Share your best "first" story: Did anything amusing happen to you on the first day of school or in your community? The first time you met your host family? The first time you tried a new food? Have you had any encounters with the English language that have made you laugh? Are there words or phrases that you find funny or confusing?

Sharing host school experiences

Khemrutsamee Subannart (VT Thailand, NW California Area Team)

NPA (North Coast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy) offers many elective subjects for students to choose and they can decide what to learn according to their interests, include my class in Thai culture. I am glad to see that all the teachers and students have shown great interest in learning about Thailand.

Liu Xiaowen (VT China, Wisconsin Catalyst Area Team)
Two weeks ago, I went to St. Mary’s Grade School to make my first presentation there. They asked me many questions, including our courses, school schedule, our food, our pets and so on. One boy asked me, “Do you have any pets At home? And what are they?” I answered, “Yes, in China, we have pets like dogs and cats. But I have heard that someone has a koala as his pet. I don’t know if it is true.”

When I read their feedback about my presentation, I have found that some kids wrote, “In China, people have koalas as their pets.” That’s really amazing

Zhang Wei (VT China, Columbia Pacific Area Team)
My school is very big and beautiful. There are 2500 students in it, the teachers here are very nice and industrious. The first day I went to Attend the School Staff Orientation, there are over 100 teachers there. The meetings here are very different from China. Some teachers stood up and talked about something during the meeting. Then the other teachers laughed. You know I can’t understand all what they said. But I followed them to laugh every time. And sometimes the teachers applauded, I don’t know why they applauded, but I applauded too. It is very funny for me to do that.

Last week I made presentations for two classes. I showed the students that something about me and something about China. I taught them how to write China and America in Chinese Characters, and how to greet people in Chinese. I showed them the Great Wall, Yangtze river, Yellow river, Mascots of 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. When I said Chinese people call the river Yellow river just because it is yellow. The students laughed and thought it was polluted. I explained that there was some soil in it, so it is yellow. And when I went to some middle schools and elementary schools, some students asked me “what do you wear in China? Do you wear long dress?” I said we don’t wear long dress. Chinese people wear just as what you wear. You can see my clothes, I brought it from China. Some students asked me that if china has fast food. I said we have many different kinds of fast food. We still have KFC and McDonald’s. There are a lot of strange questions in my class. At that time I realized that people here know China less. So I should try my best to make people around me know China better.

In fact, a lot of students are interested in Chinese Culture after I made the presentation. When I told them that the Great Wall is 5600 kilometers long, as long as from New York to Washington. The astronauts saw two objects from the space. One of them is the Great Wall. It was built 2200 years ago. There were no machines to help people to build it. And it lies on the mountains. At the same time, I showed them the pictures of the Great Wall. It is so wonderful .They are shocked. Some students said they will go to visit the Great Wall in the future.

I will teach Chinese Culture next semester, I can teach the kids cooking, paper cutting, Chinese dance, Games, some stories of China, some useful expressions. I can show them some videos about wedding, the Chinese cities and Chinese universities. Also I will make some power points to show the students in a direct way. I will try my best to make my class more interesting and make the students like my lessons. Let more people know how China is. At the same time, I will learn more about American culture and advanced teaching methods.

Zhong Xiuqin (VT China, East Metro Area Team)
I lost myself on my first day At school. I was lost in the building twice, so I had to ask somebody for help. You know I did lack sense of direction when I was born; besides, most of the places in the school are so much alike for me.

I lost myself in the school library. Not because of its size, but because of so many various books here. Reading had been my favorite for so many years. Let me tell you the truth that I have finished reading 7 English novels already up to now. I did my reading mostly when I was in a car, before sleeping .I even takes down a lot of notes if necessary.

Yang Lixian (VT China, Downeast Maine AT)
I came to Erskine Academy on the 30th of August. Before the headmaster, Mr. Poulin, introduced me to the teachers and students At the assembly, I met some students. I talked with them, and they asked me if I was a sophomore, which made me laugh.

they asked me if I was a sophomore - To my surprise, some teachers also thought I was an exchange student

I thought they were too young to judge people’s age. Then I told them I am an AFS exchange teacher and I teach in a high school in Beijing. Hearing that, they were startled. To my surprise, some teachers also thought I was an exchange student, which made me on the ninth cloud, because I was so young in their eyes. Anyway I had a very happy first day in Erskine Academy, and I believed I would have a wonderful time in Erskine Academy.

Ilsy Ramírez (VT Honduras, NW California Area Team)
Now I am in Northern California, At Jacoby Creek Elementary Charter School in Bayside. At first I observed all the different teachers At the school from kindergarten through eighth grade. I work with the Spanish teachers every week. I share duties around the school with the other staff. I have been able to help a student from Nicaragua who is working to master his English. Four girls who were in a Spanish immersion school transferred to Jacoby Creek. I meet with those four girls to talk and in order maintain and improve the Spanish they gained At the Spanish immersion school.

I created a series of lessons that I present to classes. The topics include: the history, politics, geography, music, dance, food, animals, culture, and currency of Honduras. Teachers sign up for presentations and I travel from class to class sharing my country with the students of my host school.

Yan Li (VT China, Eastern NY Area Team)
On August17, Susan and I walked to see my first school. There we met the principal and the secretary in the main office. They are very kind. But I didn’t see my mentor teacher, Amy. Susan left a message in the office for her. She told me Amy was on her vacation and she might be on a trip. She may not want to be disturbed in her private time. If she saw the message she would contact me. Then one day I received Amy’s telephone message. On Friday I called her. It was a nice voice so I thought she must be a nice little girl. We made the time, “One o’clock, Monday.” I’ll never forget that moment the first time I saw Amy. She is a tall woman, in her thirties, capable and experienced. But she is very kind. I have observed her class for a month and learned lots of things from her. She is a really excellent teacher. She controls her class very well and she can improve the kids’ interests very easily. How lucky I am!

At the beginning of the school, my mentor teacher Amy discussed with me what I would like to teach and what I should teach. Because AFS program is an intercultural program, I told her I wanted to teach something about China. My mentor teacher thought of a good idea to put one of my self-introduction letter in the main office because all the stuff in Birchwood sign their name there every day. They can see my letter easily. So we put one there. At the end of the first week, my mentor teacher sent each teacher of the school to make sure who has interests to learn something about China. On the Parents’ back-to-School Day, I did my first presentation about schools in China. The parents were interested in it and amazed At the differences and how big China’s schools are. In the first few weeks, I taught some Chinese songs in the music class. I Showed my school and my poster to the First Graders, the Second Graders and the Third Graders. There were two Chinese Festivals, National Day and Mid-autumn Day in October, I showed the custom about the festivals to the kids and some of the teachers. I told the folk story about Chang’e. It’s a story about Mid- Autumn Festival. The kids had mooncakes on that day. Mooncakes are the traditional food of Mid- autumn Day. I helped mad science after school. In Kindergarten, there is a Chinese little girl who can’t speak English, I often go there to do some help in the afternoon. If I have no lesson to teach, I usually stay in my mentor teacher, Amy’s classroom, helping correct the homework and keeping the kids focus on their lessons. I also help the kids who have difficulties in their lessons. Now I begin to teach Health. It is very interesting and useful. At the same time I learn lots of things. I have no fixed classes each week. It depends on the teachers’ interests. I hope I can teach more about China and make the people here understand China better.

