Travel + School = school exchange programme

1. Skim the text and choose the best title.

a. Planning your school exchange visit.

b. The best way to learn and travel.

c. Three things to avoid when travelling abroad.

Travelling the world is something many people dream of doing, but it isn’t easy if you’re young and don’t have a lot of money saved up. One way you can travel cheaply and learn at the same time is through a student exchange programme. Through this type of programme, you can spend time in another country while you study and live with a host family. Adrian and Melisa share their experiences abroad.

Adrian says: “I’m Adrian and I’m 15. I’m from the USA and I visited Japan. I was nervous at first because it was a big culture shock, but my host family was very kind and generous. I spent four weeks in Tokyo, which is one of the cleanest cities I’ve ever been to! The history and the food are amazing, and my host family showed me around the city. I even learned how to spell my name in Japanese!”

Melisa says: “I’m Melisa and I’m 16. I’m from Argentina and I visited Germany. The best thing about my two months in Germany was learning about my roots and improving my German. I’m more confident when speaking now. My immersion experience has helped me grow and broaden my perspective. I also had the opportunity to visit neighbouring countries, because they are close by. I’ll go back to visit soon!” a. What places have you visited? b. What have you done so far? c. What did you like or dislike?

2. Imagine you are Melisa or Adrian and you are sending an email to your family back home. Write a short paragraph describing the experiences you’ve had and how you feel. Use both the present perfect and the simple past, and the questions as a guide.

Dear Mum and Dad, I’ve been for two weeks already and I miss you so much! This city is wonderful and I’ve tried many different foods. I went to… a. How may I help you? b. Will that be cash or credit? c. How long does it take? d. One way or round trip? e. How much is it? f. What is the boarding time?

3. Adrian is buying his bus ticket. Who says these phrases? Write “TA” (ticket agent) or “C” (customer).

4. Pair work. Create a dialogue with questions from activity 3 and Adrian’s bus ticket. Then practise the dialogue with a partner.

PASSENGER TICKET NO. 354894456

Date: Feb. 4

Departure: 13:00

Arrival: 15:30

Boarding time: 12:45

Gate: G5

From: Shibuya

To: Tokyo Station

Roundtrip fee: $ 10.00

BUS TICKET

Invest in rest

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, NIV).

1. Read the following text and answer the questions.

“For in six days, the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day...” (Exodus 20:11, NIV). Wow! Even God took a day off! However, he didn’t rest because he was tired; God is all-powerful. He wanted to show that humans need rest to keep our minds and bodies healthy. He also set aside a special day, the Sabbath, which means “to rest from labour”, so we can spend time with God and consider the work he has done for us. God commands that we rest from our busy lives every Sabbath in order to hear him, seek him and obey him better.

a. What does the expression 24/7 mean? Write a sentence using this expression.

b. Why is it important to follow a 24/6 lifestyle instead?

2. Look at the icons and select the top five things you enjoy doing on Sabbath.

3. Read the 4 R’s tips to finding real rest. Then discuss the questions with your group.

• Reconnect with God after a busy week through prayer, Bible study and worship.

• Recharge and rest on the 7th day: Sabbath.

• Relate to the people around you. Grow your relationships with others.

• Rejoice and thank God for all his blessings.

a. What do you dislike most about our fast-paced society?

b. What can you do to remember to slow down and “take a break”?

c. Of the 4 R’s, which is the easiest for you to do? And the hardest?