Lesson 4: First day

ESL Course: English for Studying Abroad

An ESL guide to prepare you for your homestay. This is lesson 4 of a 10 lesson course.

PDF: First day

Introduction

  1. What do you think you will do on the first day of your homestay?
  2. What information might you need to know?
  3. What could go wrong?

Vocabulary

cereal / corn flakesto registercurrency
to charge a batteryan adaptorto figure out
emergencypaperworkI was wondering....
Can I ask if/whether?Do you know where/when/how…? 

Conversation

Helen: Morning Maki! How did you sleep?
Maki: Good morning. I slept well, thanks.
Helen: What would you like for breakfast? Cereal or toast?
Maki: I'll have cereal, please. Thank you.
Helen: No problem. Oh, you must tell me if there's anything you're allergic to.
Maki: I'm not allergic to anything, but I don't like things that are too sweet.
Helen: Okay, I'll keep that in mind. Here's your cereal.
...
Helen: So you have a busy day today. First, I'll take you to the Language Academy so you can register for your classes.
Maki: Okay, can you tell me what I need to take?
Helen: If I were you, I would take my passport and any documents you have from the school. And you'll need some money, too. Do you have any English money?
Maki: A little, but I think I need to go to a currency exchange shop.
Helen: Okay, I know a place we can go to.
Maki: That'll be great, thanks. And I was wondering if I can get a phone?
Helen: Yes, we'll go into town for lunch and get you what you need.
...
Maki: Sorry, can I ask if you have WiFi? I brought my tablet with me and was wondering if I can connect to the internet.
Helen: Yes, hang on, I'll get the password for you.
Maki: Thanks. Actually, I think I need to charge the battery first. Oh no, my power cord from Japan won't work here. Do you know where I can get an adapter?
Helen: Okay, we'll figure something out. Before I forget, here's a list of emergency contact numbers for you.
Maki: Ah, thank you. That's really helpful.

What to Expect

Some homestay families will have everything planned for you. Other families might not have prepared anything! Be ready to ask for help and advice whenever you need it.

Try role-playing a conversation at a currency exchange shop, a mobile phone shop, or asking for an adaptor at an electronics shop.

Next Lesson

English for Studying Abroad - Lesson 5

Lesson List

  1. Arriving at the airport
  2. Getting to the city
  3. Meeting your homestay family
  4. First day
  5. At school
  6. Hanging out with friends
  7. Getting around town
  8. Shopping
  9. Sightseeing
  10. Saying goodbye

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