Pannee Srisang (VT Thailand, Midland Area Team)
My first day At school, it's very different from in Thailand, in the morning: no National Anthem, or doing anything in front of the building as in Thailand. Students here have a lot of self-confident, they aren't shy to ask or answer anything. It's great! They don't have to wear uniforms and they can make up to school. Women teachers wear trousers to school (Women teachers in Thailand wear skirts to school). The students raises their hands and can wait for a long time to ask or answer the questions. (It's very good) When the teachers can't come to school, they'll have substitute teacher to teach for them, they have specialists, associates and many of them that come to help the students At school, I like the way of teaching and studying here. The teachers here teach their students to think and do everything themselves. They teach them to be creative persons. And At elementary school, they let students take some books home every week to practice about reading .It's very good way.

Pranee Laotrakul (VT Thailand, Greater Chicago Area Team)
The funny thing happened to me. That's I got a cold in the first week of my teaching class At TBE (ESL) 1st grade. I was absent 2 days and couldn't help my mentor teacher for 5 days. My kids number about 20.

They wrote a letter to say sorry that they gave germs to me. It's so cute that they're thoughtful.

In Thailand when we (the teachers) got a cold, we never thought the students gave us germs and they never apologized to us as well.

Suchada Sanonguthai (VT Thailand, Friends Across NE Area Team)
What really happened on my first day in Vermont was not a funny thing but a big surprise. The more I talked with people here, the more strong connections between Thailand and Vermont I found. Many people have children or relatives who have been to Thailand or are now working there.

Another surprising thing for me was the way high school students dress for school. Instead of wearing uniforms, Montpelier students express their identity through interesting clothing. One of students here who has been to Thailand bought a Thai student uniform and wears it to school sometimes. It was a strange sight to see an American student wearing a Thai student uniform in an American school. This boy and one of his friends asked me to be their advisor for independent study. They plan to study Thai language and culture.

I am so proud to learn that there are such strong connections in Vermont and there are some students who have so much interest in my country.

Suxia Cui (VT China, East Metro Area Team)
No funny things, but many students asked me a lot of questions in Chinese. It's hard for them, but they tried. e.g. How old are you? Which place in China are you from? Do you like Highland Park Senior High? How many children do you have? How old is she? Are Chinese only allowed to have one baby?

Chen Tiancai (VT China, Greater Puget Sound Area Team)
Sept 6th, 2006, Bainbridge High School was welcoming the new comers. I and mentor teacher, Ms Harmeling welcomed five groups of students, grade 10—grade 11. I find the teachers used to dress casually, but today, everyone was dressed seriously. They told me the first day is very important to the teacher, for he or she the first time to welcome his/ her new students. It is surprising there are only twenty or twenty four students in every class, compared with our more than fifty students’ class. The teacher finished his/her teaching by discussing with the students. Compared with our teacher- centered class, I like the ‘talking’, for students can express their own ideas or thoughts or opinions. They are active learners not passive learners.

Azucena Alija (VT Argentina, Upper Midwest Area Team)
A person that I will always remember is Austin; a student of kindergarten. The first day that I saw him said that he knew where my country was located, that knew my language because the maps interested much and his mother teaching him. When I arrive every day at the school, their companions see me and they call to him: “Austin, arrived Susy!” And he comes towards to salute me. Austin knows the numbers in Spanish. He says that sometimes will visit me in Argentina.

Edi Soeli (East Metro Area Team)
My mentor teacher and I are working to close the semester in December with a "Cafe House" where students and teachers will have the opportunity to show their artistic abilities at this party. I think all the AFS teachers can do the same in their schools.

Zhou Li (VT China)
The first class that I gave to the children at Eastwood Elementary School was about the Chinese National Flag. The children were really interested in it. Before the class was over, one of the students asked a question: “Mrs. Zhou, do you go to school by taking the carriage every day?” I was shocked. I tried to find out what carriage was in my mind. I answered: “No, I go to work by car.” Then, other students became more interested. Another child continued to ask: “Do you have the same cars as ours?” “Of course, we have the same brands of cars, such as, Ford, Audi, and Nissan.” “So, you don’t have the same carriage like Mulan (Mulan is a Disney cartoon movie.)”At that time, I knew that maybe the children thought that I lived in the ancient time of China, so I told them: “We have computers, TVs, cars and other things that you have in modern life. I will show you some photos of my apartment and my community next class.” They all said “Really? That will be awesome.” I think maybe the photos can help the students to understand my life and my culture better than they learn from novels and movies.

When I first met my Host Family

Zhang Wei (VT China, Capitol Area Team)
The first time I met my host family, I got shocked about how big and international the family is. They have got their own two daughters who have already got married, an adopted African daughter, two AFS sons (One is from Germany and the other is from Italy.) and me, an AFS visiting teacher. It's amazing to have the chance to know different peoples, make friends and share cultures with them.

Zhong Xiuqin (VT China, East Metro Area Team)
It was I that first recognized my family At the airport. Because I had seen their photos in New York. “The young man with bright and big eyes must be Mike” I thought, so I approached him and said “Hi, Mike, I am Jones from China”. Mike gave me a light hug. Turning around I saw Linda, and then a warm feeling came to my heart .No many words At our first meeting. Linda said to me: Jeff has been waiting for you in our car for a long time outside, let ‘s goes home”.

“Yes, let’s go home” I repeated the words in my heart. After nearly half a year's longing, I finally went home.

Lixian Yang (VT China, Downeast Maine Area Team)
On the afternoon of August 16th, I arrived in Maine. I was picked up by the Thai teacher Noi’s family. At around 4 pm Stan came to pick me up. On the way home, we had a very good talk. When he knew I had only about 4 hours’ sleep the night before, he said the first thing I needed to do was to take a nap. But I told him I had some questions I need to go over with him. He said, “I know those questions. Don’t worry about that. First take a nap. It’s the thing you need to do right now.” He was really very nice just like my father. From the moment, I told myself the time to be spent with their family would be a pleasant one and it WAS really a fantastic time. Although now I am living with Chris and Lisa, Stan and Peg still come and take me out from time to time.

Emelina Villarreal (VT Peru, Northeast Ohio Area Team)
The first time I met my host family was on August 28th around 5pm. I was At the school and Mrs. Forhan and her two little girls took me to my host house where I met Chris and Annie my host brother and sister. I didn’t meet my host father that day because he was on a business trip. Anyway I met him the following day and it was very nice. He gave me a warm hug and told me WELCOME Emelina to your new family. I feel really comfortable and happy with all of them. They are truly generous and nice people. I can say it is a marvelous environment to live with them.

Ilsy Ramírez (VT Honduras, NW California Area Team)
My host family includes my host mother, Christi, and her daughter, Paula. Christi teaches fourth grade At my host school. Paula is a college student At Humboldt State University which is only a few miles from our house! I am able to accompany Paula to university functions and have a chance to improve my English even more while meeting people closer to my age. I will be going camping for the first time ever with Paula and the Geology Club At Humboldt State. I am learning about geology too. I am very excited! I have also joined a salsa dance club At the university. I enjoy the dancing very much.

We have five pets, three cats and two small dogs. They are like a small herd! One cat who has decided to be my “roommate” is very loud—his purring and meowing is funny. My family is taking me to Los Angeles to visit Melissa, another daughter who is a student At University of California At Los Angeles (UCLA). While we are there we will be going to Disneyland! During winter holidays we will visit San Francisco too, I am going to see a lot of California.

