Atlanta's Rich Cultural Neighborhoods Are a Learning Experience for Students

Atlanta has a unique culture among major cities in the US. There are countless avenues for foreign visitors to explore the distinct flavor of this southern city through it's soulful food, music and traditions. However, like other U.S. cities, the rich cultural experience that Atlanta offers is in great part because of it's many international influences.

Learn about experiencing Atlanta with Mark's Homestay

Atlanta is home to many of it's own international communities which bring the special traditions and lifestyles of those countries right to our front door. These neighborhoods, restaurants, arts centers and more are a great place to go to learn about these colorful cultures. One of Atlanta's most well known locations for these international communities is concentrated along the bustling Buford Highway.

Learn more about Atlanta's unique neighborhoods

Named "best neighborhood for diversity" by Creative Loafing Atlanta in their 2011 "Ultimate Neighborhood Guide", the Dekalb County community begins north of Midtown and continues through Brookhaven, Chamblee, Doraville, and part of Gwinnett. Among others, the area is home to Korean, Mexican, Chinese Vietnamese, Indian/South Asian, Central American and Ethiopian communities. With more than 1,000 immigrant owned businesses in the community, Buford Highway is said to have the highest concentration of multi-ethnic owned businesses in the Southeast. And they're not just restaurants and entertainment, among the businesses are a wide array of services including law offices and physical therapy clinics.

Photo Courtesy of Creative Loafing
Buford Highway shopping center signs represent the cultural variety of the community.

Buford Highway has attracted many food-lovers and food-centered events, including the Southern Foodways Alliance's 10th annual 2-day foodie field trip where participants grazed up and down the famous highway. The event celebrated the interaction of southern and foreign cuisine. A Creative Loafing article reports that a "Deep South Dim Sum" as well as Mexican-Southern fusion dishes were among the delectable dishes.

Exchange students who make the decision to attend academic programs here in Atlanta get to enjoy the multi-cultural atmosphere of the city, inside and outside of the perimeter. To learn more about how to live with an American host family while studying in this exciting and rapidly growing city, or to apply to be a host, visit Mark's Homestay online.

Mark's Homestay takes students on The ATL Experience Tour, a 15 mile journey which hits many of Atlanta's most famous and historical destinations. This is a great way to get an introduction to the institutions and communities which make up the heart of the city. Hosts, this is a great way to introduce your students to Atlanta. Contact tours@markshomestay.com to book today!

Students - Apply today to live with a host family in Atlanta, Georgia!