Archives

Japan – Summer Language Camp in Tokyo

Welcome to Japan, a collection of islands home to spectacular mountains, delicate pottery and spell-binding tea ceremonies.

Perhaps the most unique aspect of Japanese culture is its love of precise physical composition. This aesthetic is evident in all facets of Japanese culture, from manicured gardens and flower arrangements to small functional homes, from haiku poetry to beautifully arranged traditional foods.

Japan is a constitutional monarchy. The monarch is greatly revered, but holds little power. The true head of state is the prime minister.

The official language is Japanese, which has one of the most complex writing systems in the world, with over 3,000 characters and three different scripts.

France – Summer Language Camp

Welcome to the timeless country of romance, wine and the arts. France occupies an area slightly larger than California, and is divided into 96 different regions or départements that are as varied as the landscape. France has left its mark on the diverse worlds of gastronomy, arts, politics, fashion, and science and is the number one tourist destination in the world. It is a republic led by a president who serves for seven years. The official language is French, although there are many different dialects spoken within the various regions.

Host a French student or go to France yourself!

VIETNAM

Welcome to Vietnam, the land of lunar festivals, fresh foods and serene rice fields.

Vietnam is famous for its cuisine and use of fish sauce, rice, and fresh herbs. One of Vietnam’s most famous dishes is Pho, in which a clear beef broth is poured over rice noodles and eaten with sliced beef, lemon, and various herbs. Respect and politeness are highly valued in Vietnam.

Vietnam is a communist state with a President and Prime Minister. Many different languages are spoken in Vietnam. Vietnamese is the official language and English is increasingly favored as a second language. Some French, Chinese, Khmer, and mountain area languages are also spoken.

THAILAND

Welcome to Thailand, the land of ancient cities, delectable cuisine and colorful outdoor markets.

Thailand is home to friendly and strong-willed people who are proud to preserve their spirit of independence. The country boasts a rich culture of renowned cuisine and a legacy of sculpture and architecture dating from the 6th century. Thailand is famous for its beaches and the vibrant, urban activity of Bangkok. In almost any town, one can find outdoor markets and glorious temples that are hundreds of years old.

Thailand today is a parliamentary democracy headed by a constitutional monarchy. They have a close political relationship with the US. Thai, a difficult and tonal language, is spoken widely throughout the country.

SWEDEN

Welcome to Sweden, the land of lush forests and crystal clear freshwater lakes.

Sweden is one of the most industrialized countries in Europe. Major industries include timber, iron, vehicles (those Saabs and Volvos you see on the road are made with Swedish pride), and communications. Popular IKEA furniture is another successful export.

The government of Sweden is a constitutional monarchy. Real power lies with the Riksdag (parliament), led by an elected prime minister.

The official language of Sweden is Swedish, but many other languages, including English, are spoken.

SPAIN

Welcome to Spain, home to flamenco dancers and bullfights, fresh seafood and sprawling beaches.

Spain holds mountains, deserts, wetlands, plains, and miles of coastline. Famous artists such as El Greco, Goya, Picasso, Velazquez, and Dali have helped put the country on the map, and the works of modernist architect Gaudi lure millions of visitors there each year.

Today the country is a constitutional monarchy. The true head of state is the Spanish prime minister.

Ethnically, the people are divided as Castilians, Catalans, Galicians, and Basques. Although Castilian Spanish is the official language, the Catalans, Galicians, and Basques all have separate native languages that continue to thrive.

RUSSIA

Welcome to Russia, the largest country by area in the world, and an ethnically and culturally rich place to call home.

Home to over 140 nature reserves, Russia is teeming with wildlife and a wide range of geographic and areas. Its ballet companies are world-renowned. Composers like Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov, and Stravinsky are household names and Russian literature (Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Solzhenitsyn and Chekhov), is acclaimed world-wide.

The Russian government is a federation headed by a president, and its official currency is the Rouble.

The official language is Russian, but there are several regional dialects.

NORWAY

Welcome to Norway, the “Land of the Midnight Sun,” glistening fjords, and a strong sense of tradition.

It is cold; there is no doubt about that. The mountainous interior is home to some of Europe’s largest glaciers. But its population mostly lives in urban areas, and Norwegians find their country generally an un-crowded place to call home. The country has one of the highest standards of living in the world.

Norway has a constitutional democracy headed by a prime minister.

There are two forms of the official Norwegian language: one is used most commonly for everyday communication, and the other is a combination of many rural dialects.

NETHERLANDS

Welcome to the Netherlands, the land of multi-colored tulip fields, bicycles and historically liberal public policies.

The Netherlands has been shaped by its proximity and relationship to the water. Over 50 percent of the Netherlands lies below sea level. The Dutch rely on a system of dikes, dams, lochs, and mechanical pumps to protect their country from flooding, and its cities have beautiful canals running around and through them.

The Netherlands is a constitutional monarchy, led by the king or queen, and the prime minister.  This little country plays a leading role in the European Union.

The official language is Dutch; however, most Dutch people speak fluent English, and often speak Frisian, French or German as well.

MONTENEGRO

Welcome to Montenegro, home to diverse wildlife, picturesque coasts and a wealth of religious monuments.

Montenegro is a melting pot of several different histories and cultures, with Ancient Greek, Roman, Serbian, Ottoman, Italian and Yugoslavian influences all helping to create the Montenegro of today. A strong sense of respect for humanity and dignity is a large part of Montenegrin culture. Traditions of epic poetry and songs create a living record of Montenegro’s complex history.

Today, Montenegro is a republic led by a president elected every five years. Montenegrin is the official language, though Serbian, Bosnian, Albanian, and Croatian are also spoken and recognized.