FAMILY
Japanese Visitors Soak Up the Local Culture
by Patty Drewes F
or over 30 years, the Aikoku all girl pri- vate school of Tokyo has been sending her precious teenage honor student daughters to Southern California to practice
their English studies. This summer they are re- turning to South Orange County from July 22nd to August 10th. This program is unique because the girls
are expected to become part of the family during the short 19 day stay. They are al- lowed to do chores and just enjoy hanging out while they get over their jet lag and overcome their initial culture shock. Many of the students have never been out of their country before and need to adjust. This is considered a homestay experience and host families are offered a stipend to help offset costs.
San Clementeans Ruth and Lindsey
Spaethe hosted 16-year-old Naomi, and were pleased to see how their two sons, Seth and Shane, were quick to step up and show their new sister how to navigate through life in America. “At first Naomi was shy, but once the
BAMS Student Lindsay MacDonald gets comfy with her new jetlagged Japanese sister..
boys got on the computer with her and they were able to find her house, she became an- imated and tried to use her English skills to talk about her home. She delighted her
Brent and Suzie Lantz with their children Carter and Sydney take a portrait at the pier with their new family member, Saaya.
American brothers by showing them their names written in Japanese. I’m really proud of how my sons enjoyed learning about the new culture and treated her so kindly. They played lots of board and card games with her and we all just loved Naomi being here. We still keep in touch.” Ruth explains. “Seth enjoyed walking her through the
aisles of Costco, watching her amazement. Shane will be entering college this September and will be taking International Studies. We all, as a family, loved the experience. It was too short. I am happy to do it again. It was life changing for all of us and a lot of fun.” The students attend classes Monday
through Friday and participate on many class outings, which host families are invited to join at group rate discounts. This Summer’s agenda includes adventures to Disneyland, Universal Studios, the Orange County Fair, the Sawdust Festival, a Dana Point Harbor Cruise sponsored by the Sea Scouts and the traditional welcoming bonfire at the beach.❂
A big welcome from Talega resident Natalie Hernandez waiting for Sakura.
Ask me about
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San Clemente residents Cami Macdonald & Tess Belhumeur collaborate at a bonfire at the beach welcome party with their new Japanese friends!
SAN CLEMENTE JOURNAL
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