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 ta…

From Guest to Family- All in 48 Hours

by Judith, Immersion in France, 2016

The first 48 hours of your time abroad will probably be the most exciting of your entire stay. There is so much to discover, so much to explore, so much you don’t know about…These first two days are filled with emotions: you may be a little anxious and worry that your second language is not good enough. You may be struggling to fit in and overwhelmed by everything new you discover.
As my own day of departure for France drew near, I wondered what my upcoming trip would be like. I wanted to know what it is like to meet a complete stranger. I wanted to know what it would be like to speak French all day long. Most of all, I wanted to know what my host family would be like.I hope to be able to help you answer these questions and ease a bit of your anxiety. What is it like to meet a complete stranger?First of all, you probably won’t be meeting a complete stranger. You’ll be meeting someone you know is interested in getting to know you and your culture. You’…

Passport Tips for Study Abroad Students

You will need a valid passport to participate in all of our programs abroad including summer abroad programs, semester or academic year programs, and gap programs. Some gap programs may also require a visa, depending on your location and length of stay. Please see the following tips to help make sure your following documents are valid and up-to-date. If you already have a passport, make sure it does not expire less than six months before your scheduled return flight.

If you are younger than 16:Form:Apply using form DS-11

Who needs to be there? You must apply in person at an authorized passport facility. Your parents cannot drop off the form on your behalf. Both of your parents or legal guardians must be present unless you have a signed and notarized statement of consent from the non-present parent or evidence of sole custody. Click here to find an authorized passport acceptance facility in your area.

Renewal: If your passport has expired or is about to expire, you must renew your passp…

ANDEO Cultural Exchange Blog

Search This Blog