In the afternoon, our students prepared for the Miki High School Culture Fair. They prepared English presentations and booths on topics such as 関西弁, 書道 and 三木盆踊り. Regent Academy students and teachers then visited and enjoyed learning about Japanese culture thanks to Miki High School students’ wonderful and exciting explanations in English! We could hear many Canadian students shouting “なんでやねん!” After the festival, Regent Academy staff gave a closing speech and prayer wishing for us to have a safe return to Japan. Class 2-1’s Shouta also gave a speech thanking Regent Academy for their support and hospitality. Tomorrow students will have the opportunity to experience a day in the life of a typical Canadian family. They will enjoy different activities and experiences with their home stay families.

This morning we met students at Regent Christian Academy for an orientation on the school’s culture and the day’s schedule. Students then split into two groups and enjoyed some ice-breaker activities in English. Students learned about Canadian culture and geography, then they presented on the differences between Canada and Japan in English. After a lunch box prepared by their host families, they had the chance to observe high school lessons at Regent Academy. Many students could make friends in their classes and were happy to use their English in a native classroom.

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!