Greenheart Travel

Tag: Host Family

From Sailing to Crepe Making: A Month of Fun in France

By Jade, Teen Summer Language Camp France: Saint-Malo, Summer 24

One of the most unique and rewarding experiences of my life was my time spent in Saint-Malo, France this past summer. I was not only immersed in French culture but was also surrounded by a melting pot of international students who all shared my sense of adventure and curiosity about the French language. The program I attended brought together people from all over the world, and what I thought would be a purely French cultural exchange turned out to be much more. I wasn’t just learning French and living with a host family – this experience introduced me to various cultures and languages that I had never anticipated.

When I first arrived, I expected to learn about French customs, language, and lifestyle. But soon I realized that my days were filled with meaningful connections with students from different parts of the globe. It was fascinating and heartwarming to witness people from such diverse backgrounds coming together, bonding over shared experiences, and learning about France together. From the very start, my classmates and I exchanged stories about our respective cultures, and I walked away with not only a deeper understanding of France and French culture but also newfound knowledge about countries and traditions far beyond its borders.

My host family was a key aspect to my learning. They were kind, caring, and treated me like one of their own. Every day, I was immersed in French—whether it was during meals, conversations, or when they recommended places for me to explore. They even showed me how certain foods were meant to be eaten the traditional French way! Because they only spoke French at home, my language skills improved tremendously, and I began to feel more confident using the language. I cannot imagine a better way to experience France and to really learn the language from locals.

At school, I had two teachers, each with their unique teaching style, yet both equally efficient in making learning fun and interactive. I remember one memorable activity where we went to a French supermarket to find various items, helping us practice vocabulary in a real-world setting. Every day was filled with opportunities to learn, not just from textbooks, but from experiences.

We also had an instructor who took us on exciting trips and activities after school. From mini-golf to crepe-making, there was always something new to look forward to. Saturdays were reserved for bigger adventures, like visiting the stunning Saint Mont-Michel or exploring the walled city of Saint Malo. One of the highlights was sailing, something I had never done before, but with the support and guidance of the staff, I felt safe and ended up loving it!

Reflecting on this month-long journey, I can truly say that it shaped me in more ways than one. I became more independent, learned not only about French culture but also about the cultures of my fellow students, and gained a newfound appreciation for different ways of life. This trip will forever remain a cherished memory, and I am incredibly grateful for the friendships, experiences, and lessons I gained along the way.

Learn more about Greenheart’s Teen Summer Language Camp France in Saint-Malo or Arcachon

November 25, 2024
My Host Family in Japan Opened My Eyes to the Culture!

Alana is one of Greenheart Travel’s First Time Traveler Scholarship winners. Hear about her experience while on the teen summer language camp Japan program

In the beginning of my program I was a bit worried about what my relationship would be like with a family that I have never met before. Would they lead a lifestyle very different to mine? I thought it would be hard for us to connect because they would have different values or expectations. I though that our differences both in culture and lifestyle would be too big and that we would not see eye to eye.

However, these differences were exactly what brought us together. Living with my host family was honestly one of the best experiences I had in Japan. We both got to teach each other about our cultures and language, something that I had never experienced before.

Because of my host family, I was able to experience many different local dishes that they would make for breakfast or for dinner. The daily morning meal would always consist of a bowl of rice and miso soup. This was something that I was not accustomed to at all back home, as I usually settle with bread and milk for breakfast. However, in Japan, I was set on wanting to try as many traditional or home cooked meals as I could, even though my regular diet does not include much fish or meat. With my host family, I ate eel for the first time, had delicious curry that they made, omelets, yakisoba, okonomiyaki, and tried many new flavors I had never tasted before. Although it was hard to adjust to these new foods, I really enjoyed being able to eat the food my host family prepared.

I believe that my stay with my host family allowed me to experience firsthand what life is like in Japan, go to local festivals, as well as to enjoy many traditional home cooked meals. Because my host family also had young children, they were able to teach me a lot of everyday speech and I was constantly surrounded by the Japanese language. My host family really encouraged me with my studies and I truly think that without them I would not be as motivated to learn as I am now.

