Sara is a thirteen-year-old junior high school student from Totsuka, Yokohama, who has been studying English with us for about three years. She has progressed from being a fairly shy but inquisitive pupil into an enthusiastic and confident speaker in this relatively short time.
During her recent 2024 summer holidays, and being part of her ongoing English studies and interests, Sara decided to try a U.K. homestay visit.
Here are both Sara’s and her mother’s thoughts and comments about the experience that they would like to share with everyone, especially those who are also considering a homestay trip.
Sara’s mother:
Sara had brought home a pamphlet of a homestay agency from school and she told me that she wanted to try it. I thought that it would be a good idea, but then became apprehensive of the potential risks of sending my daughter abroad for the first time. Up until then, she hadn’t even stayed at her grandparents on her own!
Despite my fears and reservations, I sensed that this was an opportunity not to be missed. I knew that we would both regret it if we didn’t try it.
We chose the U.K. because we felt that it was safe, and the agency suggested Canterbury, which is a historical city, and matched us to a host family there.
I told Sara that since she was travelling alone, she should be free to be herself. I also told her that she didn’t have to worry about what other people thought of her. I wanted her to experiment, make mistakes, and have fun in the process.
Sara remained enthusiastic throughout the process and was excited upon leaving me at the airport. Fortunately, I was able to track her movements and progress via GPS on my smartphone, which gave me peace of mind during the trip.
My lasting impression is that I am in admiration of my daughter for having the courage and determination to try the homestay. I am enjoying hearing her stories about the trip(*), and it has been a very rewarding experience for both of us.
*
There are many NISSAN and HONDA vehicles.
Parking on the street
KFC is better than in Japan.
There are as many seagulls, like pigeons and crows in Japan.
The shampoo I brought from Japan doesn't match the British water, or the foam doesn't flow forever. And so on.
Sara:
I had considered travelling to Los Angeles, but decided since I was being taught by Richard, who is a British English teacher, I would choose the U.K. instead. People have asked me whether I was worried about going, but in fact, I was very excited and not concerned at all.
My host family lived in Canterbury, which is a peaceful and very beautiful old town. There was a husband and wife with two young daughters and four cats. They were very friendly and asked me lots of questions about my life in Japan, which made me feel at ease in their home. The neighbor and local shopkeepers were kind and fun too.
The weather in England was warm, with cold mornings but much more comfortable than Japanese weather in August!
While staying in England, I thought that people generally seemed open and sincere. It made me feel both unique and free.
My stay consisted of some English classes and various sightseeing trips such as London, Cambridge, Canterbury, Margate with other international students, which was fun. We couldn’t go to Rochester due to demo at the time. Lessons lasted two 90-minute periods a day and included playing games, introducing Japanese characters, and practising pronunciation and speech. There were also night activities on days with lessons. The lessons I’d had with 3R English helped me to understand the local language, and I was even able to help other students with their English too.
During the trip, I noticed a lot of differences between the U.K. and Japan. I enjoyed all the food I tried, especially the fish and chips and Walker’s crisps which I will try find it in Japan.
I thought that everyone was very friendly, and I met a lot of nice people. I would like to re-visit England one day for another trip.
To anyone who is considering a homestay or visit to England, I would say put your doubts aside and ‘Do it!’
From the school’s viewpoint, we are delighted that Sara had a good experience in the U.K. and was able to use her English skills in a real-life scenario. We have found that students who learn with us via the Callan Method become much more confident. They are used to hearing and speaking English with a British teacher, so abilities like these are perfect for homestay, EIKEN, or entrance exam requirements.
Like her mother, we are proud of her and her achievements. Well done, Sara!
Richard & Miyako
Ofuna, Yokohama.
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