Spain: “Sunday lunches were very nice, the best thing is to know how a real Scottish family is and how is their house. Then, the meal is always wonderful, and this is good because in the Residence we never eat as good food as in the Sunday lunch!”
Saturday, 2 April 2005
Comrie Trip
30 MAR – 2 APR 05
Two mini-buses, one car, 27 international students from Dundee, Glasgow, Strathclyde & Paisley universities and 6 Friends International staff and volunteers. Four fabulous days touring the highlands. We visited Dunblane Cathedral, the Falkirk Wheel, the Wallace Monument, and Blair Atholl Castle. We sampled whisky at Edradour Distillery (the smallest in Scotland) and had a fabulous walk through Glen Nevis. Our evenings were filled with games and videos.
Min from China: “The four day highlands trip was one of the best trips I have ever had. Dirk also shares my opinion. It was carefully organised and all the staff did really a great job.”
Two mini-buses, one car, 27 international students from Dundee, Glasgow, Strathclyde & Paisley universities and 6 Friends International staff and volunteers. Four fabulous days touring the highlands. We visited Dunblane Cathedral, the Falkirk Wheel, the Wallace Monument, and Blair Atholl Castle. We sampled whisky at Edradour Distillery (the smallest in Scotland) and had a fabulous walk through Glen Nevis. Our evenings were filled with games and videos.
Min from China: “The four day highlands trip was one of the best trips I have ever had. Dirk also shares my opinion. It was carefully organised and all the staff did really a great job.”
Sunday, 27 February 2005
Oban Weekend
What a great weekend! Myself and 9 students from Paisley Uni joined Friends International Glasgow on their weekend trip to Oban. In total we took 25 international students from 15 different nations. The Paisley students included: Mr Li, Jennie & Lucy from China, Leatitia, Johanna & Perrine from France, Hilda from Guadeloupe, Patrick from Germany, and Libor from the Czech Republic.
Saturday consisted of a wonderful walk along the coast, a meal in Oban and an evening of crazy games organized by Nigel. On Sunday morning there was an optional talk about the Bible and an opportunity to ask questions. Then we took the scenic route home with several photo stops on route.
STUDENT COMMENTS:
Jennie (Chinese): "The Oban trip was great, though I ruined it a little by talking so much Chinese!!"
Patrick (German): "I was at the trip to OBAN. All things were good. The meeting of all the other students was nice. The organisation was very good. In summary, the trip was a fantastic thing."
Perrine (French): "The trip to Oban was great, with lots of nice people. I found that one thing was a bit weird, it's that we had dinner at 5pm, we never eat that early in France."
Saturday consisted of a wonderful walk along the coast, a meal in Oban and an evening of crazy games organized by Nigel. On Sunday morning there was an optional talk about the Bible and an opportunity to ask questions. Then we took the scenic route home with several photo stops on route.
STUDENT COMMENTS:
Jennie (Chinese): "The Oban trip was great, though I ruined it a little by talking so much Chinese!!"
Patrick (German): "I was at the trip to OBAN. All things were good. The meeting of all the other students was nice. The organisation was very good. In summary, the trip was a fantastic thing."
Perrine (French): "The trip to Oban was great, with lots of nice people. I found that one thing was a bit weird, it's that we had dinner at 5pm, we never eat that early in France."
Sunday, 20 February 2005
Hospitality
Today we held our first ever INTERNATIONAL SUNDAY LUNCH – what a great success!!
A huge THANK YOU goes to Roy & Cheryl Adair and their friends, who willing received 15 students in to their home for a wonderful buffet meal and an afternoon of songs and silly games!
A huge THANK YOU goes to Roy & Cheryl Adair and their friends, who willing received 15 students in to their home for a wonderful buffet meal and an afternoon of songs and silly games!
Tuesday, 15 February 2005
TABLEtalk: Love is ...
The Spring semester has started well – this is only week two and 14 students came along to TABLEtalk this evening!
Our discussion theme this evening was ‘LOVE IS …’ It was interesting to hear from the five different nationalities represented as to how they would complete that sentence. However, there was overwhelming agreement that this word ‘love’ is over-used and has lost some of the depth of its meaning.
Our discussion theme this evening was ‘LOVE IS …’ It was interesting to hear from the five different nationalities represented as to how they would complete that sentence. However, there was overwhelming agreement that this word ‘love’ is over-used and has lost some of the depth of its meaning.
Wednesday, 5 January 2005
TABLEtalk
The Autumn semester has come to a close and so TABLEtalk will stop for a few weeks. During this first semester we have had contact with just 13 international students from China, Germany, Malaysia, Russia, Spain and the Czech Republic. It’s been a case of small beginnings, but we trust that ‘out of tiny acorns and mighty oak tree will grow’. There have been a core of students who have come along faithfully each week and we firmly believe that TABLEtalk provides a needed forum for international students to make friends and practise their English.
