Thank You Thursday – Kanako from Japan |

For this week’s Thank You Thursday, Kanako from Japan reminds us that when our students return to their home countries at the end of their American experience, it is not “goodbye” – it’s “see you later”! Kanako spent the 20/21 school year in Utah and even though she’s been back home in Japan since last June part of her heart is still there.

Staying in the US as an exchange student was so exciting and all the memories that I’ve made there are my treasures.

Kanako being welcomed at the airport by her host family

My host family was my host mom, host dad, and three younger brothers. This was my first time having siblings, so it took me a while to get used to it, but it was so much fun to be with them. What I loved was playing video games with them. At first, I didn’t even know how to use a controller, but I remember that they explained kindly. Whenever I was depressed because of homesickness, they’ve tried to cheer me up and my host mom cooked Japanese food for dinner. I think I couldn’t have handle the homesickness without their kindness and support.

Kanako and her three younger host brothers all dressed up for Halloween! Kanako couldn’t be happier about the Cleopatra dress that her host mom made for her.

Right now, I’m in Japan, and I still keep in contact with them. A couple of months ago, one of my brothers told me that he’s learning Japanese and he watches movies in Japanese. I was surprised at it, but that made me so happy!! I hope I can talk with him in Japanese one day!! We are not together now, but they are my family and I love them so much!!!!

– Kanako from Japan

Kanako (left) having fun with her friends as they get ready for prom

Would you like to welcome a student like Kanako to your home and heart this upcoming school year? Check out the profiles of our amazing 2022/23 students!