Spring Homestay Report ⑤: British Christian Education at Rikkyo School
- Following spring break, junior high and high school students had the opportunity to participate in homestays near Rikkyo.
- A student, a first-year in higher education, participated in a homestay program with two primary goals: to enhance her English language proficiency and to immerse herself in British...
- Upon arrival, the student was greeted warmly by her host family, consisting of a man and his grandmother.
Student’s UK Homestay: Culture, Cuisine, and Conversation
Table of Contents
Following spring break, junior high and high school students had the opportunity to participate in homestays near Rikkyo. One student shares her experiences and reflections on the program.
Aims of the Homestay
A student, a first-year in higher education, participated in a homestay program with two primary goals: to enhance her English language proficiency and to immerse herself in British culture. She found the experience rewarding on both fronts.
arrival and Accommodation
Upon arrival, the student was greeted warmly by her host family, consisting of a man and his grandmother. The atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming. The student described the accommodations as comfortable,noting the “fluffy beds” and stylish décor.The house featured a well-maintained garden and a living room adorned with photographs and flowers.
Culinary and Cultural Exchange
Dinners proved to be a highlight of the homestay. The student was particularly impressed by the “deliciousness of the pasta,” a dish she considered uniquely English. Mealtime conversations provided opportunities for cultural exchange. Discussing her home country and experiences in France created common ground and facilitated dialog. When faced with language barriers, the student found creative ways to express herself, such as using gestures.
Exploring Southern England
During her stay, the student participated in several excursions, including preparing Japanese cuisine for her hosts and visiting Brighton, Horsham, and Guilford.
Japanese Cuisine in an English Kitchen
The student prepared curry and oyakodon for her host family. Lacking a rice cooker, she improvised by cooking rice in a pot. She sourced ingredients from local supermarkets in Clanley. The Japanese dishes where well-received and sparked conversations about Japanese culture. The student explained the similarities and differences between Japanese curry and other variations.
Sightseeing in Brighton and Beyond
Out of curiosity, the student requested a visit to Brighton, which her hosts happily accommodated. She explored the beach and shops. She also expressed surprise upon learning that Brady Mikako, author of a book she read in class, resided in the city. The student also navigated public transportation to visit Guilford and enjoyed dinner with the Colliers group in Horsham.
Reflections on the Experience
The homestay provided insights into aspects of British culture not readily apparent in Japan.despite initial reservations about her English skills, the student learned the importance of active communication. The experience, though seemingly long at the outset, passed quickly. The student said she intends to “actively work on everything myself in my future life and live a life without regrets.”
Gratitude
The student expressed gratitude to her host family for their kindness and hospitality. She hopes to apply the lessons learned during this homestay to future experiences.
– Contributed by a student from the Higher Education Department
Here’s the Q&A-style blog post based on the provided content:
Student’s UK Homestay: A Journey of Culture, Cuisine, and Growth
This article shares the experiences of a student who participated in a homestay program in the UK. Through her story, we’ll explore the cultural immersion, the culinary adventures, and the personal growth that resulted from the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About the UK Homestay
What was the primary goal of the student’s homestay in the UK?
The student, a first-year student in higher education, had two main objectives: to improve her English language skills and to truly immerse herself in British culture.The article highlights that she found the experience successful in achieving both goals.
What was the student’s initial experience upon arrival in the UK?
Upon arrival, the student was warmly welcomed by her host family, consisting of a man and his grandmother.The atmosphere was relaxed and inviting. She described the accommodation as cozy, notably noting the “fluffy beds” and stylish décor. The house itself featured a well-maintained garden and a living room decorated with photographs and flowers.
What role did mealtimes play in the cultural exchange?
Dinners were a highlight of the homestay, providing opportunities for cultural exchange. The student was impressed by the “deliciousness of the pasta,” which she considered uniquely English. Mealtime conversations allowed her to discuss her home country and experiences in France, fostering connection and dialog. When language barriers arose, she found creative ways to communicate, such as using gestures.
What excursions and activities did the student participate in during her stay?
The student engaged in several excursions and activities. She prepared Japanese cuisine for her host family, including curry and oyakodon. She visited Brighton, explored local shops, and was surprised to discover that the author Brady Mikako resided there, whose book she read in class.she also used public transportation to visit Guildford enjoyed dinner with the Colliers group in Horsham
How did the student prepare Japanese cuisine in an English kitchen, and what was the outcome?
Lacking a rice cooker, the student creatively cooked rice in a pot to prepare the Japanese dishes. She sourced ingredients from local supermarkets in Clanley. Her host family thoroughly enjoyed the curry and oyakodon, which sparked lively conversations about Japanese culture. She took the opportunity to explain the differences and similarities between Japanese curry and its other variations.
What were some of the student’s reflections on the overall homestay experience?
The homestay provided insights into aspects of British culture that are not always apparent in Japan.Despite initial concerns about her English language skills, the student learned the importance of active communication.She felt the experience, though it initially seemed long, passed quickly. She concluded by expressing her intent to “actively work on everything myself in my future life and live a life without regrets.”
What lessons did the student learn, and what are her plans for the future?
the student expressed gratitude to her host family for their kindness and hospitality. She hopes to apply the lessons learned during this homestay to her future experiences. The experience underscored the importance of proactive communication, and a willingness to embrace new cultural experiences.
– Contributed by a student from the Higher Education Department