Li Yan (VT China, Eastern NY Area Team)
Today the six AFS visiting teacher in New York state took a train to their host family. I was one of them. After the other Chinese teachers got off the train, I feel uncomfortable in my heart. We couldn’t see each other very often from then on. How sad I am! At the next stop I got off the train with two other Thai teacher’s who helped with my luggage. I was so thankful to them. After I got off the train, I looked around to find my host family. Because I was told she would come here to meet me. But there was nobody, I was a little worried. Just At that moment I heard a voice, “Are you Li Yan ? Welcome!” It was my host mother Susan. Then she hugged me. Oh, I was so glad. She is such a kind, nice lady. Later she told me she had thought she should meet me in the last stop. But when she got there, she was told by the other two Chinese teachers that my stop was the next one. So she drove hurriedly to go over the next. Thank goodness!

Pannee Srisang (VT Thailand, Midland Area Team)
My first time that I met my family, they are very kind when I asked them about how do I stay At their house they said, I can do anything/anytime that I want. It's good for me but as you know Thai people always very considerate to do anything At the houses that don't belong to themselves. The things that very strange for me are no fences around the houses and they unlock the houses when they go out to work all day. They wear shoes inside their houses. The most interesting thing for me At my host family is dog and cats can live together, so cute!

Pranee Laotrakul (VT Thailand, Greater Chicago Area Team)
The first time I met my host At O'Hare Airport, I was impressed her warm welcome so much. On that day I was wearing an AFS T-shirt and walking to the baggage check out. I didn't see her because of looking for my suitcase. She came to greet and hug me. That’s my first impression in America.

Suxia Cui (VT China, East Metro Area Team)
My host family is Jim and Muree Bright. Muree came to meet me At the airport in MN with her four-year- old daughter Caiden. She was very warm and kind to me when we met, even her daughter was so bright that she stayed in my arms extremely quiet and held my hands tightly when I let her down. I was afraid that her Mom would not be happy. We talked a lot openly about what you had told us At the orientation. We both felt it's nice to have each other.

Xu Pingbo (VT China, Pacific Cascades Area Team)
My first international flight was not as smooth as I had expected. My Chinese ink and yoghourt was confiscated At the airport security in Tokyo. My luggage was overweight, which frustrated me all the way to my destination. Thanks to my friends help, I eventually got to the airport of Portland. There my host family met me, greeting me with a bunch of flowers.

When seeing my huge luggage, he asked, “Did you put a table in it?” “Actually I pushed my whole house into it.”

Both of us laughed. It immediately swept away my weariness and this good beginning undoubtedly help build up our good relationship.

Tiancai Chen (VT China, Greater Puget Sound Area Team)
I arrived At the first host family late evening on Aug 16th. My Dad, Eric and my Mum, Jo greeted me warm- heartedly. I was shocked with what I saw At home. So large and spacious rooms. I had the first dinner that night---Barbecue fish. My Dad and Mum asked my several times, “Do you think it ok?”. “Yeah, I enjoy it”. But now, in fact, they have found I don’t like fish. So, you can see, I have really become a member of our family.

My Dad and Mum are very kind and helpful to me. They treat me as if I were their own son. We often have a good laugh At home after a tiring day in school. My Dad is really a gentleman. My Mum is very popular wherever she is. She goes to school very early every day and comes home very late, even on Sundays she goes to work. She loves her school and her kids. It is from her that I have learned much, especially how to devote ourselves to society.

My first taste of American food

Pannee Srisang (VT Thailand, Midland Area Team)
About my first time for American food, it's O.K. for me because in Thailand I often have it. I like pizza, pasta, salad, chicken wrap, chicken nuggets, hamburger, potato and many kinds of fresh fruits here. But I don't like Taco, mixes fruit (from can),.I think the people here have a big chunk of meat or pork. They don't like sea food, may be because they've never tasted fresh sea food as I have in Thailand. But the beef, pork and chicken here have very good quality.

Zhong Xiuqin (VT China, East Metro Area Team)
Actually it was in New York that I first tried American food. Really hard to eat. Later I knew that it was called “Wraps”. Now whenever I heard the word, I will remember the situation where I worried a lot about my food in America. But now I have few such worries, the reasons are that I found Americans have a lot of way of cooking .They do have a lot of warm food to eat. Besides my family like my Chinese cooking a lot.

Yang Lixian (VT China, Downeast Maine Area Team)
I have been in Erskine Academy for more than one month. My mentor teachers, Mike and Kelly, had been wanting to take me out for dinner. But we couldn’t find a proper time. This Monday was a good time for all of us three. They knew I like pizza very much, so they took me to a pizza restaurant which is Maine’s favorite family restaurant. It is famous for homemade pizza with thin crust. Arriving there they asked me if I liked a calzone or regular pizza. To be honest, I had never heard of calzone before. Then they told me a calzone is a folded pizza. I always like to try something new. A calzone was ordered for me with pepperoni, ham, bacon and fresh mushroom as toppings. It was beautiful and fantastic. I enjoyed it. I don’t know if I can find a calzone in Pizza Hut back in China.

Emelina Villarreal (VT Peru, Northeast Ohio Area Team)
I tried different food. The first was tossed salad with dressing which it is my favorite now. At the beginning was a little hard for me to get used to having small lunch At 11 30am without rice and have a big dinner At 6 30pm. In Peru, my family eat a lot of rice everyday in lunch time, it means that I miss my rice! Anyway I feel truly excited tasting new food that I have started to gain weight. I realized it was eating a lot At dinner time without doing any exercises so my host mother enrolled me in a fitness club. I am going to the gym three times a week and I am feeling better doing exercises.

Zhang Wei (VT China, Columbia Pacific Area Team)
The first time I tried the new food is the Italian food in a restaurant. There is a leader in the Education Community named Fred. He took me to have lunch; he asked me what food I wanted and gave me two choices “Chinese food or Italian food”. I said Chinese food. He said you might try another kind of food in America. I understood and realized that “When in Rome do as Romans do.” So I changed my mind, said “ I want to try Italian food.” In fact , the food here was very delicious. As good as Chinese food. From this, I knew that I should try to experience everything I will meet in America.

Ilsy Ramírez (VT Honduras, NW California Area Team)


I am experiencing many different foods here. Sushi, kebabs, Mexican, pizza, Chinese, and any other type of food you can think of, it seems like they have all types here. I cook homemade tortillas and traditional Honduran dishes that everyone says they love.

Pranee Laotrakul (VT Thailand, Greater Chicago Area Team)
The first time I tried a new food is spaghetti that my host made for me and she invited her neighbor (Ray) to join us. It's a wonderful meal I've never eaten before. I've had it in Thailand but it doesn't taste as good. And I dare to say she is an expert At American cooking, because it was "Ar-roy" (delicious!)

Cui Suxia (VT China, East Metro Area Team)
I think it was in NY. Would you mind? It's cold inside with air conditioning on. The food, drinks and fruit were all cold, especially inside hamburgers are vegetables with some gluttonous stuff, which I never touched and made me feel so hard to take a bite. Now I'm trying to get used to it.

Waree Kumuang (VT Thailand, North Central Wisconsin Area Team)


The first time I saw the apple trees in front of the house. It was amazing that I could pick them up by myself. I was excited because there aren't any apple trees At my house or in the area we live in Thailand. More over, when I went to apple orchard with kindergarten Field Trip I was very excited to see the huge apples and many pumpkins. The first time I tried a new food. It was Tacos. My host mom made it for lunch. I felt strange when I Ate them. It's different from my food, but I think I will get used to it soon.

