Greenheart Travel

Tag: teen summer language camp

  • Using What You’ve Learned Abroad Back Home

    Using What You’ve Learned Abroad Back Home

    I have seen how easy it is to lose a language or an experience quickly as soon as you’re not surrounded by it. Not only is it frustrating but it can be outright upsetting when you realize what you used to do daily has left you completely. I wanted to give a couple of tips on how to retain and use what you learned abroad so that you can keep your experience with you.

    Use the Language When You Can

    I know it’s hard enough to start a conversation in your native language, let alone a foreign one, but I encourage you to try to converse when you can. Most people are very excited when someone wants to speak in their first language with them. Just ask politely if you can talk and practice, and unless they’re busy, I’m sure they will be more than willing.

    I’ve had native Spanish speakers ask me questions because they realize I know more than Si! and Gracias! It’s scary but it’s worth it when you get to hear the language again and practice (even if you misunderstand here and there).

    My host mom helped me learn a lot. She didn’t speak English with us, but she’d work until we understood what was being said. It was very valuable.

    Help Out

    This is similar to using the language when you can, but it’s important to emphasize. If you see someone struggling to understand instructions or trying to get a message across that is being misunderstood, step in if you can.

    Try to pop your head in and ask if they would like translation help, that way you can relay information back and forth. Sometimes the conversation might be too advanced for you to handle in two languages, but maybe you can still get the gist of it across. Do your best, people will be grateful for any help you can lend.

    I was working at a summer camp and a lady wasn’t understanding how check-in worked and because I heard her speaking Spanish to her daughter earlier, I popped my head in. Within the first few words, I realized that I didn’t know how to say all the key nouns I needed, but I was able to get across that more people could help her downstairs where the rest of check-in was. I felt like I hadn’t done a very good job, but she thanked me a bunch and seemed very relieved that someone else understood her when she was pointing out which things were her daughter’s.

    I promise you that even if you realize you don’t have the words you need, you can get enough across and the other person will be grateful, plus it feels great to help others, especially while practicing another language!

    Look for Opportunities to Learn About Other Cultures Within Your Own Town

    You don’t have to search out the culture you experienced abroad because, as you learned, new cultures are awesome and super interesting. So if you ever find yourself in a position where you can learn something new about someone, embrace it.

    While I was in Spain, a bubble tea place called Zen Zoo Salamanca hosted a cultural conversation type meeting where people could come in, practice English, and learn about others’ cultures. If you have something like that in your town, check it out! If there isn’t one, maybe you can set one up! (It could even be a senior project).

    Remember that you’ve already pushed past your comfort zone a bunch by going abroad, so do your best to keep that going and work to practice the language, help people out if you have the cultural bridge needed, and keep learning!

    Elias Harold, from Astoria, Oregon, is a Greenheart Travel First Time Traveler Scholarship recipient. Learn more about Greenheart Travel’s scholarship opportunities to help you travel for a change!

  • How to Make the Most Out of Your Time in France

    How to Make the Most Out of Your Time in France

    If you’re reading this, and you’re getting ready to travel soon, you’re probably nervous. Scratch that. You’re DEFINITELY nervous. At least I was. But don’t worry, you’re not alone.

    You’ll likely come to find out that everyone else traveling with you was anxious as well. Whether it’s because you’re traveling alone for the first time, going to a completely new and unfamiliar country, or being overwhelmed by all the new people you don’t know who you’re going to encounter and interact with while you’re there, don’t worry about it. In fact, here’s my advice: Take a deep breath in, let it out, and just stop stressing NOW. Let it all out. Trust me. Because once you get to France, and once it’s over, you’ll laugh at all the small and unimportant things you were so worried about.

    If that voice in the back of your head is still feeding you those doubtful thoughts, here are some tips to keep in your back pocket to help you during your trip abroad.

    Talk to Anyone and Everyone

    How am I going to make friends with a bunch of random people? What if everyone gets along except me? If you’ve had these thoughts or something similar to them, don’t worry, it’s normal.

    In reality, it’s pretty scary to enter into the unknown with a bunch of strangers, and those doubts are just our own minds trying to keep us in a comfortable environment.

    However, once you’re finally in France, and you’re surrounded by a bunch of people just as excited and nervous as you are, it will be really easy to get accustomed to everyone and everything. Take advantage of being in a new world, and strike up a conversation with as many people as possible.

