Homestay program at ISOWA America

 

This year, ISOWA launched a new program.

 

It is a two-week "Summer Vacation Homestay Program" at ISOWA America in Phoenix, Arizona, for the high school-aged children of our ISOWA employees.

 

This program has been one of my dreams for several years.

 

My own very first trip abroad was a homestay in the United States when I was a second-year high school student.

 

Because ISOWA aims to create a company that makes us and our families happy, I wanted to give our family members around the same age I was at the time a similar experience as a gift.

 

I also wanted our families to experience ISOWA firsthand, including our corporate philosophy and values.

 

Furthermore, I wanted to deepen the bond between the people of ISOWA and ISOWA America.

 

With these thoughts in mind, I came up with this program.

 

First, when we reached out for IA members who might be willing to host our students, Ann Marie and Akemi volunteered.

Many other IA members offered their help as well, which made me feel that this kind of cross-Pacific collaboration is truly a testament to ISOWA’s company culture.

 

Next, when we called for participants, two students stepped forward: M-san, the daughter of Mr. H, and K-san, the son of Mr. I.

 

After completing their two-week homestay and safely returning home, they visited ISOWA with plenty of souvenirs and gave a presentation about their experience.

 

In the first half of their presentation, they shared what their daily lives in America were like, including the meals they enjoyed and activities they participated in.

 

What amazed me was how many different experiences their host families, Ann Marie and Akemi, provided for them during their private time.

 

They cooked together, played games, held a family BBQ, went shopping at supermarkets and malls, and even watched a Major League Baseball game.

They also visited a zoo and an aquarium.

 

IA coordinated so many activities throughout those two weeks that it would be impossible to list them all.

 

Their warm hospitality made me deeply happy!

 

In the second half of the presentation, they delivered the English presentation they had originally given at IA on their final day of the homestay.

 

During their stay in the United States, they took on the challenge of interviewing IA members in English and presented a summary of what they learned.

 

When asked, "What do you like about IA?", many members answered, "The way everyone helps each other" and "Our spirit of taking on challenges."

I believe both students experienced the wonderful spirit of teamwork at IA firsthand.

 

At the end of the presentation, I suggested, "Let's take a commemorative photo!"

 

But they replied, "We want to take it with everyone at IA!" 

So we took a photo together.

 

Both of them look great and stylish wearing the company uniform polo shirts presented to them by IA!

 

Thanks to their courage in raising their hands and taking on this opportunity, we were able to create a brand-new kind of collaboration with IA.  

 

Everyone involved had a genuinely exciting and enjoyable time.

 

I felt that both students returned home much more confident and resilient than before they left.

 

I hope they will carry this experience with them as fuel for their lives and continue to grow and thrive in the future!

 

Great job, M-san and K-san!