STUDENT COMMENTS:
Omar Michael from Malaysia: “I enjoyed all the focus group activities that allowed us to express our feeling on specific issues … but you’re too generous with the snacks. You’re gonna make me fat!”
Gerald from Germany: “It’s very nice to meet people from Scotland and other Christian students from abroad.”
STUDENT COMMENTS:
Omar Michael from Malaysia: “I enjoyed all the focus group activities that allowed us to express our feeling on specific issues … but you’re too generous with the snacks. You’re gonna make me fat!”
Gerald from Germany: “It’s very nice to meet people from Scotland and other Christian students from abroad.”
Friday, 5 November 2004
Fireworks Night 2004
This evening we took KaiChen, Michelle and Elaine (from China) and Andi & his girlfriend (from Germany) to the local Fireworks Display. It was a cold evening and rained a little but we still managed to enjoy ourselves.
Tuesday, 12 October 2004
TABLEtalk
Our first every evening at TABLEtalk!! I guess there was always the possibility that no-one would come, but what a thrill to have 7 students show up - from Germany, China, Malaysia and the Czech Republic. Most of the evening was spent introducing the vision and purpose of TABLEtalk and simply getting to know each other.
Thursday, 30 September 2004
TABLEtalk
Preparations for TABLEtalk are coming together slowly but surely. I have been working hard to develop a series of discussion topics that I hope will provide both a challenge for international students but also be fun and enjoyable – not too formal!
The aim of TABLEtalk is to provide a place where international students can come to practise their English, meet other internationals and also make friends with some local people
The aim of TABLEtalk is to provide a place where international students can come to practise their English, meet other internationals and also make friends with some local people
Friday, 5 January 2001
USEFUL WEBSITES
CULTURAL INFORMATION:
If you're new to the UK you may struggle with different cultural issues but, take heart, there are a number of excellent websites that will help you get to grips with being a 'stranger in a strange land':
www.new2uk.org
www.paisley.ac.uk/international
www.ukcosa.org.uk
TOURIST INFORMATION:
Scotland is a beautiful country with much to see. Both of the following websites will give you more information about Paisley itself, but also about tourist sights Scotland-wide:
www.paisley.org.uk
www.visitscotland.com
LOCAL CHURCHES:
There are many good churches in and around the Paisley area, here are just a few:
Central Baptist Church, Lady Lane, Paisley
www.paisleycentralbaptist.com
Christian Growth Centre, Broomland Street, Paisley
www.cgcpaisley.com
Elim Christian Fellowship, Gordon Street, Paisley
www.ecfpaisley.org
Hopehall Evangelical Church, Alice Street, Paisley
www.hopehall.org.uk
If you're new to the UK you may struggle with different cultural issues but, take heart, there are a number of excellent websites that will help you get to grips with being a 'stranger in a strange land':
www.new2uk.org
www.paisley.ac.uk/international
www.ukcosa.org.uk
TOURIST INFORMATION:
Scotland is a beautiful country with much to see. Both of the following websites will give you more information about Paisley itself, but also about tourist sights Scotland-wide:
www.paisley.org.uk
www.visitscotland.com
LOCAL CHURCHES:
There are many good churches in and around the Paisley area, here are just a few:
Central Baptist Church, Lady Lane, Paisley
www.paisleycentralbaptist.com
Christian Growth Centre, Broomland Street, Paisley
www.cgcpaisley.com
Elim Christian Fellowship, Gordon Street, Paisley
www.ecfpaisley.org
Hopehall Evangelical Church, Alice Street, Paisley
www.hopehall.org.uk
Thursday, 4 January 2001
CHRISTIANITY EXPLORED
Christianity Explored is an 8-week course is for anyone interested in knowing more about the Christian faith. You don’t need to have any prior knowledge of the Bible and there will be complete freedom to ask questions.
The course addresses such questions as:
** How can we know God?
** Who is Jesus?
** What does it mean to follow him?
The course addresses such questions as:
** How can we know God?
** Who is Jesus?
** What does it mean to follow him?
Wednesday, 3 January 2001
INTERNATIONAL SUNDAY LUNCHES
International Sunday Lunches are held every other Sunday during the university semester and they provide an excellent opportunity for international students to meet some local people and to enjoy a meal and an afternoon spent in a local home, with a local family.
It is important that you sign up for any lunch that you wish to attend. We always meet together outside the front entrance of the university (by the statue) at 1:30pm and from here you will be introduced to your hosts. Please note: you are asked to inform us, in advance, of any dietary requirements you might have as a result of an allergy, or religious or cultural restrictions. As far as possible we will endeavour to cater for these needs.
To find out when our next International Sunday Lunch will be held, check out the 'What's On...' section of this website.