    Everyone’s always looking for a new friend, so it will be easy to converse with all the other people on your program. But don’t limit yourself to the people around you. Try talking to the guy selling crepes, the street performer doing flips, the nice cashiers at the Galerie Lafayette; most of the time, they’re awfully kind and are eager to talk to someone from a different part of the world than them.

    Try New Things

    I’m sure some of the first things you might go for while you’re roaming the Paris streets are some crepes and gelatos. But after your first two (or maybe five), try spending your traveling money on something else. (Two kids on my trip got matching Louis Vuitton Bracelets, but you don’t need to go that far.)

    Buy a small souvenir or two. Hop on one of the rides or attractions, like the Ferris Wheel (Roue de Paris), or the big-spinny-ride-thingy I don’t know the name of. Try a sandwich from those tiny kebab shops on the tight Paris streets. (Whatever you do, DON’T play the street games. They’re all just very elaborate scams. They’re illegal, too.) 

    Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

    If anything makes you feel uncomfortable, you’ll probably really enjoy it. As long as you’re not putting yourself in danger or at risk of anything, get out of your comfort zone. There are so many new things out there, especially in France, that would make for an experience you could never forget, but only if you’re willing enough to try it. Even if it’s as small as trying out new food, go for it. 

    Have Fun

    Most importantly, have fun. Don’t stress too much about learning French, especially the first few days, because that’s when it feels most difficult. Personally, I’d feel dizzy every night from all the French words and phrases scrambling through my mind; the language feels like it’s buzzing through your head, yet you can’t understand anything. But by the first week in, you’ll notice that everything becomes a lot easier to naturally understand and that you were just overreacting at first. So don’t pressure yourself, have fun, and make sure to really enjoy your time in France.

    Bonne chance et Bonne Voyage mes amis!

  • Taking the Leap: A First Time Traveler’s Experience in Japan

    Taking the Leap: A First Time Traveler’s Experience in Japan

    Hi! My name is Madison and I was in the teen language camp for Fukuoka Japan. I visited Japan for two weeks this summer and I’m still amazed. Even now, I still can’t believe this summer really and truly happened. That first moment when I stepped off the plane and realized I was actually in Japan, I couldn’t believe it. Then, all of a sudden, I was back in the USA thinking how in the world is it already over! I hadn’t even made it home and I was trying to figure out how to go back. Where would I go next time, same place or somewhere new? What chores could I do around the house to earn the money?

    Of course, my family thought I was crazy when I first told them I wanted to go to Japan. I think they even laughed, but I was serious. I loved the culture and language and really wanted to try authentic ramen, so I took Japanese language classes. I looked at blogs, studied articles, and watched videos until I found a program I liked at Greenheart Travel. Next, I investigated the company thoroughly to make sure everything was legitimate, and it was. Then, it was time to save up. It took a long time to get the details worked out and gather the money. That was a lot of dishes!

    I was so excited when I signed up and was officially accepted.

    As I got closer to the trip the more I realized that I was about to go through LA, China, and Japan by myself. That was terrifying but in the end totally worth it. Fukuoka was beautiful, my host family was absolutely amazing, and the food was sooo good. The school was fun and well organized and the teachers were spectacular! I learned more in a few weeks of full immersion than I did in two years of book lessons. Knowing that feels good. Now, I am officially a supercool teen who has traveled the world.

    It’s been a couple of weeks since I got back and I’m still missing my Japanese family, the melon bread, and the indescribable feeling of being somewhere exotic. Visiting Japan was a truly amazing experience that I will never forget. And how different I am now! It was such a long and scary process getting there. I felt timid and nervous and I wasn’t quite sure what I’d gotten myself into. On the way back, though, I was all confidence. I marched right up to security, right up to my gate, and right to my seat like a boss!

    It takes a lot of courage to go to overseas and everyone will think your parents are crazy for sending you, but don’t be afraid to try. If you can dream it, you can do it! For me, it started with a single wild crazy idea—I wanted to go to Japan—and Greenheart Travel paved that road. They helped make that wild crazy idea my reality. They got me safely to Japan and back. Seeing the world is an amazing experience. I highly, highly recommend it.

