Explore Japan Program Seeks Walpole Participants

Explore Japan is a unique summer enrichment program based in Milton. Over the past 22 years dozens of Walpole families have joined the program, including the Cohen family. ”We hosted for about 4 summers, and enjoyed every single one,” comments Diane Cohen, “We are looking forward to hosting again this year.”

During the program local students attend daily Japanese cultural classes and workshops and in the afternoon go on field trips with a group of students visiting from Japan, who are attending separate English classes each morning. For families that host a visitor, further expanding the opportunity for learning and exchange, the entire program is free. This summer some of the classes will include Japanese cooking, language and calligraphy, and the students will visit the MFA, Plimoth Plantation and Fenway Park, among other fun Boston sites.

While the daily activities, which run Monday-Friday 9am-4pm are for the host children, Explore Japan is an experience for the entire family. “It is fun to see our state, city etc. through the eyes of someone who lives in another country,” Ms Cohen observed. “Although at first it may be hard to communicate with your student you will find that in a short period of time they become part of our family, so much so that on the day they have to leave it takes forever to say good bye! There are so many tears and hugs and pictures and more tears and hugs!”

This year the program will be held from July 23 - August 9 (boys) and July 25 - August 11 (girls). Families that are interested in joining Explore Japan this summer can apply at www.americanlearning.com. For more information call the program at (617) 996 0622 or email americanlearning@gmail.com.