Cultural Exchange

It was an eventful week so far.

On a sad note, my Japanese host sister completed her 1 year stay with us (most of the time with my mom back in KB) and went back to Japan last Wednesday. I'll miss her :(

Isn't that boy cute?
My host-sister loves him to bits!

Secondly, I got a parcel! Darling went, "who sent something to you?"



Oh well, a surprise gift from my host-family in Spain.


I knew it was from them right away when I spotted the Spanish post :)

They made an album using photos from our honeymoon in Europe mid last year. What a sweet thought :)

My family have been involved with this student exchange body called AFS (American Field Service) for so many years now. I was the first to go on the programme and spent 3 months in Spain. I learned so much you wouldn't even believe it.

Seeing the positive changes in me when I came back, my mom made it a point to send all my younger sisters after they completed high school. They all went for the year long programme as I find that it is more effective. You have more friends, learn the culture and language better.

These are just the basics. As a student exchange, we learn so much more about being more independent, patience (as you're staying with an entire new family), tolerance, understanding, etc. We learn so much more and we think differently when we return. In a positive manner. I saw how all my sisters mature and grew up when they return from the Programme.

Just last year in September, we sent my youngest sister to France. She's having a blast now, living in South of France together with a host-family of 4 in a countryside. Oh and also not forgetting that the family owns many geese (like 20 of them?! wtf) and dogs and cats and ... a bird.

Year 2011 marked the 10th year since I came back from the exchange programme. Even though I've lost touch with some of my Spanish friends but I still have friends who went on the Programme to Spain together with me. It's amazing.


Oh on another note, my neighbour at work returned from England and brought me something that got me so excited!



Chocolate Cornflakes Mini Bites from Marks & Spencers.

It's the best. You just have to try.


Have a good week ahead!


XOXO,
theRascal