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

  • First Impressions of Teen Summer Language Camp Japan

    First Impressions of Teen Summer Language Camp Japan

    Hi! My name is Madison and I am a part of the teen summer language camp to Fukuoka, Japan. I am 17 years old and staying in Japan for two weeks. My experience here, so far, has been truly amazing and I have seen some amazing things.

    When I first arrived on Sunday I was quite worried for Monday because it was my first day of school. I had to take the subway to get there and the thought of traveling alone terrified me. Taking a subway period was new to me, taking a subway in Japan was super scary, by myself … I was facing a challenge. My host family showed me the way on Sunday and tried to make sure I was comfortable. When I was still nervous on Monday, they escorted me. I paid attention and, now, I’m definitely a pro at taking the subway.

    Waiting for the subway

    Once I had mastered that impressive hurdle. It was time to face school. I was going to be the new kid, but I also realized there would be a bunch of other new kids. When I first walked in, I was extremely nervous. I didn’t know what to expect and my imagination had gone rather wild with its own ideas. I watched what the others did and took my shoes off, revealing bright pink socks and sat down at a small table. Some of the other kids were already in groups, so I worried a bit that I wouldn’t fit in or find a friend, but … that’s when someone sat next to me. And then another, and viola! We started talking and I had my first friends.

    I am very shy naturally and felt pretty awkward at the beginning, but rather soon I found it easier and easier to introduce myself. Everyone else was just as nervous and the feeling didn’t last long. All I had to do was say hi. Before any of us knew it, it was time for class to begin.

    My very first class was a bit crazy. I am still considered a beginner in Japanese, so it was a bit startling when I walked in and discovered there was no English in the classrooms. My teacher who spoke Japanese quite quickly did speak a bit faster than my brain could process. At first, I considered moving down a level, but then thought, “No. I am here for a challenge. I’ve got this.” I’m glad I did. It didn’t take long before things started clicking. My brain rewired and the teacher began making sense. My classmates are amazing and my teachers are absolutely wonderful. All of them are very patient with us and understanding when we don’t know something. They are happy to help us work through our challenges together. We do have homework every day but my host family helps me with it and makes it fun.

    Walking to school on Monday

    The subway is fun, my host family is spectacular, and my phone memory is running low from all the pictures. I look forward to classes every day and enjoy meeting with my new friends from all over the world. If you’re undecided about traveling to Fukuoka, Japan, I encourage you to take that big step. This is truly amazing!

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

  • Next Step After Teen Summer Language Camp: High School Abroad

    Next Step After Teen Summer Language Camp: High School Abroad

    So you just finished your Teen Summer Language Camp. You’ve embraced life with a host family, sampled your new favorite foods, accelerated your language skills and met other teens from all over the world. But the summer is coming to a close, and you wish you could do it all over again, or at least stay abroad a little longer. 

    And you can! By being an exchange student on a High School Abroad program! 

    Now, let’s not get confused. Teen Summer Language Camp is NOT just a short version of High School Abroad. The two programs are totally different but go hand in hand. 

    Here are some of the similarities and differences broken down:

     

    High School Abroad 

    Teen Summer Language Camp 
    School   Local high school  Language school  
    Accommodation         Host family  Host family or residence hall 
    Length Summer (1-2 months), trimester, semester, or academic year  2-6 weeks  
    When  Summer, Fall, Spring  Summer  

    Both Teen Summer Language Camp and High School abroad offer full language and cultural immersion, but the lengths and experiences are vastly different.  

    After successfully completing a Teen Summer Language Camp, you’re ready for the new experiences, joys and challenges that come with studying abroad in a local high school for a longer period.  

    Greenheart Traveler Alexander Obenchain always knew he wanted to study abroad in high school in Japan. In Summer 2018, a Teen Summer Language Camp in Tokyo was the first step to help him prepare for his academic year high school study abroad in 2019. Easing into the language and culture of Japan in Summer 2018 allowed Alexander to hit the ground running when he landed in Japan for his high school program.  

    “Coming for a smaller amount of time helped me prepare for the difference in atmosphere between here and the states,” he explains. “It was certainly a good thing to have studied the language a little bit more in-depth beforehand. I can also compare my skills from now to then.”  

    And navigating the Japanese train system? He figured that out a long time ago!  

    But you don’t have to return to the same country you went to for your Language Camp. Maybe you went to Salamanca, Spain in the summer, and now that you know you can handle being far from home, want to explore Sweden!

