This Spring we had several different groups of Japanese students visit Boston and experience American culture through homestay. As part of their homestay experience, our hosts engaged in activities with the students to introduce them to life in New England. Many hosts went above and beyond, taking their students on trips to exciting places like Maine, New Hampshire, Martha’s Vineyard or Cape Cod! Others bonded with their students during fun visits to various locations in the greater Boston area. From our host feedback surveys we were able to read all about the great things our hosts and students did together. If you’re wondering what you should do with your students, here are some highlights from the hosts of our Japanese groups – as you’ll notice many of these activities are free!
- Visited Rockport; explored an art gallery and tried clam chowder
- Visited a local high school and football stadium
- Went on a driving tour of Boston
- Went salsa dancing
- Went to a rock climbing place
- Created oragami together
- Attended a dance class
- Hiked the cliffs at East Point in Nahant
- Visited Salem and Gloucester
- Celebrated Valentine’s Day with a special meal and flowers for the students
- Enjoyed cannolis at Eataly
- Visited Long Sand Beach in Maine
- Played games at our local Church
- Visited a farm in the White Mountains of New Hampshire
- Toured Fenway Park
- Visited the Mapparium at the Christian Science Monitor Building
- Saw the Cy Young statue at the Northeastern University campus
- Went to the Skyzone
- Visited Martha’s Vineyard
- Visited Cape Cod
- Went to a Celtic’s game
- Attended Winchester High Schools performance of Shrek the Musical
- Visited a local beach
- Saw the seals outside the Aquarium
- Went to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in South Boston
- Visited City Hall and the State House
- Went to the Hyde Park firehouse
- Explored Woonsocket Rhode Island; went to the train depot to see the statue of Hachiko (dog) and the plaque given by the people of Japan
- Went to the movies together
- Visited Granite Links golf course to see the city
- Toured Tufts University, Northeastern University, and Berklee College of Music