Chen Tiancai (VT China, Greater Puget Sound Area Team)
The first day I and Winnie (another Chinese AFS teacher in Seattle) were picked up by Pat Griffieth and my two host Dads At Seattle airport. After that, we were showed into a Chinese restaurant to have a Chinese dinner. Probably, our host family were afraid that we were not used to American foods. In fact, I and Winnie felt very hungry, but I was very sorry to find the Chinese foods were not really Chinese foods. Now, I say, if you want to have the real Chinese foods, please enter a Vietnam or Thailand restaurant.

Azucena Alija (VT Argentina, Upper Midwest Area Team)
Respect the meals, the greater surprise was to see that they served the tomato salad with sugar. Although I know that the sugar balances the acidity of the tomato, we were not used to in Argentina serving sugar with the tomato. Surprise!

English Expressions

Zhong Xiuqin (VT China, East Metro Area Team)
One day, I wanted to make Jiaozuo At home. After preparing the stuffing, I asked Mike with gestures “Could you find me a basin so that I can make flour dough”? At first, Mike just stared At me, looking puzzled, and then he seemed to understand and very quickly he put a “basin” before me and then turn around .I heard a very strange laughter. I sensed something different so I asked “why are you laughing so strangely”. At this, Mike just couldn’t help laughing. Linda came to explain that what I really wanted was called a big bowl. A basin was something that people can use it for washing not for cooking.

The most common words I hear here are: Yap / Oh, boy/man/Geese /I should double check it/enjoy the rest of your day! You are from China? Are you? That is nice! Glad to meet you! /How is your school going? The first part of words is new to me when I first arrived, for when I gave my students English lessons we seldom use the words to expressing the same meaning. The second part of the word show people’s concern to a Chinese teacher who is far away from home spread culture here to which I owe a lot of thanks.

One day, when going to a party, Jean, our family’s close friend saw me and said. “Jones, you look so fancy.” I turned to Linda? “What does fancy mean?” She explained to me and then I knew that what “fancy” meant.

Yang Lixian (VT China, Downeast Maine Area Team)
One day At the school gate I met a teacher. I waved hand to him saying good morning. He said, “Good morning. How goes the war?” I hesitated for a moment and said pretty good. Because At that moment I was not sure of the meaning of the question, but I guessed it meant How are you? Or How is everything going? Then he said, “Good.” Then I asked him if it was like what I thought. He told me I was correct. I don’t know the origin of this expression, but I think it is interesting. Some people would be puzzled if asked this question without a certain context.

Edi Soeli (East Metro Area Team)
I have making many mistakes in English but learning a lot.

"Soap" was one of the words I used instead of "soup". Can you imagine washing soup and eating soap?

I loved the propaganda "Smile for miles" and the commercial name "Bar-B-Que". I also discovered PIPSQUEAK is quite the same word in Portuguese PISQUILA. The popular name of a plant also caught my Attention: MOTHER-IN-LAW`S TONGUE. I suppose she is famous all over the world.

Emelina Villarreal (VT Peru, Northeast Ohio Area Team)
As I am in different classrooms knowing students better and trying to learn a lot of new words. Most of them are slang. When I listened the word “It is yucky!” I thought it means funny but someone told me Yucky means not nice.

Yesterday I told my host mother that I am going to the “chicken soup” this Saturday and she said to me “What do you mean?” And I said again chicken soup, it is to serve food to the poor people and she started to smile and said: Emelina is soup kitchen so everybody started to laugh .It was so funny! While I have heard many funny words .These words always come to my mind, like “wagon,” it is very funny to pronounce it because sometimes people can’t understand me very well what I want to say. “Sneaky” is a curious word as well.

"Teachers teach because they care. Teaching young people is what they do best. It requires long hours, patience, and care." Horace Mann

Pannee Srisang (VT Thailand, Midland Area Team)
My wrong spelling in English that make me laugh is dog and duck, when I presented about Thailand and I told them that I have two dogs. They understand that I have two ducks so after I finish presenting they came to ask me to show them my picture of two ducks. I said I have no Quack! Quack! but I have two Boo Boo. So they understand and we laugh a lot about that. And about my confusing in English is: sound "a", in America they say this vowel not the same as in Thailand.( or in England) And many many of slangs here for example the police they say the cops the boys they say guys, the girl they say gals.

Cui Suxia (VT China, East Metro Area Team)
Yes. It's so hard for me to get the information of numbers. Once my host family Muree told me many times that they would pick me up At 3:50 or 10 to 4 At our school gate to see her daughter Ronnie's circus practice At a stadium. But I still didn't get the exact information and waited for her At 4:50 till 5:30. When I decided to go back home, I hesitated and looked back again and again, wishing they wouldn't come in vein.

Zhang Wei (VT China, Capitol Area Team)
In China I teach junior students English so it's sort of easy. Since I came here I have to pay close Attention to what I see and what I hear. I feel tense all the time. When I try to express myself, I always get stumbled. When I try to read the newspaper or menu, oh so many new words come to me. I feel kind of frustrated. I start to read children's books. I keep reading a newspaper article everyday and watching comedies. Things are changing!

The other day I came across a word “shrink” when I was reading. I knew its original meaning was “become smaller,” but it didn't match the context. I went to my host mum for help. She said it was a slang for psychologist. Even she didn't know how it got this meaning.

Xu Pingbo (VT China, Pacific Cascades Area Team)
My host family father Scott is a humorous man and is a language teacher in West Oregon University. So I have learned quite a few slangs, idioms and interesting expressions. The American slangs I can now use in my conversations are: “Okie dokie”/ “Yabba dabba” (both meaning “OK or Fine”); “You betcha” (meaning: “I understand” or “I see”).

Scott not only often uses slangs but even some expressions he created. He calls them “Scottese”. For example, instead of “hero and heroine”, he calls “hero and shero” (by using “he” and “she” to show male and female hero). Isn’t that amazing? As he is gaining weight and has less and less hair on top with the age growing, he teases himself to be “a fat bald guy”. I told him a famous Chinese saying that he is smartest to the top. And he taught me an equivalent American saying: No grass is growing on a busy highway. Pointing At a picture in which he had dark curly hair in his youth, he explained: “You see, I was not a busy man, but Meri has always kept my highway busy since we got married”, which made me burst out laughing.

I have really learned a lot from him.

I learn to be a sweet person by the saying “You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar.” His 5-P rule in teaching “Proper preparation prevents poor performance” gives me a valuable tip to my job and life.

Liu Xiaowen (VT China, Wisconsin Catalyst Area Team)
The first most interesting thing, I think, is that I mistook “skyscraper” for “skycrapper”. On the first day when I arrived At my family, I got surprised At their nice house because it is so beautiful and peaceful. Then I couldn’t help talking about the tall buildings in my city and the noise and pollution everywhere. I said that I live in a tall building with seven floors in it, but there are many “skycrappers” in my city because it is the capital city of my province. My host wife smiled At me first, and then she burst into laughing a lot , until with tears in her eyes. But I couldn’t understand why she laughed so much. A few days later, we happened to talk about Beijing, our capital city. I said there are more “skycrappers” in Beijing than in my city. She laughed again and told me the high buildings should be called skyscrapers, not skycrappers, which means bathrooms in the sky. Then I began to laugh, too.

