July 12 to 18, July 15 to 21, and July 27 to August 9, high and junior high students from Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Korea, and Japan will come to Brigham Young University Hawaii to participate in the Aloha ESL program administered by the Center for Instructional Technology and Outreach (CITO). In the past eight years, the CITO program has hosted over 2, 200 students.
In Hawaii’s unique setting, the 9 to 18-year-old students seek to increase their English proficiency through intensive classroom study. Each morning during the week long program, qualified instructors use a variety of teaching methods that include the TALL (Technology Assisted Language Learning) English Program.
During the afternoons, they will enjoy a variety of outdoor activities that include visiting Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, the North Shore, Waikiki, and the Polynesian Cultural Center.
“One of the highlights of the program for many students,” said Sherrie Bangerter, CITO administrator, “is the opportunity they have to learn about American and Hawaiian culture by living with local families.” This year the program is once again looking for local families who are willing open their homes to these Asian students.
“Placing each student with a family who will provide a safe, very clean, positive environment is our first responsibility,” said Bangerter. “We hope local families will consider this great opportunity to learn about and incorporate a new culture into their family life for a week.” Host families receive compensation for each student they host.
“One of the hallmarks of the Aloha ESL program comes from the willingness of the La’ie community members to open their homes to the youth who come to us from afar,” said Bob Hayden, Director of CITO. “CITO outreach programs have grown in so many ways because of their generosity and kindness.”
Families interested in hosting a student should contact CITO at 293-3783, or visit the CITO website: http://cito.byuh.edu/ESL/esl-home-stay-program.htm
