Students explored Downtown Vancouver this afternoon, with amazing views of the sea at the Waterfront, and some shopping in the famous Gastown. Students spent their time exploring and buying souvenirs for family and friends. We then returned to the bus and travelled to Regent Christian Academy. We were introduced to the staff at the school before host families arrived.

Our students were matched with their families, and left to begin their all-English home stay. Tomorrow will be another busy day, this time with classes and a cultural exchange festival with Regent Academy students!

After a good nights sleep and a big breakfast (sorry no rice!), we visited the University of British Columbia, one of the best universities in Canada, with around 60,000 students – almost the population of Miki City! We made three groups and had a tour of a part of the university, we were able to see research centres, archaeology exhibits, libraries and learning centres. Students were amazed at the size of the campus. One 2-1 student said – “This isn’t a university, it’s a city! It has four Starbucks!” We then ate at the university cafeteria, where students could try food from different countries from around the world, including Mexico, France and Korea. Students were able to try fruits and vegetables they’d never seen before! We will soon depart for Downtown Vancouver, our last sightseeing destination before students meet their home stay families.

It’s the end of the day! After a long day of travelling, sightseeing and trying local foods, everyone is ready to sleep. After Granville Island we went to the famous Stanley Park, well known for its nature and traditional totem poles. After arriving to the hotel, we enjoyed a course dinner at a local Chinese restaurant all together. We left happy with our stomachs full and excited for our day tomorrow, visiting the University of British Colombia and Downtown Vancouver. Class 2-1 will also meet their host families. Tomorrow will be another exciting day!

After a long flight, class 2-1 has finally arrived in Canada. We collected our bags and joined our tour group representative on the bus. We are now beginning our afternoon of sightseeing around some of Vancouver’s most famous sights and locations. We’ve started at Granville Island, famous for its Public Market, famous for artisan foods and handmade gifts and souvenirs. Class 2-1 have enjoyed some free-time to do shopping for souvenirs and try some local foods – all using English!

It was a short trip by plane from Osaka to Tokyo, only one hour but we safely arrived at Narita Airport. Some people may worry about flying but thanks to JAL there were no problems! After a short stay in Narita, where we can have fun looking at the different souvenirs, we will fly to Vancouver. We asked some students what they are most excited about, they said they are excited to meet their host families and eat different and delicious foods! We will arrive in Vancouver around midday local time, and we have a busy schedule of sightseeing… so let’s get some rest on the plane！