Finally some very tired students and teachers have arrived back at Miki High School, met by families and staff at the school entrance. Our class president gave a speech thanking teachers and parents for their support, and everyone was able to return home for some needed rest.

Some students were asked about what they thought of the trip. They said “it was fun, I could do and see things I can’t normally see in Japan!” or “it makes me want to try to go and study abroad, I want to visit Canada again!”.

Because of this the trip was a success and our GDAC students got the most from their short time in Canada.

Once more thank you for everyone’s support and co-operation for making this trip possible!

After saying goodbye to their homestay families, students gathered to leave Canada this morning. Class 2-1 said they’d had a wonderful time getting to know their host families. Many students say they want to return to Canada again in the future, and they were amazed by how many different nationalities live together here. Even if they are sad to leave Canada, they are excited to return and eat sushi!

Speaking of food, while students enjoyed a variety of different food from different countries during their stay, they were very happy to be served rice and miso soup for lunch on the JAL flight to Narita from Vancouver airport!

We are still only halfway into our long journey today, but soon we will return safely to Miki High School. See you there!

On our final full day in Canada, students enjoyed free time with their home stay families. Many students were able to go shopping in malls, or out to eat at local restaurants. Some students enjoyed time at home with their home stay family, playing games with the family’s children or even spending time with their pets. Others enjoyed excursions to local monuments. Students were also tasked with writing and sending a postcard to one of the Miki High School ALTs, today they went to the post office to buy a stamp and organize international postage!

It was also a free day for the teachers! We took advantage of Vancouver’s rich culture and nature, visiting Vancouver Art Gallery and the Capilano Suspension Bridge! Both students and teachers enjoyed a peaceful Saturday before our long journey back to Japan starting tomorrow!