Welcome to Dorset!
Join our international
student activities
We welcome and support international students,
connecting you to our community!
We wish to welcome all students from outside the UK, both European and International – a very warm welcome to Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch!
Life can be very different moving to a new country and studying abroad. We understand that you are facing new challenges, new languages and a different culture.
Finding your place in Bournemouth will take time and we are here to help! Friends International is a local Christian charity, which aims to support you in building friendships with other students, make local links with families and explore life in the UK. We organise events and social meet ups, to help you learn about and take part in British culture to get the most out of your time here while at university or language school – learn more about us below.
Meet the Team!
Iain
Iain was born in Scotland, lived in England most of his life and came to Bournemouth to start the role as Centre Team Leader.
Iain worked as an associate pastor and evangelist on a housing estate for a local Baptist church in Stafford. Before that he trained at Oakhill theology college and MMTC and he has served international students over the past 20 years in London and York. Iain loves to hike, camp and travel. He enjoys theology and talking about discipleship and teaches and preaches at a number of different churches and organisations. Iain has a deep love for the hard to reach, community and international students that come here.
Sue
Sue was born and brought up in Bournemouth and after several years away came back to work with Friends International. In-between she studied and taught French, including spending a year in France, and also worked with a church.
She has visited more than 40 countries and loves meeting people from different countries and learning about different cultures. She enjoys singing in a choir, walking throughout the local area, and meeting friends for coffee and meals. As well as some national responsibilities, Sue spends one day a week on the Faith and Reflection team at Bournemouth University. She looks forward to meeting you!
Luke
Luke was born in Essex, before moving to the midlands, and then down to the South of England! His parents live in Germany, his Auntie in Cambodia, and his sister used to live in Macau. He also has family in Australia.
Luke spent five years befriending and sharing faith with students at the local Christian Union and has made friends from all over the world. Before that, he worked for a church in Southampton. He loves food, surfing, and co-ordinates our national trainee scheme; Reach, alongside his responsibilities here in Bournemouth. He would love to get to know you!
What international students say!
Thank you for organizing events for me as an international student in BU. I step out of my comfort zone to meet people from around the world...”
- Lawrence
It’s great to have Friends International in Bournemouth. They have introduced me to a whole new experience of meeting friends. Moreover, they was really helpful and caring when I was struggling with mental health issues...”
- Howard
I remember when I first came to England, I didn't fit in. My English was very bad. But ever since I found out about Friends International everything has changed for the better. I made a lot of friends, they gave me a lot of opportunities, my English is getting better, I wish I knew about them from the first day I came to the UK...”
- Reece
An avenue to connect with so many people and have intellectual conversations about God and life. My time here has been absolutely fantastic, felt like home away from home...”
- Aman
This community is amazing! I have made so many new friends who are kind and caring. They have helped me through some difficult times and encouraged me to grow in my faith. I always look forward to seeing them every week and having fun together...”
- Anson
Meeting people at events has made me feel incredibly positive. Everyone you meet will be nice, grateful, and friendly no matter who they are. I'm really happy to be here...”
- Pavan
So how do I join
your community?
We would love for you to join us as much or as little as you feel comfortable to. Click the icons below to visit our social media.
Contact Us
One of our team will be happy to respond to any questions you have – simply send us a message via our social media links above or email us: dorset@friendsinternational.uk
Visit one of our Cafés?
One of the main ways to connect with us is to come to one of our free Cafés to meet new people, make new friends and practice your English, play games, or discuss important questions about life.
iCafé @ Lansdowne Church
Meets every Monday 8-10pm at Lansdowne Church, Lansdowne Road, BH1 1SB.
For more information click here
Coastline Café (St Albans Church)
Meets every Sunday evening 7:30-9:30pm at St Albans Church Hall, 221 Charminster Road, BH8 9QQ.
For more information click here
Meet our local hosts? (Local Link)
One of our students’ favourite experiences is being able to spend time with local hosts, often visiting their home.
Our Local Link programme gives you an opportunity to do this – simply use the Local-Link section of our App to sign up! If you have trouble with downloading the app you can also send an email to: dorset@friendsinternational.uk