After that, whenever I speak English, I don’t feel so confident because I’m afraid I will make another stupid mistake. I expressed my thoughts to my mentor teacher and she encouraged me to learn from our mistakes. Never mind making any mistakes.

We are supposed to learn from our mistakes. Whenever we make a mistake, we should laugh it off.

After her encouragement, thanks to many mistakes, I become confident in speaking English now and I think I have improved my spoken English a lot.

Azucena Alija (VT Argentina, Upper Midwest Area Team)
With my host family I had spoken on the different communities that live in my country: Israelite, Catholic, Mormons, etc. That same day, I said to my family I liked going to give a stroll in the border of the lake, located to the house front. And I was. Soon, while we went to the school, they asked to me if I had seen the dead rabbit... in my stroll by the lake. But I understood, very confused, if I had seen the dead rabbi! This history has caused very laughter between the neighbours and school’s companions.

Others important anecdotes are those to discover the words that the people use most frequently. Between the words they appear "anyway", "You know", "Yes, it is". Each one of these expressions remember me very special and lovely people, with those who I share the daily work.

“American” Experiences

Emelina Villarreal (VT Peru, Northeast Ohio Area Team)
I went to a fair last weekend with my friend from the host school and I saw the traditional early American life. It was the first time I saw a real teepee.

I remember teaching about native Americans in my classroom in Peru from textbooks. I could not imagine seeing an original teepee and the Conestoga wagons of the settlers. It touched me deeply.

Ilsy Ramírez (VT Honduras, NW California Area Team)
Through my family and friends I have made here I am learning a lot about American culture. I have also meet Americans who are from Central and South America. I was invited to an Independence Day celebration September 15th by a church member that my host grandfather told about me. She was originally from Honduras but has lived and taught English here for many years. The party included people from Peru, Panama, Nicaragua, Cuba, Chile, and of course, Honduras. It was interesting to hear other people’s experiences adjusting to American culture. It was funny to hear stories of misunderstanding different words in Spanish and English! I Attended the local high school “Homecoming” parade. The floats carrying the princesses and football players were fun to watch.

Hong Jing (VT China, Eastern NY Area Team)



My host family took me to the Native American Fair last weekend and I took a lot of pictures I was surprised to know that how much they respect nature and the earth.

Sirikanya Srichom (VT Texas Gulf Coast Area Team)
Last Saturday, I was proud to join in the “Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Houston Race for the Cure. Foundation’s mission is to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by advancing research, education, screening and treatment.
It was my first time to walk 3 miles. Nearly 26,000 people participated in this Walk and Run. I walked with the St. Stephen’s Episcopal School Team. It was fun because many people walked together; some people gave us cool water, and others cheered us all the way. It was not too far to walk because so many people were helpful and encouraging.



After the Race, we joined At Sam Houston Park to celebrate! Water and food were supplied by HEB. We enjoyed live music and entertainment, saw the awards ceremony and survivor recognition program. There was something for everyone!

Chen Tiancai (VT China, Greater Puget Sound Area Team)
On the afternoon of Aug17th, 2006, My Dad, Eric showed me around Bainbridge Island in his car. The tall thick trees, the quiet sea, the sailing ships in the sea, the beautiful buildings hidden in the trees , the roads winding their way all these Attracted me deeply. Now, I really love the nice island. Later, I read in a newspaper or magazine, Bainbridge Island is one of the places that best suits people to live in . With time going on, I understand why Washington State is called ‘Evergreen State’.

At home, I have been living At the Yangtze River, the longest river in China, but I had never sailed. On the afternoon of Aug 18th, 2006, I and My first and second Dads went sailing. We took first Dad’s car to Kingston where I saw many Native Americans who were celebrating their festival. For the first time in my life I saw so many wonderful sailing ships. My first Dad, Eric shares a sailing ship with somebody else who I don’t know. We took some foods and water with ourselves. We sailed all the whole afternoon in the sea. I just did some simple things. Dad Two, Ron helped Dad, Eric. My Dad, Eric is an experienced sailor. He gave orders or instructions. With his order, we turned the ship this way or that way. It is a wonderful experience.

So far, I have joined in many picnics, but the first picnic impressed deeply. Before I came to the USA, I know the word ‘Picnic’, but I didn’t how people picnic. In the evening of Aug 17th, 2006, My Mum and Dad had a picnic At home, inviting my mentor teachers, Ms. Harmeling and Ms Ward and her husband, the principal of Bainbridge High School, Mr. Peterson and his wife; and my other two host families (Ron, Margott, Jim, Jackie). They brought either some vegetables or some desserts or wine. Of course, my family prepared enough. We all enjoyed these. We sat around in our yard in the shade. People chatted happily, asking me some questions about China and Chinese and my school At home.

Sept23rd, 2006, I, My Dad, Eric and my second host family and their friend, a couple went to Fort Worden to enjoy kayaking. I have to admire My Dad, Eric, he is skilled in every way. He is a kind Dad , a great cook At home; a skilled Sailor and Kayaker; a popular accountant in Bainbridge Island; I was glad to see so many different kinds \ different design\ different colors kayaks from different countries. Dad, Eric tried different kayaks. It was the first time I had enjoyed kayaking. I shared kayaking three times with my Dad. Dad Two is also green hand. He asked for instructions from my Dad. Unluckily, he fell into the sea twice. I enjoyed paddling faster and faster; sometimes, stopped paddling, sitting still, a peaceful world. Dad gave me instructions now and then. My Mum two took many wonderful pictures.

Parntip IttiwAttana (Downeast Maine Area Team)
“Hi Parntip can you see the pink moon”, my host family asked me. When I had a look it was very beautiful moon. I hurried to take a picture of the big pink moon. It was on September 7th, 2006 which called the Harvest Moon. It’s the first time for me to see a big pink moon. It is still in my mind, so big and beautiful.

Pink is my favorite color, and seeing that moon impressed me very much. I think it is good luck for me.

Zhou Li (VT China)
My host family took me on a trip to California three days after I arrived in Roseburg, Oregon. One of the stops was San Francisco. We went to China Town. I saw a lot of items that were really familiar. I could not believe that I was in the United States. I wanted to buy a digital memory card for my cameral, so we went to a store that sold accessories for cameral. When I got into the shop I saw what I thought was a Chinese man. I spoke to him in Chinese, but the man said to me politely, “Sorry, I can’t understand Chinese.” How embarrassed and disappointed I was. Not all Chinese in China Town can speak Chinese.

Wu Xuyu (VT China, Oklahoma Area Team)
What has surprised me most so far
When I was young, “America” was nothing more than a word. I had no concept that, in reality, it was a place, far away from my home, China. Now, many years later, I have found my way across the ocean to America. Since I have arrived, I have had many surprising experiences. The first one was based on a misconception about American families. I had always thought that since Americans were individuals they would not have very strong family ties. But when my host family threw a welcoming party, and invited the entire family to come and greet me, this idea was totally changed. I realized that it is possible for Americans to be individuals and also remain close to their families.

When I am with my host family, I do not feel like a stranger in a foreign home, but rather like I am staying in the home of old friends. They teach me a lot about American culture by giving me the opportunity to experience it. For example, with them I have enjoyed food from many different countries At restaurants, gone to watch football and baseball games, gone shopping, and we also went to Seattle! What is even more exciting, they are planning to take me to a wedding and to see the rodeo!!! The father is always humorous, and I like to joke with him. For example, before we went to Seattle, he said perhaps I should swim across the ocean to my hometown. I told him to forgive my poor sense of direction, but if he was ahead, I would be glad to follow!

