What do a dentist, an estate agent and five local Exeter councillors have in common?

Nothing. Except that they have all been Exeter International Café visitors this month!

Our lovely international guests requested these topics on last term’s survey. Read on to discover more…

 

The Estate Agent

We welcomed Jonathan Newall from Southgate Estates back to the café.

He outlined some of the difficulties that the market was experiencing currently and gave some typical rental prices in Exeter. He provided useful information on deposits, referencing, and minimum tenancy time periods. We had time for Q and A, where several asked about how to avoid scams and where to look for properties.

Jonathan has helped a number of Hongkongers new to Exeter find appropriate properties to rent or buy over the past year.

 

The Local Exeter Councillors

On 12th February a panel of four local city councillors and a county councillor visited the café to answer questions.

We learned what the councillors do, what they are paid for their work (not much!) and where they serve. One question was on the voting rights of BNO’s. Another on why there are so many roadworks around Exeter at the moment! We also really appreciated the time they gave to answer questions one-to-one to a number of café guests.

All the councillors expressed their enthusiasm to see the international café grow and flourish.

 

The Dentist

Last Sunday it was the turn of the dentist. Dr Sugen Govender from Stamford House Dental Practice in Axminister, and a member of St Leonard’s church, kindly agreed to help our refugees and BNO’s find out more about how to access dental care here.

He outlined what services are free and what must be paid for.  However, he also said that there are good opportunities for refugees to access free or subsidised dental care in the SW.

His presentation was shared with the International Café WhatsApp group (over 100 and growing) and much appreciated.

We also enjoyed tea, coffee, Margaret’s sausage rolls and lots of cake (don’t tell the dentist!).

 

Up next…

We have really enjoyed hearing from the recent visitors to the Exeter International café.

This weekend, Louisa will outline how to succeed at job interviews. With several years’ experience teaching English to a wide range of learners, she has helped many achieve their dream jobs by performing well at interview.

We are also planning a St Patrick’s day special (there may be dancing!) and a session on British etiquette. Finally, our term will conclude with a special session on the theme of Easter traditions and why it’s an important time for Christians.

 

• Thanks to our visiting councillors: Martyn Snow, Zion Lights, Josie Parkhurst, Kevin Mitchell, and Devon County Councillor Su Aves.
• Like to follow in our footsteps? For a sample international cafe curriculum, check out our blog here >>
• Want to introduce the theme of Easter for your international café or class? Here’s our blog on Introducing Easter >>