Gresham High School to Japan 2017

Toshogu Shrine

Jul 4 2017

We visited Toshogu shrine today with our host brothers and sisters. Even though it was raining, we had a great time! What a great way to end our trip!

First Day at Sano Nichidai

Jun 29 2017

On their first day of classes, Gresham students sit in on classes with Sano Nichidai students.

Gresham students learn how to play the Taiko (Japanese drum)

The Adventure in Japan Begins

Jun 27 2017

Gresham students and their chaperone, Tara, arrives in Japan.

This is the giant buddha in Kamakura that was made in 1252 and has survived tsunamis and earthquakes. Amazing! We had a fun day exploring the coastal area of enoshima too.

Nakatsunomiya Shrine in Enoshima

Meiji Shrine in Tokyo

Off to Sano tomorrow to start our homestay!

Comments

How to Write a Letter to Your Host Family

The letter to your host family is one of the most important pieces of your program abroad application; it’s the host family’s first impression of you. Exchange programs take many factors into account when matching you with a host family, but ultimately it’s up to the host family to decide whether to host you or not.
Here are a few helpful tips to writing a great letter to your future host family:
Use a positive tone. “The main reason a student’s dossier is passed over by families is unintentional negativity,” explains Rebecca Gundle, Program Coordinator for ANDEO International Homestays. A student might be trying to explain her preferences, but when she devotes equal attention to describing her dislikes, she comes across as negative or picky. A family wants to know that the student they host will be adaptable and willing to try new things. Keep your tone upbeat and positive.
Go deeper than the application form.Try to avoid simply reiterating what is on the form. This is a chance to talk…

Tackling the Dust Bunnies (and other surprising benefits of hosting an exchange student)

By Elizabeth Markleson, host momYou could say I'm a relaxed housekeeper. Our kitchen table is covered with piles of papers "to be dealt with later", our sink is often full of dishes, and you can be sure there is a whole family of dust bunnies living under the furniture. When my kids were little and they would see me go into my cleaning mode, they would always ask, "Who is coming to visit?" Not much changes over the years! When it comes to housework, a guest is a great motivator.

The days were ticking down before our Spanish student arrived and my to-do list was getting longer and longer. “Don’t stress too much about it,” my sister said. “Isn’t your student just supposed to blend into your family as it is? This is an exchange student, not a visiting dignitary, after all.”

True, but I am a strong believer in the power of first impressions. When my daughter went to Spain a few years ago, her host family added some really nice touches to make her feel welcome...like …

Summer 2020 Spanish Language Programs - Info Meeting November 20th! Come learn about the different Spanish-language programs for Summer 2020! These immersion-based trips are your chance to stay with a host family, practice Spanish with native speakers, and learn about the local culture.

At the informational meeting we'll share more details about the different program options and the application process, hear from former participants for a student's perspective, and end with a Q&A session.
Can't wait until the then to learn more? Check out Spanish Programs on our website or Email info@andeo.org!
See you there!

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