A fresh start and a wonderful summer ahead. It is safe:)

We are so excited to start off our summer with a new student from the Philippines with a family background and roots in Hong Kong...

One item that always seems to come up is.. Is it safe? such a very practical question and one that I used to be offended by. But most students, in fact most people, only see the worst of the U.S.A. when watching the news. Gang killings, Drug wars and crime everywhere is what is portrayed.

How to explain that although there are major social issues in our country most people do not see them or are exposed to this part of life.
I have come to enjoy these questions and use them as a means of finding common ground. In every country there are areas and issues that make one afraid to travel. Knowledge and education usually teaches us that they are tragic issues isolated to a specific region.
Just like people from the USA, that make broad generalizations about whole groups or regions of the world. Others also do this. The difference is we (U.S.A.) are more transparent and therefore more open to critique and fear.
Yes, there are parts of Los Angeles you don't go to.. I know where they are.. but I have never been. It is the same in any large city in every country in the world.

So before you nix the idea of a trip to a country because of crime or other issues.. research it, find out where to avoid and more importantly find out where you can go and what you will miss if you don't go.

I do this with our students. It is our hope that they begin to see the USA in a different perspective and enjoy our country with all it's faults and pimples...
Having a different more informed world view is a major part of our love of home stays..
Arrivals start tomorrow... Our new journey with new friends begins.