My host family and I were featured in the Diario De Pontevedra.
Translation: Basically it says, Two students from Thailand and Canada live and study in Marin with a host family in a program called "Open your house to the world"
June is 17 years old, is from Bangkok and lives and studies in Marin since this past September 7th. Jethro es from Vancouver, Canada although his parents have roots in Hong Kong. They arrived on the same date and both are enrolled in Illa de Tambo. (highschool). Their host parents are from Marin, Lois Gonzalez Dopazo and Elena Gallego Abad, and both students will be in Spain until June 27th. June and Jethro are in an exchange program organization called AFS Interculture where Lois and Elena are representatives in Galicia.
(In Galician) "This exchange program is not only for learning a another language, it is also intercultural. In this program, we find students that participate to learn about the culture of other countries, that are very different than their own countries; and also to know how to live and survive in other countries with an environment of peace and respect.
"In all cases, the host families are volunteers" highlights Elena.
(Back in Spanish)
As explained, June and Jethro arrived in Spain for this experience. The process started when they chose Spain and were accepted. In all cases, their profiles about themselves are chosen by host families and are the ones who decide. Their actions are completely voluntary and generous. In this way, first June, and a little bit later Jethro, who first lived with another family in Ponteareas are hosted by this family in Marin.
"This journey has been fun but also difficult, since it's the first time I'm not living with my family explains Jethro. Some things for example, learning a new language, living in a different country with different cultures, and the opportunity to make new friends. The people here are very friendly and help me whenever I have doubts or problems."
Meanwhile, June arrived to Galicia without knowing a word of Spanish. "Right now, I understand a lot more, and the people help me a lot." ensures June. "It is very different here" she adds.
Other things the two have had to adapt to is food. People in Bangkok are more used to cuisine with lots of sauces and spices, notably more spicy than the food in Galicia. Although she misses Thai food, her favorite Spanish foods are Spanish tortilla and Paella.
Jethro, has found some types of food strange, for example traditional galician cocido. In addition, squid and octupus are different for the two students, but are tasty.
"The adaptation has been fairly good" explains Lois.
Other customs that calls their attention is the way they celebrate the holidays in Spain. For example, June isn't used to celebrating Christmas or Three Wise Men, and in New Year, she celebrates Chinese New Year, Thai New Year, and New Year.
For Lois and Elena, this is also an enriching experience. It's the second time they have participated in this program, last year a girl from Austin, Texas lived with them. At the same time, their daughter Antia is in France also participating in AFS Interculture programs.
Experience( In Galician): "At first, we have a language barrier. They try to learn and communicate. That is what it is like to be in a different culture. At best, they also have different ways of expressing themselves. At first, it is very difficult because they are hundreds of kilometers from their families. It is a very enriching experience because we learn to value what we have", explains Elena
"Learning our cultures in all senses, whether Carnaval, Christmas, or Easter Week", states Lois. "We try to tell them that this is our culture"
(In the pink box): Since they are host parents, Elena and Lois highlight that they would like to see more people helping in the programs by opening their house to the world. One of the projects that they would like to do is a presentation in Marin that can help parents and youth (between 15-17years old) that are interested.
