Culture Fair!

This post will be split into two areas: Pictures and advice on the Culture Fair.

But this post isn't finished. I just really wanted to post some new pictures of myself. (EDIT: It's finished)

Love this picture

Kiwako is the most adorable girl. In the world.

I spent most of my time at her booth. She was the only Japanese and most people went to her booth. She needed the help. Also, every time I'm with her I learn something new; it's really good.

Kiwako had this at her booth.

She also had TONS of food.

Ah France.

I will edit this post later. (DONE)

ADVICE:

You will probably have to do more than one culture fair type thing, therefore, bring a lot of decorations, snacks and candy, and small gifts. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A FEW FLAGS OF YOUR COUNTRY!

This is really fun. But it's a lot more fun when you are prepared.

Rotary here gave each country about 15USD. America got about 30 USD because we have more people. However, we're going to have another fair and now the other countries are getting 30 USD and America is getting 60USD. But we have to pay for everything up front and keep the receipts, then we are reimbursed.

This culture fair was really really fun and I'm so happy we get to do it again. 



Gifts for Host Families and Taiwanese Friends!

Hi everyone!

Me in my blazer, with my two brothers.

It's normal and expected to bring gifts with you when you are an exchange student. Gifts for the families you stay with, and for friends. In addition, I am going through rotary so we have blazers. Rotary Exchange students all trade pins from different countries. It's really fun to try to fill your blazer. It's best to make, or buy those pins. You can try to get pins from companies, but it's very hard to get companies to do that in America, from my experience. My rotary club (and many others) will actually start you off with 100-200 pins. My club gave me 150, but they are just American flags. It's really cool to have different kinds. My advice is to go shopping for American things near the 4th of july. All the stores have cheap American stuff!

When you are in rotary, you don't start out knowing how many families you will have or what they'll be like, so it's best to get general things. Also, you have to carry everything yourself in the airport, so make sure it's lightweight!!

Gifts:
Four welcome signs; two red white and blue pom poms; like 7 or 8 shirts; three stress balls; four mini American flags; three pairs of American socks (XD); two American bracelets; two children's books; one ball paddle game; two viziers; four photo books I plan to fill half of each for the host families and fill the other half with them.

Today I went to craft stores and Marshals and got most of the gifts, and the stuff to make the pins.

Pin Stuff:
Six packs of pin backings; many packs of star stuff to put on them.

I got candy, shirts ( two shirts for 7 bucks! All different sizes.), small gifts, kids books in English, and etc.

Candy:

Three York candies; two different kinds of jelly beans; two packs of red, white and blue chocolate covered sunflower seeds; two dot candies; one chocolate cookie carton; two bags of American sweets.

ALSO when you are preparing, make sure you bring things for the culture fair. You will have your own booth! Bring stuff to decorate with!

Such as:

Two medium flags; red, white and blue stars; garland; some candy.

Please ask me questions! I would love to answer you!

Update From Several Years Later:
I wish I had brought some artisan goods from Connecticut. Such as maple syrup, or chocolate covered cranberries or something local. Alternatively I wish I had brought some American branded goods. In Asia people really enjoy receiving Ferrero Rocher chocolates or brand name clothing, for example. Even local coffee beans are an idea, or just Starbucks Brand Coffee. Even if those things are available in Asia, they are very expensive and considered really nice gifts. Generally, Taiwanese adults won't typically enjoy normal T-shirts with American flags on them and whatnot. Candy always goes over well, though.