Learn more about Greenheart Travel’s Teen Summer Language Camp Japan Program

October 18, 2024
Teaching in Italy: Q and A with Maddy!
Maddy Schneider is a current participant on Greenheart’s Teach English in Italy Program. She is located in Acqui Terme with her host family. We asked her a few questions about her thoughts on the program so far!

What is the biggest difference you’ve noticed between the Italian school system and the one from your home country?

I have noticed a lot of differences between the Canadian school system and the Italian school system. The main thing I have noticed is that Italy is still stuck in an old school way of teaching. The teacher talks at the front of the room, and the kids listen. The kids then go home and read their textbooks for hours. They memorize their textbooks for when they have a written or oral test (which occurs almost everyday), then they simply forget that information to make room for the next things they need to memorize. In Canada, we take a play-based approach in learning and the kids do a lot of playing and hands-on activities to learn the material.

What is your favorite part about being a volunteer assistant teacher?

My favourite part about being a teacher assistant is interacting with the kids. They all seem to seek me out and try to communicate with me, even if they don’t know any English. I enjoy talking with them and learning about them. Many teachers have told me that many of the students that don’t engage in class have taken big steps in communicating with me and participating in my lessons.

You currently live with a host family. What did your family do with you to help you acclimate to the community?

My family has taken me to see sights around the town, meet with their friends, and have taught me about Italian culture in general!

Have you been able to travel with your host family?

My family has taken me to France and a few other places in Italy.

When you’re not traveling with them, what do you do with your host family for fun?

For fun, my family sometimes takes drives in the country. We also sometimes watch a movie together.

Does this experience lead you to have a different outlook on your life back in your home country?

I have a very different outlook on life in my home country now. I never understood all the things I took for granted back home and this will change the way I live when I return home.

Will you continue to teach once home?

In Canada, I am already a teacher. So I am happy to return to teaching and having my own classroom again.

Do you plan on staying in touch with your host family?

I will absolutely stay in touch with my host family. Someday I hope to return to visit them!

Maddy is currently on Greenheart’s Teach Abroad Italy Program. To learn more about the program, click here!
April 5, 2024
Using AI to Travel Abroad!

One step that seems to make a lot of participants take a brief pause when signing up for one of our programs is finding the best, low-cost flight. While Greenheart helps with a lot of other elements (like accommodation, job placement and host family paring), we leave the flight to you.

So how do you start looking?

Nowadays, with the emergence of AI technology, finding flights can be made easier. Less stress for you and your wallet. We’ve put together a few sites for you to show you the pro and cautions of using them to book!

Mighty Travels Premium

Pro: Mighty Travels Premium is a subscription-based network of airline and hotel deals! They use AI and real people to help you navigate the crazy world of booking.

Caution: You do need to sign up for a subscription, but we recommend choosing the 1 month option to save tons of money in the future!

GetMe.Flights

Pro: GetMe helps travelers plan flights and itinereries! All you do is enter where you’re flying from, where youre going, and it goes through ALL the websites. Think of Kayak or Expedia but smarter!

Caution: This site is best for those who waited until the last minute to grab a flight as it doesn’t let you search more than 30 days out from the departure date.

OneAir

OneAir is free to sign up for and boasts savings of up to 90% when it comes to booking flights! In addition to air travel, they also help with hotels, car rentals and excursions.

Another element that OneAir brags about is the “vast array of pre-negotiated private and corporate discounted fares”. Not only will you be able to save money, but you might be able to do it and travel “in style”

If you’re not into signing up or interacting with AI you can always go the tried and true methods of those awesome sites we all know and love:

-Expedia

-Hopper

-Kayak

-FlightHub

-Skyscanner

Don’t let the worry of purchasing a flight stop you from traveling the world and making a difference!

For more information on our programs, visit GreenheartTravel.Org today!

