Mark's Homestay On Ice: New International Students Have Some Fun On The Rink!

Mark's Homestay joined new international students on Friday for some fun on the ice at Atlantic Station's "Winter Wonderland" Ice Skating Rink! The students are studying the English language with ELS Atlanta (English Language Services) on the Southern Polytechnic University campus in Marietta. 

International students from Brazil on the ice skating rink at Atlantic Station in Atlanta, Georgia.

One homestay student from Brazil who is staying with a family in Marietta said she was really enjoying the trip to the rink. "There aren't many ice rinks back home at all. I don't get to ice skate a lot! This is really nice," she said. She really enjoys living with her homestay family and loves going hiking with her mom on Kennesaw Mountain, near where they live. "Me and my host mom go there a lot. I really love it."

Learn more about becoming a host for international students in metro Atlanta

The ELS student group. They really enjoyed the cultural experience and each other's company!

The students came from countries like Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, and Japan to experience American culture and improve their English language skills. Many of them are looking for American families to stay with in order to improve their English and experience American culture.

"All my room mates are from Saudi Arabia too, so we just speak Arabic only to each other all the time. I want to get into a homestay with an American family so I will practice English more," said one student.

Students from Saudi Arabia

The trip downtown was a first for many of the students. Mark's Homestay and ELS take students on excursions to let them experience the culture of the city and it also serves as a nice break from studying. The holidays are a perfect time for international students to experience some truely American traditions. 

ELS students on skates!

As we traversed Atlantic Station, we took in sights such as busy shoppers hurrying to get their Christmas shopping done, Santa Claus in a sled being pulled around by a train full of children, and an array of decorations and lights lining each street we passed. While Christmas is celebrated in many countries, here in America we are uniquely enthusiastic about the holiday, and it is a joy to rediscover this time of year with our students who are experiencing it here in the states for the first time. 

Here at Mark's Homestay, we hope that you will join us on our next cultural adventure; and that you will consider hosting an international student this holiday season!