Having been in Tulsa for over a month, what shocks me most is

that students At Booker T. Washington could sing Chinese National Anthem in their Chinese classes. I could not help but come to tears At that time. I was moved not only because the students were able to understand the song, but also because by singing it, they were showing a deep respect for my country, it was something I had not expected to find in America.

Another thing I was not expecting was, unlike Chinese high school students, Americans have their weekends to themselves. In China the students have so much homework that they do not usually have time to go out. Here, many students enjoy watching their schools compete in football on Friday nights. At Booker T. Washington, the students are very school- spirited. On game days, they organize pep assemblies where they dance and cheer for their team. Also, there is a band full of musicians and drummers that add even more music and excitement for the students. It is very moving to watch them encourage their team.

Before coming to America, I knew Americans liked to eat raw vegetables and drink iced tea. Yet after staying here for a while, I am still not used to their eating habits. In restaurants, it is customary to put ice in the drinks. There is often a salad served, and after the meal, people sometimes ask if they serve fortune cookies in China. They are surprised to hear that fortune cookies are not a Chinese custom but one of the many strange customs America has!

Although I am not yet fully adjusted to American customs, I find every day to be more and more comfortable and rewarding.

I love the friendly and hospitable people that I have encountered so far. I feel such At home!

Li Xuemei (VT China, Heartland KS Area Team)
How Important A Dog Could Be?
Before I came here, I already had some vague ideas about how much American people would love their dogs. Unfortunately I have to admit that I personally have a pet peeve about them: I’m really scared of dogs! However, I tried to drive this stupidity away from my mind and tell myself dogs are our friends anyways. But when I came here, I found out that a dog is actually more than a friend in America!

After I met my host parents At the airport of Wichita, the next family members I was introduced to were four dogs At home. They were Tucker, Tyke, Copper and Penny. When they welcomed me with their licking and scratching on me, I just held my breath so that I wouldn’t scream. However, since I have passed the first trial and survive, everything has become much easier afterwards.

Then I find out in every house we visited there must be At least one dog. Dogs have their names, their ages, their sexes, and their own food just as we have. They even have their toys to play with. When I see dogs chasing their sticks in the sitting room, snapping their plastic ring and trying to pull it out of their owner’s hand and At the same time I can hear their owners chanting “Good girl! Good girl!” the only thing I could feel is that dogs are just like spoilt babies playing with their indulgent parents. Of course when I heard that some dogs may have the privilege to sleep with their owners, the first words came into my mind were: It’s totally unimaginable.

Last month when we visited my host sisters in Lawrence, they took me to a dog park, which means it’s a park for dogs only, and which is also a big surprise to me! In those dog parks, dogs can walk and run without leashes, they can meet their peer friends from other families, and they can go swimming in the creek in the park. In those parks people get to know each other because their dogs play together and like each other. So it’s quite normal that people may know other dogs’ names and hobbies just like we know somebody has a son or a daughter. Also it’s big fun to see how hard dog owners tried to get their dogs back when some dogs simply followed their peer friends and ignored their dear owners. I said it’s a big surprise only because this scenario would be a science fiction in China, where we don’t have enough space for people.

When my host sister Gawyn knew I was writing about dogs in America, she contributed one more thing to fulfill the amusement:

Last week Rabyn, my other host sister, took her dog to the dermatologist for allergy testing and only found out that her dog was allergic to cats!

I still remember, and will never forget, an impressive comment my host father, the psychologist made about marriage: “No kids. No dogs. What a marriage!” You see, how important a dog can be. If there is no dog in your family, what a marriage are you getting through? Are you sure you are not unusual? Are you sure you are happy?

Yang Lixian (VT China, Downeast Maine Area Team)
One day a girl asked me, “Do you have fortune cookies in China?” Because I had never heard of that, I asked her what a fortune cookie was like. Then she explained that people buy some cookies made by the American Chinese. In the cookies there is a slip and good words are written on the slip and they tell you what your lucky numbers are.

“Do you have fortune cookies in China?” “No. We have fortune tellers.”

The girl thought the fortune cookies was originated in China. Frankly speaking, in China we don’t have cookies like this. I just said, “No. We have fortune tellers.” Then we both laughed. The next day the girl brought me a fortune cookie. On one side it says, “You can do everything you ought to do. Lucky numbers: 21, 34, 5, 47, 9, 33.” Now I know what a fortune cookie is like.

One day in a history class, after finished talking about the history of Shang Dynasty and Zhou Dynasty, I asked the students to raise questions. One girl asked me, “Do people in China use chopsticks?” To me this question is very interesting and surprising, because chopsticks are the mostly used eating utensils and Chinese people have been using chopsticks for thousands of years. Then I smiled and said, “Yes, we do. We use not only chopsticks, but also spoons, knives and forks, but our knives are much bigger. They are used to cut vegetables or meat on the cutting board.”

Li Yan (VT China, Eastern NY Area Team)
One day when I went to the teachers’ office, I was asked a question, “Does China have an emperor now?” Oh, it’s about ancient China. So I told her now there was not an emperor in China. China is a republican country now. And the Party in power is the Republican Communist Party of China. And there are some democratic parties in China too. They help to make the correct policy.

Last Saturday I went to Lake George with my host family. Before dinner, David asked who wanted some coffee? “I did” I answered. “You? But you are Chinese. You should drink tea.” I know he was teasing me. I like tea. When I made some tea, I always ask David, “Do you like some tea?” I know he never drinks tea.

Pannee Srisang (VT Thailand, Midland Area Team)
About interesting or surprising questions are: Are you King and Queen? (from kindergarten school) Are there any cars in Thailand? Are there any computers in Thailand? Have you ever drunk the sea water? How do you come here, can you come here by car? I have to answer about the King and Queen that I can't be the King or Queen because I've to be in the Royal family, not in middle class or the normal one like me. And about cars and computers, I said there are a lot of companies in Thailand that do these businesses, we can send computer parts or car parts to export. And I can't come here by car because it's very far, I have to be on the plane about 23 hours. And because my hometown is on Samui island so I always drink sea water when I was young because I sank when I swim but actually you can't drink sea water because it's very salty and it's not good for your health.

Pranee Laotrakul (VT Thailand, Greater Chicago Area Team)
The most interesting question that’s my host asked me about Coup D'TAt by CDR in Thailand. At first I'm so excited and then I received an e-mail from my friend and got news on the internet. I felt good and told her that Thai people are happy because it's the bloodless coup. The coup makers declared they had no intention of holding on to political power to run the government and just urged Thailand to return to democracy. And there are a lot of Thai people gave the soldiers flowers. It's amazing, Thailand!

Cui Suxia (VT China, East Metro Area Team)
Q1: At what age do people get divorced most?
Between thirty-five to forty- five, which may be 6 years ago. Now I think the percentage is lower.
Q2: Is it done by the government or people?
Of course, they have refused to do so themselves. Generally, people think it's stupid to dismiss an old family and set up a new family if wife and husband don't have serious gap.

Waree Kumuang (VT Thailand, North Central Wisconsin Area Team)



The question that most people asked me was "How do you say Hello in Thai?" I told them we say with the word "Sawasdee" This word can be used At all times of days. A male would add the word "Krup" and a female the word "Kha" after Sawasdee to show politeness. The word Sawasdee can also be used when taking leave of someone or saying good bye. And we always "Wai" by pressing the palms together in the position of a budding lotus At chest level, with the fingertips touching the tip of the nose.