July 19, 2023
3 Simple Steps to Going on a Teen Summer Language Camp
Concerned about COVID-19? Please refer to this blog post about what you should know about participating in a Teen Language Program during the COVID-19 pandemic.

So, you’ve been dreaming of snacking on macaroons below the Eiffel Tower or snorkeling in Costa Rica this summer and you’re ready to make it a reality?

Go abroad with Greenheart’s Teen Summer Language Camp.

But first, what is a teen summer language camp? (No, you won’t be living in a tent!)

Greenheart Travel’s Teen Summer Language Camps send students 14-19 (check requirements on each program’s page).

The main components are:
- Language classes
- Cultural activities in your chosen city
- Host family accomodation
Students live like locals while also sharing the experience with other teens from all over the world!

Sound perfect?

Here’s what you need to do to get there:
1. Make sure you meet the eligibility! Ensure you’re the right age range (typically 14-18) and you meet the language requirements (Tokyo requires at least 1 year of prior Japanese).
2. Talk to your parents. Explain the value of cultural immersion – and its benefits for college applications. Point them to the FAQs and show them the blogs.
3. APPLY! The online application is straightforward and can be completed within about an hour. First you’ll fill some basic details, then you’ll receive an email with a link to our application portal, where you’ll create a log in and submit your application.
You’ll need to:
1. 1. Fill out your basic information
  2. Have you and your parents sign the terms and conditions
  3. Make your first payment – a $300 non-refundable application fee (don’t worry, this goes towards the total fee!)
  4. Fill out the rest of the application, includes host family preferences
And then….

Acceptance

After you’re accepted, your program manager will accept you and you’ll be able to access your comprehensive program handbook, which includes detailed instructions for your next steps including arrival and departure signing up for your online pre-departure training, plus everything you need to know about life in the country!

Don’t forget about…..

Fundraising!

Greenheart Travel offers scholarships or research online for others. Plenty of students have had success fundraising with the guides on our website and our 3-Part Fundraising Series. And here’s a very “FUN” webinar with Greenheart Travel’s favorite FUNdraising tips you can’t miss.

Still have more questions? You can also schedule a call with a program manager here.
January 1, 2021
Choosing Experiences Over Things: A First Time Traveler’s Perspective

I’m an 18-year-old girl from Houston, Texas. I always had a dream to learn about everything and everyone. I realized that I couldn’t do that just sitting in a room and reading about it, but setting out for an adventure to learn. Everyone can tell you it’s crazy and impossible, but they aren’t curious enough to try it. I know that money won’t fly out of the sky so of course, the planning of reaching this goal was already a journey in itself.

When I was 15 years old there was this book that I came across called, “The Alchemist.” Although it shortly became my favorite book, I read it not understanding very much and only getting out of it this vague message, follow your dreams. I then picked up the book again when I was 17 and still missed the fact that the setting was in Spain. I turned 18 and I wanted to set out and travel the world. When I was picking on the first place I wanted to travel, I just automatically chose Spain, not knowing much about the place; I guess I was just destined to pick this place because it just felt like I should be there.

The book that inspired me to choose my first destination.

I know it’s such an odd explanation of why I chose Spain but I also heard about it many times as “the place you should put on your travel bucket list.” I didn’t know much about Spain, just big cities like Madrid and Barcelona. I picked it just really knowing about the soccer culture, and I wanted to find out more.

The way I was able to pay for this trip was by saving all the money that I worked in part-time jobs. I started saving in 8th grade not knowing what for, but then I decided that it was for travel. When I came across this program and the opportunity to travel, I knew that I was going to invest in something that would stay with me forever. I always opt to spend money on experiences rather than material things, so saving was a little easier for me.

I know it’s hard to just save money, because life gets in the way. I always kept in my mind that I had a dream to go to all these places and the money wasn’t going to be magically handed to me. I had to sacrifice eating out, buying a coffee and just spending money on the little things that didn’t matter. I opt for thrifted clothes and home cooked meals rather than expensive jewelry and take out meals. And of the course helping out my family was a must, but I always put money aside for my goal.

