International Mission
We understand that being an international student can be exciting and rewarding but sometimes lonely and frustrating. Friends International are a Christian organisation offering genuine friendship to international students (of any faith or none) during their time in the UK.
Therefore we support Andrew and Stephanie Trigger who are the Friends International staff workers in Durham. Together with local churches, they organise a number of events for international students and research scholars, as well as their families.
These include:
International Welcome
There is a Welcome Programme every October when many international students arrive in Durham. The programme is run by the University International Students Association. It includes meeting students as they arrive, helping them to settle in and get the information they need, and arranging social activities. Andrew Trigger and a number of volunteers have been involved in the programme for several years.
Hospitality
They run a hospitality scheme where international students are put in touch with local Christians. Hosts are encouraged to invite international students into their home for a meal or maybe for a weekend. This is a great way of making friendships with international students and their families. Often these friendships continue well beyond their stay in Britain.
Amigos
This is a regular social event for all international students and scholars and their families who are studying in Durham. It takes place every Wednesday of the year (including vacations) from 8-10pm in the Upper Hall of St Nicholas' Church in the Market Place, Durham. Amigos is run by people from churches across the city.
Open House
This is an open place for international students to come on Monday evenings during university term times. The student team that runs it also arranges events on other days. Open House is run by Christian students, but international students of any faith or none are welcome.
They also run enquirers’ groups or one-to-one studies for internationals who would like to find out what the Christian faith is about.