Zhong Xiuqin (VT China, East Metro Area Team)
Last weekend, I was very lucky to have had a chance to observe a wedding ceremony. In the party, after a lady knew that I was from China. She came up with a question: Do Chinese people like eating cats?” “I don’t think so” I answered very firmly and quickly.

Zhang Wei (VT China, Capitol Area Team)
Once my co-teacher asked me, "Do Chinese eat cats?" I was surprised At the question. I don't know how to answer the question because China is so big I don't the exact answer. At least people I know never eat cats. Later I knew a lot of Americans like animals and many of them are vegetarians. The teacher who asked me the question is a vegetarian. They don't eat any meat.

Chen Tiancai (VT China, Greater Puget Sound Area Team)
Sept 14th, I made my first two presentations in SAKAI, where my Mum is the principal. I introduced Beijing to them, including the map of China, the Great Wall, the Summer Palace. I talked much about the Forbidden City and the emperor’s life. Students asked me many questions, for example:
Do Chinese use American dollars?
Do you sleep on bed or on the floor?
How can you tell Japanese from Chinese?
Do you write with pen or pencil?
Do you use chopsticks or forks?
Do you keep pets At home?
Is this the first time you are here?
Do you like Bainbridge Island?
Do you Jack Chen?
Do you use paper money or coins?

Yang Lixian (VT China, Downeast Maine Area Team)
For the first month in Maine, I have been busy observing classes, preparing lessons, and making presentations in Erskine Academy. However, I do hope I can have a chance to communicate with people in my community. Then I can share Chinese culture with them. In the coming months, I plan to ask my host family to help me find a chance to meet as many people in my community and fix a certain time, probably some time on weekends, which is convenient for most people. And then I can share some topics with them, such as Chinese festivals, Chinese customs and traditions, Chinese art, calligraphy, history, everyday life and Tai Chi. Actually now every Thursday afternoon, I am teaching some teachers to do Taiji in Erskine Academy, they enjoy it very much. So I really hope I can make it. Thus I can know more about American culture and they can know more about China. Then I can be a more successful ambassador.

Emelina Villarreal (VT Peru, Northeast Ohio Area Team)
The question “Do you enjoy American life so far? “makes me want to answer with an expression of distances. As I did some presentations about my city, one of the students asked me if it snows there. I said to him “no” but I am looking forward to seeing it here. They also asked about my school life. I told them teachers and students must wear a uniform and some students like to take extra soccer classes after school.

The key is to respect their beliefs and customs, but share with them just to make them know about my country. For example I can say a little prayer before the meal. They do it every dinner but I try to do it sometimes.

I can greet them with a kiss in one side of the chin. I prepare some traditional food in the house or school. I show videos of singers, landscapes, lifestyles in my country. They ask and I answer their questions. I motivate them to take a trip to my country and why not to be and AFS participant too.

Ilsy Ramírez (VT Honduras, NW California Area Team)

Because of AFS I am learning a lot about a different culture, a different language, and meeting many people. In return I am also getting to share my culture, language, and my country with the people I work with.

It is nice to discover that no matter where you go in the world there are good people that you can learn from and who you too can influence.

Pannee Srisand (VT Thailand, Midland Area Team)
About sharing the religious with my host family, I tell them that As I'm Buddhist, Buddhism teach me to be charity, tolerance, kind-loving and doing good things. But the host family don't go to the church because they have some argue with the minister. But they take me to help the community about Monticello heritage. And they try to teach me about American food, do it for me to taste, for me I do some Thai food for them too. They like it but some dishes they say it's too spicy for them especially Spicy shrimp (Tom Yam Kung) that is very famous in Thailand. They like fried rice, Thai noodle (Pat Thai), fried vegetables, Chicken with coconut milk and other things that is not spicy.

I've presented many times about Thailand At four schools (Monticello School District) and I have to present to Rotary Club and to 25 teachers in Cedar Rapids. Monticello Rotary Club and other ones gave my school in Thailand $300 for buying some dictionaries and books. They are very kind to me.

Pranee Laotrakul (VT Thailand, Greater Chicago Area Team)
I might share my religious and cultural tradition with my host community by my arriving in the first week. I went to Wat Buddha Dhamma (Thai Temple) in Willowbrook with my host family. We did meditation, learned in Dhamma classes, offered lunch to monks and had a picnic.

I had an opportunity to share with my friends At Wat Phrasri (the other Thai temple) in Chicago. On the first Sunday of September, we had Sartthai ceremony there. There were a lot of Thai people, Laotians, Cambodians, Chinese and Americans. Everyone took food to offer the monks, listened to Buddhist teachings and did meditation together. It's a wonderful day. I think it's such an interesting event that I'd like other teachers who are staying near Chicago such as Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin to have a chance to go there on a special Buddhist Day or on Sundays.

Cui Suxia (VT China, East Metro Area Team)
I'm in Highland Park Senior High now. I am asked to teach history and culture about China. It's tough work but interesting. I'll try my best to satisfy them. If some members in our community would like to share some with me, I would be glad to do so. There was a State Fare in MN in September. I worked At the booth for AFS here as a volunteer. I love it!

Waree Kumuang (VT Thailand, North Central Wisconsin Area Team)
I think I might share the Thai culture which they are about Thailand, Thai language, Thai money, some kinds of Thai food. Some of them may be shown by PowerPoint, pictures, real materials and demonstration.

Zhong Xiuqin (VT China, East Metro Area Team)
I found many Americans were fantastic about Chinese Kong, Chinese painting and calligraphy, Chinese paper cutting. Sometimes I will regret why I cannot perform some sort of Kong to them.

Because of Now I realized only when you are outside your country can you realize how much you love your own country and how strongly you want to make more presentations about your country’s culture.

Up to now I have present Chinese food, Chinese holidays and festivals and so on. I hope through me people in Minnesota can learn more about China.

Xu Pingbo (VT China, Pacific Cascades Area Team)
I am a newcomer. So I am more a learner than a teacher in the USA. Whenever and wherever I am, I catch every bit of chance to observe, to listen, to try, to experience whatever is novel and useful to me. I have learned different American recipes, learned gardening, and even learned how to decorate a party for a wedding shower.

Since my host family scarcely go to church (as Scott put, his church is in the ocean and he goes to the beach almost every weekend), I went to the nearest church on a Sunday morning. At Sunday School (a class teaching the Bible), I introduced myself to them, talked with them and made friends with some nice people. One of them offered to lend me an English and Chinese version of the Bible; another one is so interested in me and the Chinese culture that she invited me to her house for a barbecue and to her farm.

Communication enhances mutual understanding. As an AFSer, I will try my best to learn more and spread more different cultures in my host family, host school and community. I hope my efforts may make a little contribution to the friendship and peace between China and the USA.

Zhang Wei (VT China, Capitol Area Team)
Dinner time is my happiest time. My host family and me always choose one topic to talk about to share each other's culture. In China people usually don't hug or kiss each other when they meet or say goodbye, so At first I felt a little embarrassed. But now I do greetings in American way without realizing it. I think this is called intercultural change.

