FROM Fiji to France, from Botswana to Barbados, a rich cultural melting pot of international expertise regularly sees 35 countries represented at meetings here in Bolton.

The gatherings are social and their function recreational, for this is Bolton Institute's International Society, but it does seem possible that the local business community could do itself a favour by tapping into the pool of languages and cultural know-how in exchange for some sponsorship.

The Society began seven years ago with 70 students; last year it reached record proportions with more than 280 members.

Its organiser, Vivian Asquith, said: "It is the biggest society in the Institute and the only one not actually linked to or funded by the Students' Union."

The Society is run by a committee, chiefly students but with two or three staff members, and Vivian reports to this group, her salary paid by money from the Institute. A regular appeal for donations goes around the various departments. She said: "We used to get a lot of charitable donations, but they seem to have dried up."

The organisation has, fortunately, good links with local Rotary clubs; Turton Rotary usually funds an annual trip to Blackpool illuminations and, last year, Westhoughton laid on a "Discover Bolton" trip for new students.

There is some funding from the British Council, but, said Vivian: "It would be nice if the local business community could help. It could gain a lot from the society if, for instance, help were needed with languages or receiving visitors."

Originally from the North-east, Vivian settled in Bolton five years ago and has the added bonus of a supportive family including two sons, Deane School student Michael, 16, and Andrew, 18, who is going to study zoology at Aberystwyth. The family helps create a link for students who have left their own families hundreds of miles away and have little prospect of seeing them again for maybe three years.

Though the Institute does have trained counsellors to help with problems, many overseas students gravitate towards Vivian's desk for a chat. She said: "Maybe the young ones who have left home for the first time miss having a parent figure to talk to, and some of the students like having a family to whom they can relate."

The upheaval in the lives of students from other climes and cultures is hard to overstate; they may be leaving their parental home, or leaving a home they have created. Glad as they are for the opportunity to study here, some must part from wives and children and miss crucial years of their sons' and daughters' childhood.

Apart from the loneliness, the weather poses a great problem for many of those arriving in Bolton from tropical temperatures in late September.

The International Society plays a huge part in making these visitors at home, and, while the Institute has some 700 overseas students, the English ones are a vital part of the society which is open to all.

Many a long-standing friendship has been forged through the IS. Socials and trips (Blackpool, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Alton Towers, Manchester, shopping expeditions) provide important contact.

By now, there must be a worldwide network of former Bolton International Society members.

Committee member Reuben Virassamy-Poulle, 24, is studying engineering management and joined the society shortly after arriving in Bolton from Mauritius. He found it helped him settle in quickly and said: "I have made many friends and have addresses all over the world. For the first few days I found it lonely, but I like Bolton now - it is like a second home. Local people are very friendly."

A nice sort of reputation to have on the international scene.

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