We have provided some information on this important topic in our Diversity section, but also want to stress how important it is to learn and experience as much of the host country/British culture, and especially that of the locality you are studying in – the town or city’s history, its architecture, parks, cultural venues, about famous people associated with the town or city.

For example, Bournemouth has association with JRR Tolkien, writer of The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rights; with Robert Louis Stevenson (writer of the famous novel ‘Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’), Mary Wollstonecraft, writer and globally important women’s rights leader.

Also, when possible try and explore the countryside, such as Purbeck, the New Forest, and sights further afield such as Bath, Stonehenge, and of course beaches, historic buildings, the capital. Your university or college will also regularly arrange such sightseeing visits via coach for convenience.

As mentioned in the Local Authority section, you should also be able to research directly from the local authority/council’s tourist information section.

And do visit arts centres, theatres, museums, art galleries, country crafts centres, and heritage sights (including historic houses: usually owned by the National Trust, such as Kingston Lacey, castles such as Corfe Castle), explore dance and folk and classical music (including festivals, and in the case of classical music [and theatre], Poole Lighthouse Centre [opposite Poole Bus Station] home of Bournemouth Philharmonic Orchestra).