Liu Xiaowen (VT China, Wisconsin Catalyst Area Team)
I live in a Catholic family and they have strong belief in their religion. I also work in a Catholic High School. So people like to talk about their religion. I usually go to church with my host family. There Father leads people to learn Bible and try to encourage people to make a contribution to building a peaceful world. People are supposed to help the poor, the weak and we should respect all the people around us no matter what kinds of skin they have, what languages they speak and so on. In china, we don’t have so many people who believe in religion. But we are told to respect others, to make a contribution to our society, to think more of others and so on. So we have different ways to express our same human nature ---kindness, generosity, dignity and love.

Khemrutsamee Subannart (VT Thailand, NW California Area Team)



On Sat, Sep 2, 2006 we had a Thai party night in Arcata with my first host family and their friends, and my student’s parents. I am very proud to present Thailand -The land of smiles!

Chen Tiancai (VT China, Greater Puget Sound Area Team)
I mainly stay in Bainbridge High School, but every week I also go to other schools. I find few students know something about China and Chinese, especially modern China, they know nothing about. If an American in China asks a Chinese student about America, he or she can tell you much about the USA. So, in the coming nine months, I will go to any community I can to introduce China and Chinese to them.

Zhou Li (VT China)
For me, I think I am more of a learner than a teacher in the United States. I’m lucky because I work for two different kinds of schools at the same time. I take every chance to observe, to listen, to try and to experience what is new and useful to me.

I’d like to share the religious or cultural traditions of my home country with people here. Sometimes, I have found that the people here know little about China. Their impression of China came from novels or movies. It’s my duty to help people know more about China. I do like to do good preparation before I give every class. I believe communication enhances mutual understanding. As an AFS volunteer, I will try my best to learn more in my host family, host schools and community.

SETTLING IN – AT HOME

Keep your eyes and ears open as you settle in. Be curious and be ready to have new experiences and try new ways of doing things. During these first weeks and months, it is especially important to be adaptable and open-minded. It is likely that many of the preconceptions that you may have formed before arriving will turn out to be inaccurate; it is best to remain flexible and understand that oftentimes reality does not match your expectations.

One aspect of U.S. life you may find difficult to adjust to is the direct manner of many American people. For example, here in the U.S., we are accustomed to people asking for something directly when they need it. In comparison, most other cultures are typically more sensitive to non-verbal communication and may not require such forwardness. Therefore, Americans may not understand that something is bothering you or that you need something unless you tell us directly. Similarly, at home it may be polite for you to refuse something like food or assistance the first time it is offered, even though you may want or need it. In the U.S., however, we tend to take your first response seriously and may not offer again. So, be sure to keep these differences in mind the next time someone asks or offers you something! Remember what the orientation directors and group leaders counseled during orientation: If you are lonely or need assistance with anything, PLEASE ASK!! Talk to your host family, mentor teacher, other teachers, or your liaison. All of these people are available to help you if you need them. They will be able to know what you are thinking or feeling only if you tell them.

You may still need some time to adjust to all the new experiences going on around you (new food, new schedules, etc.) It can be very tiring trying to adjust too quickly, so be realistic when considering your activity load. On the other hand, don’t be afraid to try new things! Like your own countries, the U.S. is a very diverse place: keep your eyes open and take some opportunities to try new experiences.

SETTLING IN – AT SCHOOL

School began for many of you soon after you arrived in your host communities. Although you have learned about U.S. schools in general and while your group leader may have already discussed your school responsibilities with you, there are still many details for which we could not prepare you. For example, your exact school schedule may be continue to change until you are able to discuss your skills, interests, and needs with your mentor teacher. This is perfectly normal, since it is often easier to arrange a schedule after your school has met you and found out more about your background. The staff at your orientations were there to communicate the importance of being flexible and open-minded. The notes they shared regarding your schedules were to be considered as pieces of general information only; your specific situation may be quite different.

Take Initiative!

For the first few weeks, we hope that you have all had the opportunity to observe many classes! I’m sure this has helped you to familiarize yourself with the teaching style, curriculum content and the overall culture of your host school. It may be a good idea to continue to research additional classes (like social studies, English, art, physical education, etc) to see how you can better share your cultural background or expertise!!! I’d like to encourage you to work with your mentor teacher and host school in order to take the initiative in working out your schedule! As I’m sure you all know, a teacher’s life is very busy, so it might be a good idea to first work out a plan for future projects and then go to your mentor teacher for help in integrating these into your school's curriculum. You may find that teachers are not always sure how to best incorparate you into their classes, so your suggestions would most likely be greatly appreciated. Again, flexibility and self-initiative will help everyone to have a happy and successful year.

International Education Week
November 13 – 17, 2005

The U.S. Department of State, in partnership with the Department of Education, will lead this annual effort to foster global understanding through international education and exchange. Teachers who are scholarship recipients are required to observe this week by participating in or creating an event that introduces international awareness or intercultural activities. It would be wonderful if all Visiting Teachers took part in accomplishing this week’s goals!

Please check out http://exchanges.state.gov/iew/ for background information and for ideas!

Why should I make a presentation?
Believe it or not, preparing a presentation not only helps you to better understand your country, but it also helps you to value your exchange experience. Most importantly, it encourages you to think about the differences and similarities between your home and host cultures. It may sound strange, but it also helps you understand yourself and WHO YOU ARE!!!

Know your audience! Who are you presenting to?
Young Children
Children love ACTION! They probably won’t be as interested in politics as they will be in getting to know you personally! Remember that children respond best to visual aides, and also enjoy what they can taste and hear. You can prepare a favorite song in your home language, share your favorite food, or teach a fun game that your participants can all enjoy together. You may want to leave some time for questions as your students may surprise you(a past participant was asked if she rides elephants at home!). Children are curious and astonishingly insightful; you may learn something new as you share your own culture! Above all, remember to be honest, be yourself, and be prepared!!

High School Students
High School students also enjoy interactive activities. Topics of interest may include differences in music, pop culture or what a typical school day is like in your home country. You can share personal stories, teach your language or give a geography lesson.

Adults
You should get to know the type of adult group you are talking to in order to understand what most interests them. Is your audience interested in politics? If so, keep in mind they will want to know ABOUT your political system and NOT solely about your personal political views. Your audience may also be interested in religions, food, family life and language. Whatever the case may be, plan ahead carefully so as not to run out of time.

Now what?
Ok, you are now ready to prepare for your presentation. You know where and when you will present. This means you also know who your audience is (students your age, adults, young children). You should also know how much time you will have to present and the type of presentation you are making. Try and learn ahead of time what room you will be presenting in and what audio/visual equipment you will need (PowerPoint presentation, video, tape/CD player).

You also want to think about whether there will be enough time for questions, as everyone will be curious! Your host family and local AFS contacts might be willing to let you “practice” your presentation in front of them. Ask! Ask! Ask! They will have some great feedback and will help you smooth out the fine details of your presentation. Of course this is supposed to be fun so enjoy it! Lastly, don’t forget to invite your AFS friends to your presentation (you can even ask them to help present!)

Items that may be helpful to bring:
Maps, pictures, clothing, books, brochures, food, music - and of course anything else you think of!

As you are teachers of the English language, you may be interested in keeping up with the events and activities of TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, Inc). If you have access to the Internet, check out their web-site: http://www.tesol.edu

You may also be interested in searching the web for various other teaching resources: in the U.S. the Internet is an excellent tool for searching for information and/or ideas!

Some sites you may find useful:

http://www.education-world.com
http://education.discovery.com/ ?clik=www_nav_edu
http://www.puzz lemaker.com
http://www. nytimes.com/learning
http://www. cnn.com/fyi/teachers
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/education< br> http://www.abcdb ooks.org