The Welcome Party took place on the evening of September 5, at the Kyoto Tower Hotel. Here, students and families met for the first time, listened to speeches by the Resident Director, a Doshisha representative and students, and enjoyed their first meals together. At the end of the evening, the students went home with their homestay families. (Chuck and his homestay family.)

Sean and his host mother size each other up.

Kristen and her family pose for a photo.

Kevin and his little brother and sister get to know each other.

Eliza greets her homestay family.

Tinapa and her host mother are pleased to finally be meeting.

Zara and her host mother take a moment to sit and get to know each other.

Dorie meets her host mother and sisters.

Reid and his host mother bow in greeting.

Yang and her host mother.

Will and his homestay family meet.

Jonathan and his family are thrilled to finally meet!

Melissa and Nick give speeches on behalf of the students to the homestay families.

David's host family toasts their coming year together: Kampai!

Tzvetomira and her new family.

Nikki and her host family enjoy their first meal together.

Diana's impresses her host family with her hula skills.

eff and his homestay family.

Maurice meets his homestay parents.