    So is studying abroad in a local high school right for you? With improved language skills, you’ll be ready to learn subjects like math, science, and drama in another language. After living with a host family for a few weeks, you can anticipate how much you can learn about a country and its culture through observing (and living) day-to-day life abroad. You’ve proven to your parents that you’re independent, capable and problem-solving.  

    You’ve gotten a taste, now it’s time to thrive.  

  • The Golden Rules of Studying Abroad

    The Golden Rules of Studying Abroad

    While studying abroad, there is so much to take in; everything from culture shock and homesickness to new friends and new adventures. It’s hard to know what to do when so much is happening at once and you might feel that you’ll miss out on something. Here are some golden rules that I think will make your time abroad feel more worthwhile.

    Explore

    You’re in a completely new place with foods, buildings, and people you’ve never seen before. Why not explore it as much as possible? What helped me get over my homesickness most was visiting museums on my first free day. It gave me an appreciation for just how historic the town was and how awesome it was that I could be there. Exploring helped me get over my homesickness, as well as made my trip much more worthwhile.

    Put in what you want to get out

    In the language camp classes, you have the opportunity to learn so much. But it really does just depend on how willing you are to put in the work. It’s not too difficult, just remember to pay attention, do the little bits of homework and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Even if you think you’re about to butcher the question, ask it anyways. The teachers are kind and helpful and you’ll learn more than what you asked along the way!

    And finally, the golden rule anywhere:

    Have fun!

    You’re studying abroad, go out there and enjoy it! I understand homesickness, it hit me hard my first week, but do your best to push through because there is so much to explore, discover and learn. Your teachers and host family are there to help you and make your time abroad great, and your new friends will make new experiences less scary. If you aim to have fun no matter what, your trip will feel much more worth it.

    If you keep these rules in mind as you take on your new adventure, it will allow you to make goals easier, eg. visit museums, try a certain food, etc., meet more people, overcome homesickness, and improve your trip.

    Elias Harold, from Astoria, Oregon, is a Greenheart Travel First Time Traveler Scholarship recipient. Learn more about Greenheart Travel’s scholarship opportunities to help you travel for a change!

  • What It’s Like Flying Alone from the US to Japan

    What It’s Like Flying Alone from the US to Japan

    Hi! My name is Madison and I am a part of the teen language camp for Fukuoka Japan. I am currently sitting in Shanghai after a long flight. I thought this was a perfect time to let others know what it was like getting here.

    My mom and I started out in Denver. An airport I am quite familiar with. This went smoothly and I quickly arrived in LA. My experience was different from the moment I stepped off the place because I was now alone.

    I had never navigated an airport by myself until this point. I was extremely nervous and a bit uncomfortable. Already I wish I had relaxed a bit. It wasn’t as bad as I had expected. Everyone helped me out when I asked questions and I made it to my gate in plenty of time

    The next flight was very long, reaching about 13 hours. It was definitely the longest I’d spent on a plane at one time. I mainly slept on the flight but enjoyed the food and drinks that were given.

    When the plane landed I was in Shanghai!  I definitely panicked a bit because I was not able to call my mom at first due to being in a different country. I didn’t really know what to do so I just followed the signs. First I was fingerprinted, then I made my way towards international transfer. I was in the wrong line at first but they directed me to the correct stop and suddenly I was at security after scanning my passport and boarding pass. Once I made it through security my gate was very easy to find. There was English all over and everyone I spoke to was able to talk to me very well. I had a four hour layover so I walked around, seeing as much of Shanghai from the airport as I could before my last flight to Fukuoka.

    For my final flight of the day everyone has to take a bus over to the airplane with a set of stairs leading to the door. We all scanned our board passes again made our way to the plane. It was a quick flight compared to the others.

    Finally, I am in Japan! I had to fill out an entry card and go through customs. There my host family was waiting for me!

    I know it’s scary and nerve-wracking flying by yourself but it was worth it and not as bad as I was expecting. My time getting to Fukuoka was 26 hours total but I enjoyed the experience. Now I am eating ramen and walking around in Fukuoka.

    Hope this helps give everyone an understanding of what it was like traveling to Japan.

