Our Program: The Daily Life WorkshopBeauty: Self Expression.

Focuses on perfect English through a "Self Portrait."

Power: Personal Interaction

Focuses on gaining cultural knowledge through a certain individual.

Wisdom: Cultural Connection

Focuses on comfortable interactions with an American Family.

Beauty: Self Expression Focus on Individual: The Student

In this part of the program, the students focus on perfecting their new language through personal description. Keeping in mind the kinds of things they would like to share with others, the students write a 'Self Portrait' in their native language about themselves and their backgrounds. NACOS then translates this into the language they are studying (Japanese or English). Because it is so personal, the Self Portrait is easier to remember and relate to in their new language. Students of all language levels are urged to memorize and recite their Self Portrait fluently. In doing this, they will begin to feel comfortable with the language and discover the beauty of its intonation and rhythm. Studying it further, the students become familiar with more vocabulary, expressions, and language patterns that relate directly to expressing themselves better.

Power: Personal InteractionFocus on Individual: Getting to Know a Certain Individual

NACOS introduces each of our students to a native speaker of the language they are studying. Interacting with this individual, the student forms a clear image of their lifestyle and personality. They are given the opportunity to explore the power of language to induce certain feelings or change the tone of a situation. The student is encouraged to reach beyond language ability to associate with this person in great detail. That means not worrying whether their language is perfect. The goal is communication and discovery, not perfect language. With the help of NACOS, they should try to find out as much as possible about the person by asking meaningful questions and discussing various topics with enthusiasm. By doing so, the student can discard an obscure, stereotypical image, and realize the individuality of this person. Forming a close relationship and practicing uninhibited communication skills with them is a very empowering experience.

Wisdom: Cultural Connection Focus on the Group: Family Contact Experience

In this part of the Daily Life Workshop, the focus shifts from the individual to interactions with a group. Students take part in Family Contact experiences with kind, accepting families who speak the target language. Family Contact involves spending time with a family for a day or a few days with overnight stays. These families are selected very carefully so that the student is not given a 'show.' Family Contact allows the student to concentrate on functioning in a group and finding their place within it. In group situations, where many native speakers are conversing, many students are hesitant to jump into a conversation. They may feel intimidated or afraid that their language skills are not good enough to keep up. Spending time with a family is the perfect opportunity to overcome these fears. This is the time for the students to "be themselves" and not worry about producing perfect sentences. Communication without inhibition is the key.

Simply by participating in the ordinary daily life of the host family, the students will uncover surprising similarities and differences between the host culture and their own. Remaining open to new ideas, beliefs, and ways of doing things enables the students to learn volumes, not only about the host culture, but also about themselves. The deepest understanding of the new language and culture is gained not by focusing on the language itself, but through real daily life experiences and interactions. By finding their niche in a family situation, the students gain wisdom and a knowledge of language and culture that cannot be taught in a classroom or learned from a book.