The two that allowed me to see more of the world!

I see this experience being one that holds a lot of growth. Growth in my experiences, growth for my knowledge as well as the family’s, growth in general because I know that living with a host family, I surely will have to get out of my comfort zone. I see this trip being one with many exchanges in culture, laughter, and love. Regards if there are many things we do differently, I know that everything can be fixed through communication and empathy.

I also see this being only the beginning of my travels and I know that this one is going to a great experience. Whether good or bad, I believe that every experience is a learning one and as long as I go on with that attitude what could go wrong? Of course, I understand that every day may not be a crazy adventure, but it’s still going to different and I should be present for all of it.

Nini Vo, from Texas, is a Greenheart Travel First Time Traveler Scholarship recipient. Learn more about Greenheart Travel’s scholarship opportunities to help you travel for a change!

November 8, 2018
Take 5: “Put Your Phone Down” & Other Advice from Nicole Pothitakis’s Time in Spain

Want to know what it would be like to go to High School in Spain? Here is Nicole Pothitakis’s take on her experience, from siestas to spin classes! Read on to hear about her favorite moments and advice in this week’s Take 5 interview.

1. Biggest laugh with your host family?

The biggest laughs I had with my host family were always in their living room. One time, I was trying to explain to them in Spanish that some words in English had the same meaning. While trying to do this I accidentally said a bad word in Spanish, in front of my whole host family!!! This was a big laugh for me and my host family. As I write this, I am smiling just thinking about it.

2. Best Way to get involved?

One big way to get involved in the Spanish culture, spend some time with friends, and relive some stress is by joining a gym. One of my favorite parts of the week was going to the gym. I would go to the gym every Thursday or Tuesday and do a spin class there. In the Spain class I learned some simple, but useful Spanish words. It was fun to see and meet new people at the spin class who I would never meet anywhere else. The Spin class leader was very helpful and always made sure that I was understanding and doing the right thing! The best way to get involved with your host family is to be open to try new things. Whenever my host family went somewhere, whether it be the grocery store or to the park, I would always go with them. By going with them, I strengthen my relationship with my host family and was more immersed in Spanish culture. And always ask questions! You never know what you might learn!

3. Spanish aspect you wish US Americans would adopt?

La Siesta is one of the things that I wish we would adopt here in the U.S. Everyday after school, in Spain, I would come home and eat lunch. After eating lunch, I would spend a short time with my host family and then take my siesta. For my host family, siesta time was between 3:30 to 5:30. What I would do to be able to take a siesta every day in the U.S.A.!

4. Favorite Spanish junk food?

My favorite Spanish junk food is the Dipper candy. It is a long, thin taffy-like candy that is super sweet! These were so yummy and so cheap! I would buy at least 3 every Friday night. My other favorite junk food was Tejitas Queso!

5. Advice for others going abroad?

My advice to others going abroad would be to not be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Talk to others and make new friends! One thing that regretted was being on my phone a lot when I didn’t know what to do. Put your phone down, ask questions, and get involved in the conversation!! You won’t regret it!

Are you a teen interested in High School in Spain? Click the link below to find out more!

October 25, 2018
Take 5: Discussing Travel Playlists and French Coffee with Ian Taraszewski

Time to Take 5 with Ian Taraszewski, who went to High School in France! Take 5 is a series where Greenheart Travel alumni answer quirky questions about their time abroad. Let’s dive in and learn Ian’s take on cafés, French music, and what it means to be present while abroad.

1. Best way to get involved?

It can seem difficult, especially in a completely new, completely foreign country, to get involved and make wherever you are feel more like home. But honestly, for me, the answer was quite simple and it was just being present. If there aren’t any clubs or teams that seem to present themselves initially, the best way to integrate the quickest is to just put yourself out there as much as you can. For me, that meant spending as little time in my room or by myself as possible, especially in the first few weeks. The less English I spoke, the more French I learned every single day. I did my best to talk about my day with my host family at dinner and introduce myself to the people in my class at school.

