A Home Away from Home: Xiaoyu’s Story
Facilitators to facilitate students to follow the steps. Students to finish each part within the given time. You have 30 min to finish the activity. Read the instruction of each step.
Step 1: Get 3 students to read the story aloud. One student read one part (3 min)
Part 1:
Xiaoyu, a student from China, had been studying in Malaysia for six months. Even though she tried hard, life felt heavy. She didn’t have many friends to practise English with. She couldn’t sleep at night and often felt tired in class.
“I can’t focus,” she whispered. “My assignments are getting harder.”
Part 2:
One day, her university invited her to join the Home Away from Home program. It connects international students with local volunteer families who offer care, friendship, and a sense of belonging—like a second home.
A kind couple, Uncle James and Aunty Mary, signed up to meet Xiaoyu.
“I’m not sure if I can speak English well,” Xiaoyu said quietly.
Uncle James smiled. “That’s okay. We’re here to enjoy time with you, not test your English.”
Part 3:
They took her to cafés, shopping malls, and even to try durian. “Wow, the smell is strong!” Xiaoyu laughed for the first time in weeks.
They watched a music concert and talked about life. Slowly, Xiaoyu began to sleep better and feel confident.
“I’m still not perfect,” she said, “but I feel more peaceful.”
Aunty Mary replied, “You’re doing better than you think.”
Xiaoyu had finally found rest—and a home away from home.
Step 2: Students to answer Question 1 and 2 (3 min)
1. Why was Xiaoyu struggling during her first six months in Malaysia?
2. What activities did Uncle James and Aunty Mary do with Xiaoyu to help her feel better?
Step 3: Students to discuss Questions 3 and 4 (10 min)
3. If you were in Xiaoyu’s situation, how would having a caring local family help you feel more at home in a new country?
4. What are some worries you might have about joining Home Away from Home, and how could this program help you overcome them?
Step 4: Students to read the quotes together and discuss Question 5 (7 min)
“三人行，必有我师焉。” “If three people are walking together, one of them can surely teach me something.” – Confucius
“Help each other with your problems. This is the way God wants us to live.” – Paul
- Do you agree with the quotes? Why yes or why not?
Step 5: Students to fill up the “A Home away from home” form. It is optional for the students (2 min)
- “A Home away from home” – Student Application form July-Dec 2025
https://forms.gle/LEUNDcZtJxkTDUgp6
AntsEducare Resources 23 Jul 2025