Comments from Students
What students say about their experience...
“Because I have not ever been to a foreign country, I was very anxious every day in Japan before coming. I worried about getting along with my host for a month, and speaking English. But when I arrived at the Minnesota airport, my host family had a sign with my name on it, and I was very glad. Moreover, the three children were attached to me as soon as we met. So I was happy and it relieved my tension. My host father and mother talked to me slowly so I could understand.”
“I really wanted to stay with my host family more, but the time goes very fast. When I go back to Japan I will miss them. I am so happy to stay with them. They are so kind to me and interesting! Now I think we look like a real family. I am sure that I will come back her and visit them again!! I will never forget my host family and my precious time in Minnesota.”
“I had many opportunities to experience nature in Minnesota. When I arrived I was very surprised with nature, especially the sky. It was large and really blue!! Trees, flowers, grass, lakes, birds, squirrels, deer, thunder and sky – everything is my precious memory.”
“I am thankful for my host family. When I arrived in Minnesota, I did not have confidence in my English. But they helped me a lot. If I couldn’t understand their English, they paraphrased into easy English. And when I made a mistake, they patiently helped me.”
“I am so thankful for my host dad and host mom. We had a lot ofconversations and I heard so many interesting stories. I heard that my host dad is usually a quiet person, but he talked to me very much, so I was happy. My host mom cooks very well and all the food was good. I’m happy because I got the great opportunity to experience America.”
“Americans greet and shake hands with people, even if they are strangers. And they warm up soon. I saw these things and I thought, “How kind they are!” and that the distance between people’s hearts is very close.”
“I went camping for the first time in my life! I saw beautiful views of sunset and sunrise. Also, the night sky was beautiful. My best memory is s’mores! They are delicious!”
“Although I was worried if I could communicate with my host family well, actually what I enjoy the most is spending time and talking with them. I am really happy and believe that I will remember this special experience even if I live to be 100 years old.”