2. Biggest language miscommunication?

My biggest language miscommunication was extremely awkward but walking away from it I just had to laugh because I knew that it was bound to happen at some point (and continue happening very frequently). It was right around my second week in France and I was in the downtown area after meeting with some friends but had to use the bathroom before taking the bus home. I walked into a cafe and wanted to ask the lady if there were bathrooms here. However in French when asking such a question people say ‘toilettes’ which means toilet. The phrase for bathroom ‘salle de bain’ typically refers to the shower or bath because in France the toilet is often separate from the rest of the bathroom. So, of course, I asked the lady working at the cafe ‘Est-ce que tu as une salle de bain’ (notice I also used the informal tu when I should’ve most definitely used the formal vous). After getting the weirdest look and an awkward “no”, I walked away having learned immediately the dangers of direct translation.

3. Favorite French song?

My favorite French song is always changing and I try to stay on top of new French music that comes out even though I’m back home. But ‘Tout Va Bien’ by Orelsan was a song that came out in France right around when I got there and stayed popular and playing on the radios throughout my study abroad, so whenever I hear it, it just brings back a lot of good memories. It’s a catchy song which is what first drew me to download it on my phone, but it was one that kind of grew with me in that the first time I heard it I couldn’t understand any of it, but by the end of my semester I could basically sing it by heart. It has kind of a deep meaning to it and was produced by Stromae who tends to have symbolic meanings in his songs about society that you don’t notice at first which I think is kind of cool.

4. French aspect you wish US Americans would adopt?

A French aspect that I wish US Americans would adopt is cafe culture in general. In France, it’s seen as a weird ‘faut pas’ to get coffee to go and eat or drink while on the way to other places. I think this ties into the French culture in general in that they take their time to enjoy moments. So when people go to a cafe together, it’s customary to sit at the cafe and enjoy an espresso with friends and talk rather than going to the cafe to study and be alone or take one to go. I also wish that the US would have espresso more often as opposed to a huge cup of coffee with milk and sugar. A standard coffee in France is a little cup with one shot of espresso in it, but people can still take a long time to sit and drink it which I think helps to appreciate it more.

5. When was the first time you felt like you made a friend?

The first time I feel like I made a friend was during my first week of school in France. My school followed a trimester system so arriving in January meant that I kind of just started in the middle of everything and classes were full in session. On the first day, after the principle had brought me in, introduced me and everyone realized I couldn’t speak that well. A boy lead me to his locker and let me put my books there. He also made sure there was a spot for me at his lunch table with some other people in my class. As I was first learning conversational French and until I could do things on my own, he would help me with homework and notes in class. It was really cool to feel like I had someone on my side from the getgo who made sure I felt welcome and not overwhelmed. Eventually, when I was able to speak more fluently our friendship became even better.

How amazing would it be to go to High School in France!? Click the link below for more information about Ian’s program.

October 16, 2018
Take 5: Making Friends in Argentina with Asa Kaylor

For this week’s Take 5, we chatted with Asa Kaylor about his experience living with a host family while going to High School in Argentina from July through December of 2017. Read on to hear his thoughts about going to a new school and making friends abroad!

1. When was the first time you felt like you made a friend?

The first time I made a friend was my first day of school. I was surrounded by people asking me questions and wanting to get to know me, it was quite overwhelming. But one of my classmates showed me the ropes and walked me around the downtown area, and we continued to bond throughout my time in Argentina. everybody called him Coco and he was just the first of many friends I made while abroad.

2. Best way to get involved?

The way I got involved and really immersed in the Argentine culture was by going out with friends and family. By doing this I was able to meet tons of people and learn about life in Argentina on a more intimate level.

3. Best mentor(s) abroad?

My best mentor while abroad was my coordinator. She helped me with any situation and encouraged me to be more outgoing and get involved at school. She had just returned from studying abroad and knew what it was like to be in my situation so it was easy to connect with her and get to know her.