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

  • Take 5: Experiencing Japanese Culture on a Teen Summer Language Camp with Christina Ling

    Take 5: Experiencing Japanese Culture on a Teen Summer Language Camp with Christina Ling

    Meet Christina Ling, a Greenheart Traveler who went on a Teen Summer Language Camp in Japan! She filled us in on her experience with school, friends, and traveling as a teenager.

    1. When is the first time you feel like you made a friend?

    On the very first day of school! When I arrived at my school in Japan, I stumbled upon a group of kids wearing shirts with the names of cities in my area. It was pretty easy from here to strike up a conversation with two of them. We became fast friends and soon I found we were doing everything together. We would go shopping, eat lunch together, watch movies, and go do karaoke. We had so much fun every day and I definitely won’t forget all the laughter we shared and also the problems we worked through together.

     

    2. Best mentor(s) abroad?

    While in Fukuoka, Japan, I had many great teachers and mentors at my school. They all had different teaching styles and were fun and entertaining. However, my favorite teacher was one by the name of Junichi. He took the time to slowly work through speaking practice with me. We often had conversations after class about what I thought about Japan and I was delighted that he had an interest in getting to know about my life. He taught me a lot while I was in Japan and would recommend restaurants for me to visit, or tell me the optimal time to visit parks, or just let me slowly recite how my day had gone.

    3. Favorite Japanese Song?

    My favorite Japanese song was one from one of my favorite anime. It was one of the ending themes and it was called 7!! – Orange. It is a softer sounding song, maybe even a little sad. I sang it in karaoke while I was in Japan and it was really fun.

    4. Japanese aspect you wish US Americans would adopt?

    Japanese people are very clean. I hardly ever found litter lying on the streets, and I constantly saw people cleaning up after themselves. During the school’s lunch break, the teachers would go outside to clean the trash with their own hands and even rake leaves during their breaks. I was amazed at the effort that I constantly saw citizens putting in. I wish America had such respect for cleanliness that we could go the extra mile to try and clean up a little more.

    5. Advice for others going abroad?

    Do you best to get out and try new things! Some of my most fond experiences of my trip were when I went out to try something. Often, I was nervous about my ability to communicate and it almost stopped me from going out to try an activity, but once I got over my fear, it was so much fun. Even if you can barely speak the language, try your best to communicate with others so you can have some fun on your trip. I encountered a few times where I was barely able to communicate what I wanted to employees, but with time and effort, I was able to get them to understand me. Trying new things in a foreign country is exciting and even a little scary, but in the end, you will have no regrets if you get out and make some new experiences and memories.

     Do you want to learn Japanese? Click the link below to find out about our Teen Summer Language Camp!

  • Can You Get High School or College Credit for Teen Summer Language Camp?

    Can You Get High School or College Credit for Teen Summer Language Camp?

    Our Teen Summer Language Camps are perfect for students driven to improve their language skills (and change their lives in the process). Many alumni continue to study the language long after the program ends, often choosing it as a major in college.

    After putting in the 15-20 hours of full classroom immersion, plus activities and dinners with your host family, you might be wondering, will I get high school language credit from this?

    Well, that all depends. Similar to getting credit for our high school abroad programs, neither Greenheart Travel nor the language school you’ll be attending abroad will not give you credit. Your U.S. high school can only give you credit.

    To determine if you’ll get high school credit, you should talk to your guidance counselor.

    Explain what the teen summer language camp program is. Remind them that Greenheart Travel is approved by CSIET, the governing body of cultural exchange. Our Teen Summer Language Camp courses are intensive, full immersion programs taught by native speakers. We consider a two-week program to be on par with one college semester. They may also ask for a curriculum, which we will be happy to provide.

    For college credit, our Teen Summer Language Camp in Japan has agreements with certain universities that will accept the teen summer language camp for college credit. However, you will have to be accepted and enrolled in these universities to receive the credit. These include Carnegie Mellon University, James Madison University, University of Arizona, Trinity University, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and others. Please contact your program manager for a complete list of U.S. universities.

    Remember, it’s not guaranteed you will receive high school or college credit from the courses you take abroad. You must speak to your school or university’s study abroad office once enrolled.

    Also, keep in mind that a Teen Summer Language Camp is an intensive language program; even if you don’t receive direct college credit for your program, you could be able to test out of some language levels at university, thus putting you way ahead of the game!

    Ready to go abroad? Here’s how.