Students Depart Narita for the TOMODACHI 2013 Coca-Cola Homestay Program
On July 22, 2013, one hundred twenty eight bright, energetic, and motivated students participating in the TOMODACHI Summer 2013 Coca-Cola Educational Homestay Program attended an orientationat Narita Airport as they prepared to depart for the United States. Students will visit Washington, DC and Atlanta, GA before splitting into smaller groups. They will engage in homestays across America including Burlington, VT; Erie, PA; Louisville, KY; Salem, OR; Dallas, TX; St. Louis, MO; Minneapolis, MN; and Folsom, CA. The TOMODACHI and EIL (Experiment in International Living) Japan teams made welcome presentations which were followed by a viewing of inspirational video messages by Ambassador Roos and Michael Coombs, the CEO of Coca-Cola Japan.
Groups of students, each representing their respective destinations, gave remarks about what they would like to accomplish during the trip. Several groups were very creative with their presentations and performed dances and skits. Students took a group photo and excitement filled the room as they prepared to embark on their journey. Last year, 60 students attended the same program. These students were able to build lasting relationships with their homestay families, improve their English, and learn about American culture.