It is important that you sign up for any lunch that you wish to attend. We always meet together outside the front entrance of the university (by the statue) at 1:30pm and from here you will be introduced to your hosts. Please note: you are asked to inform us, in advance, of any dietary requirements you might have as a result of an allergy, or religious or cultural restrictions. As far as possible we will endeavour to cater for these needs.
To find out when our next International Sunday Lunch will be held, check out the 'What's On...' section of this website.
Tuesday, 2 January 2001
TABLEtalk
WHAT?
TABLEtalk is a weekly event for international students. It gives students the opportunity to meet other internationals, make friends with some local people and in the process, practise your English. Each evening has a different theme which we hope will challenge your thinking and help you learn about other cultures, including the Scottish culture. All evenings are created to be interesting and fun.
WHERE?
Central Baptist Church, Lady Lane, Paisley (next to Paisley University).
WHEN?
7:30-9:30pm each Tuesday (during term time)
- see the WHAT'S ON section for further details
HERE ARE SOME STUDENT COMMENTS:
MUNISH from India (May '07): "Nice, good way to improve language skills, knowledge about local areas, meeting local people and making new friends."
MEMON from China (May '07): "TABLEtalk really adds color to my life in the first year in Scotland. It is full of fun, wisdom and every activity is well organized. I can’t imagine my life without it."
Sugu from Malaysia (Dec '06): "I would like to extend my highest gratitude to all Friends International committee members for organising such a meaningful event every week especially for inter-national students. I do really appreciate your efforts which make me and other fellow students feel welcomed."
Jana from China (Oct '06): “Thank you for holding TABLEtalk for international students. We lack the feeling of belonging, but you give
us belonging. Thank you again."
TABLEtalk is a weekly event for international students. It gives students the opportunity to meet other internationals, make friends with some local people and in the process, practise your English. Each evening has a different theme which we hope will challenge your thinking and help you learn about other cultures, including the Scottish culture. All evenings are created to be interesting and fun.
WHERE?
Central Baptist Church, Lady Lane, Paisley (next to Paisley University).
WHEN?
7:30-9:30pm each Tuesday (during term time)
- see the WHAT'S ON section for further details
HERE ARE SOME STUDENT COMMENTS:
MUNISH from India (May '07): "Nice, good way to improve language skills, knowledge about local areas, meeting local people and making new friends."
MEMON from China (May '07): "TABLEtalk really adds color to my life in the first year in Scotland. It is full of fun, wisdom and every activity is well organized. I can’t imagine my life without it."
Sugu from Malaysia (Dec '06): "I would like to extend my highest gratitude to all Friends International committee members for organising such a meaningful event every week especially for inter-national students. I do really appreciate your efforts which make me and other fellow students feel welcomed."
Jana from China (Oct '06): “Thank you for holding TABLEtalk for international students. We lack the feeling of belonging, but you give
us belonging. Thank you again."
Maney from Holland (May '06): "What I valued most about TABLEtalk was that internationals students of all ages, over the whole world, with different backgrounds and all kinds of cultures can share thoughts with each other."
Eva from Germany (May '06): "TABLEtalk helped me to share my opinions and experiences with others in a similar situation – and to have fun!"
Sebastian from Germany (May '06): "TABLEtalk is essential because with the help of different themes every Tuesday evening I was learning a lot from other students, from other countries and about their way of thinking. I’m deeply grateful for all these new experiences.”
Ania from Poland (May '05): "For the first time I come there (TABLEtalk) just to see what is going on there - and I still remember how excited I was after. I just knew that this is something special. It gave me an opportunity to talk with other students, to know them better … . The most beneficial thing was just to speak to people :) Simple - but how important! Not only to improve my language and get rid of instant fear that I make some mistakes - but also to make new friends. Thank you for that :)”
Imma from Spain (May '05): “The best thing of the TABLEtalk is to meet people, speak with them, and enjoy playing games.”
Lars from Germany (May '05): “The possibility to meet native people or other students is the best part of TABLEtalk. I think it is also good that TABLEtalk is not so religious. It is more neutral than I expected.”
Monday, 1 January 2001
WHO ARE WE?
Welcome to Paisley!
Being an international student can be both rewarding and exciting, but sometimes it is also lonely and frustrating. Friends International is a Christian organisation offering genuine friendship to international students (of any faith or none) during their time here. Throughout the academic year we organise a variety of events for international students including TABLEtalk, International Sunday Lunches, film nights, day trips, etc.
As Christians we do have a desire to talk about the message of Christ, however, this is always done within the context of respect for the diversity of backgrounds and beliefs held by all international students.
Being an international student can be both rewarding and exciting, but sometimes it is also lonely and frustrating. Friends International is a Christian organisation offering genuine friendship to international students (of any faith or none) during their time here. Throughout the academic year we organise a variety of events for international students including TABLEtalk, International Sunday Lunches, film nights, day trips, etc.
As Christians we do have a desire to talk about the message of Christ, however, this is always done within the context of respect for the diversity of backgrounds and beliefs held by all international students.
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