A Thanksgiving Day 'Thank You' to our Homestay Hosts!

A Thanksgiving Message from Mark's Homestay.

We are thankful for all the wonderful Mark's Homestay host families that continue to share their homes with students from all over the globe! You do more than open a door to your home--you open up your hearts and lives. While you and your students enjoy your holiday feast this year, take this opportunity to share stories about cultural traditions around the table.

ELS-Atlanta students enjoying a T-Day feast on the campus of SPSU in Marietta

Although Thanksgiving is uniquely North American, did you know that several countries have their own version of the holiday. For example...

• Japan celebrates "Labor Thanksgiving Day" on November 23, a holiday that was adapted after World War II. The holiday's purpose is to commemorate labor and production, as well as to give thanks. 
• Germany, "The Harvest Thanksgiving Festival" includes large harvest dinners and parades, much like its American counterpart

In an article by Audrie Palmer, foreign exchange student from Norway Sara Haaland expresses why she is so excited to experience Thanksgiving dinner with her host family.

"It's a big part of American tradition and culture." she said. "Getting to be here and seeing the traditions is a lot of the reason I wanted to experience what I saw in the movies," Haaland said. "Allowing me to get to experience it, means a lot to me. It does."

We thank you again for hosting!
Happy Thanksgiving!

Sincerely,
Mark's Homestay

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