img_4085

Hello! I am Annabel from Singapore. When I first came to UVA, I was extremely afraid that I wouldn’t be able to fit in with the Americans, get used to the culture, be really lonely, etc. However, I am extremely thankful for the White family for showering me with so much love, care and attention. The first weekend when I came to UVA, they brought me for a spin around Charlottesville to show me the most beautiful and scenic places around. They also offered to drive me to places like Walmart and Target to get any essentials that I needed.

Their care and generosity overwhelmed me as they tirelessly offered to take me around, invited me over to their place, and more. Over fall break, Randy took me and a whole group of my friends to Washington DC for the weekend. We went on an amazing city tour at night, had delicious food, and did a ton of shopping (which of course, made us all extremely happy!). They also surprised me with lovely gifts for my birthday and Christmas, and basically made me feel extremely loved and treasured :)

The International Host Program is definitely a great way to help you with getting accustomed to American culture. It doesn’t have a huge time commitment, is very flexible, and of course, extremely fun. Here’s wishing all of you a great year ahead at UVA!

Cheers,
Annabel