Japanese Students Say Thank You with Art in Oceanside
Japanese exchange students participating in Go World’s short-term homestay program in Oceanside found a meaningful way to say thank you—through hand-painted rock art shared with host families and the local community.
When Kristy Torrez, a Local Coordinator with Go World, planned a cultural exchange visit for her group of Japanese students in Oceanside, California, she came across something unique: a rock garden by the beach.
“I found the garden while researching fun things to do in Oceanside,” Kristy said. “The website had a quote that stuck with me. Instead of purchasing a souvenir from Oceanside, why not leave one of your own behind?’ That sparked the idea.”
Rather than buy keepsakes, Kristy invited her group to leave behind a personal memory. The plan? Each student would paint two rocks one to leave at the Oceanside rock garden and one to give to their host family as a thank-you gift.
On the group’s first day, Kristy brought them to visit the garden and introduced the concept. While the students seemed curious, they didn’t fully grasp the significance yet. That changed by the end of the trip.
As the program came to a close, Kristy brought out paints and brushes. Each student created two custom rocks, pouring in creativity and emotion. The students enjoyed expressing themselves, and their artistic talents came to life.
On their final day, they returned to the rock garden to place their creations. This time, something clicked. The students walked slowly, reading other people’s messages and carefully choosing where to leave their own. That evening at the farewell party, they presented the second rock to their host families as a heartfelt thank you.
“The host families were touched,” Kristy said: “It was a simple but beautiful way to say goodbye and now they have a lasting reminder of their student’s time with them.”
Why these moments matter
Cultural exchange programs aren't just about travel, they’re about connection. Go World's short-term homestay programs are built to create meaningful experiences like this, where students and families form real relationships that last far beyond two weeks.
Whether it’s sharing meals, learning new traditions, or painting a rock together, these small moments add up to something much bigger.
How to get involved
Have a story like this to share? We love hearing from our families, coordinators, and students. Send us your story at info@goworldedu.org and it could be featured next.
Live in California or another Go World host region? You can be part of these powerful exchanges by hosting a student through our short-term cultural exchange programs.
Host for just 2 weeks
Share your daily life and community
Make lifelong global connections
Earn Go Credits for your own teen’s travel abroad
Interested in hosting? Learn more about becoming a host family.
About Go World
Go World connects students, host families, and local coordinators through cultural exchange programs in the U.S., France, Japan, and beyond. Our mission is to create high-impact, short-term experiences that foster global understanding, one family at a time.
