Aveson families opened their hearts and their homes to middle and high school aged youth from China recently. Chinese students spent two weeks in the Pasadena/Los Angeles area thanks to ESL4Asia and Aveson’s Homestay Program.
Over 60 students spent their days with "Aveson Guides," AGLA students who showed them a day in the life of Aveson. They attended classes together, ate Aveson school lunch together, and even played together - one of the highlights for both groups of kids was basketball at Loma Alta Park!
In the evening Aveson families played host to the Chinese kids, exposing them to their version of American culture through food (home cooked meals and dining out), games and conversation. The kids were treated to a Clippers game, a trip to Disneyland and a day at Exposition Park. Some of the kids even enjoyed learning how to make the All-American campfire treat, s’mores!
Aveson families report that inviting Chinese students into their homes was fun and it helped the students as well as their own families understand a different culture.
“Hosting the Chinese students was a great experience,” said Aveson mom, Michelle Zvonec. “They’re still communicating with us and I feel like we made a real connection.” 
To learn more about the Aveson Homestay Program and how you can host students in the future email our Global Competencies Coordinator, Tom Hyatt at tomhyatt@aveson.org.