Month: December 2018

Episode 12: Reflection on Relationships, New Beginnings, Health and Soul-Satisfying Decisions

December 31, 2018 Homestay Kitchen Holiday, Homestay Kitchen News 00:32:23

It’s the end of 2018… and like everyone else, Erin and Mary reflect on new beginnings, growth, health, and some soul-satisfying decisions that were made in the past year. We also awaken our appreciation for our relationships… to our family, each other, and of course, our students. We get tuned-in on how these partnerships are ever-expanding our lives for the better. So thank you. Thank you for listening, subscribing to the show, and hopefully laughing along with us. We’ve got some ideas for next year already, but remember, if you have any show ideas, questions or stories to share, email us at [email protected]. That’s also a great way to connect if you want to be on the show! We’d love to have you! So Happy New Year to you, whether you are a homestay parent or student! Here’s to an adventurous, fearless, and nurturing 2019!

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Episode 11: Sharing Holiday and Christmas Traditions with Students Who Study Abroad

December 24, 2018 Homestay Kitchen Family bonding, Food, Holiday 00:25:31

In this episode, we reveal our Christmas past, present and future with our international students. Mary shares her non-Christmas household, but reveals the little things she likes to do for the holidays. While Erin knows something will come together at the last minute for her family’s Christmas dinner. Listen for tips on what to do with students while keeping to a budget and a list of all our favourite holiday movies. Plus, how do the holidays differ in their student’s home countries? We find out about a Japanese tradition that is finger lickin’ good! Whatever holiday you celebrate this time of year, or even no holiday, we hope you get a break either way. It’s really all about the good food coming out of the kitchen and enjoying it with people that you love.

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Episode 10: Diversity, Discrimination, and Balancing Canadian and Japanese Studies with Yoko

December 17, 2018 Homestay Kitchen Family bonding, Food, Guests, Holiday, Long-term hosting 0:43:17
In this episode, we chat with Yoko, a Japanese student living with Erin. We examine some serious topics such as diversity and discrimination that she faces here in Canada and how it can be beneficial back home in Japan. We also touch on how she was able to participate in WE Day, a celebration of young leaders in Vancouver, and the balance of Japanese versus Canadian student culture. Plus, we learn how much Yoko is really a child of Erin’s and how she’s integrated so closely with Erin’s family and being a part of Canada.
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Episode 9: Board Games, Video Games and All the Things to Interact with Your Student

December 10, 2018 Homestay Kitchen Family bonding, Holiday 00:49:26

In this episode, we get into some of our favourite games to play with our students. It’s getting to that time of the year here in Canada where the nights are cold and long. Time to bundle up and play board games, video games, and #allthethings to keep one occupied when the family is over for the holidays. Or perhaps you’re getting a new student soon… what are your favourite games to play to help break the ice? Here are some ideas for easy games to play with young kids, games that require very little English, and even one that will make a mess.

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Episode 8: Building Your Network of People in the World with Veteran Host Parent Mel Kilpatrick

December 3, 2018 Homestay Kitchen Birthdays, Cooking with Students, Guests, Holiday, Homestay Kitchen News, Long-term hosting, Short-term hosting 00:40:40
In this episode, we chat with our dear friend Mel Kilpatrick. Mel was one of Mary’s first inspirations to become a homestay parent. We scratch the surface on some of the amazing stories with her past students and explore how these experiences enhance our network of people in the world… not just for us as hosts, but for the students as well. These experiences are what makes your household grow and learn from each other to extend our connection to the world.
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