4. Most awkward moment?

The most awkward moment or the most stressful was on my 18th birthday. My host family threw me a surprise party (I knew the whole time) and I came home to a house full of about 20 relatives, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends of the family. After we ate they started to get up and say all these nice things to me. So I felt I had to stand up and tell them how much I appreciated all of them, and public speaking is difficult for me and I had to do it in Spanish. My nervousness mixed with my inability to communicate exactly what I wanted resulted in a very short and awkward speech.

5. Favorite Argentinian junk food?

My favorite Argentine junk food was a sandwich called sandwich milenesa. Its a thinly cut deep-fried steak with tomatoes, onions, lettuce, cheese, eggs, really whatever you wanted you could put on there. It’s only a little good and I got tired of it pretty quick because I ate it all the time but it’s one of those foods that is linked with many long nights and many good memories.

Want to go to High School in Argentina like Asa? Click the link below to find out more!

October 11, 2018
Tips for Teaching Abroad: 3 Things to Know Before You Go

Today, I embarked on the next level of my teaching English as a Second Language journey by attending orientation for new, adjunct faculty at a local community college. Two weeks ago, I was nearly crying my eyes out about leaving my host family in France. Teaching English in France was an experience like none other. I was so passionate about my mission, that I wanted it to continue after I landed back in the U.S. Returning has not been easy, but by continuing to teach English, in some ways, I’m not giving up on my dedication to learn about other cultures and help others achieve their personal and professional goals by learning English.

So, after 12 years of experience teaching in and out of the classroom, what advice can I offer my fellow teachers and prospective Greenheart tutors and teachers that might not be found using Google?

The following is my little list of things that I did not learn in Education 302:

Keep a quote handy or something to inspire you. Always, remember your “why.”

I’ve taught Title 1 students in the inner-city, and most recently, I’ve taught tweens in France. Teaching has left me with amazing days when I felt overjoyed and it has left me with exhaustion and frustration from time to time. Teaching is rewarding by all means, but it also demands your best. While serving in AmeriCorps, I learned a quote that has refueled me every time that I think about it, “Everyone can be great because everyone can serve.” – Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Remember, that each and every learner that you touch will be forever changed, because of you and your commitment to them!

Cookie cutter teaching just won’t do! Start from scratch.

I’m not saying that you should “reinvent the wheel”. I am saying that it’s critical that you view each teaching project and each student in a unique way. Each opportunity is a new one. Use an icebreaker and get to know your student or ask them a few questions that help you to get to know their learning style and interests. Remember to customize your lessons to meet your students’ level and needs. There are tons of online lessons and Greenheart Travel provides tons of teaching resources, so manipulate these resources to meet your needs.

Never, ever, ever feel stuck! Use your resources and ask for help.

I’ve had a variety of roles within the field of education, from being a program manager at a children’s museum to an instructional designer for a corporation. However, teaching is the one role that I’ve had where it’s so easy to get “in your zone” and not ask for help. It’s easy because it’s just you and your student, or class of students in a room. There’s no one hovering over your cubicle to see how you do things and offer on the spot advice, there’s rarely anyone asking you to share your ideas to a room full of people. While I taught abroad, I took an active role in connecting with the Greenheart Travel community on social media. I found solace in connecting via LinkedIn or Facebook with those who were teaching abroad as well. Remember, you do not have to be an island. Connect with the Greenheart Travel staff, other teachers or tutors and search for online groups or local meetups to connect with others who might be of assistance.

Thus, two degrees in education and 12 years later, I’ve learned that anyone can learn how to teach and anyone can search the web for educational games, high-quality ESL lesson plans and other resources. The web offers a wealth of resources, don’t get overwhelmed by the web. Look inside yourself, the best resource is you!

Wishing you an amazing teaching and learning journey.

Check out my travel blog if you want to learn more about my homestay in France.

Click the link below to find out how you can serve as an English tutor in France like Yolanda!

October 10, 2018