This is a story about a 23-year-old Japanese girl named Moe, who is living and studying in Canada. It's a chance to feel what it's like living in a foreign country, where English is your only choice. There are two versions of each episode: a real life version (this one) and a textbook version.
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Julie and Moe walk into a small office. The home-stay agent sits at a desk. There is paper everywhere. The agent is talking on the phone.
JULIE: Thank you to come here with me. You are very kindness.
MOE: Don't care, Julie. Always, you are kind to me.
AGENT: I don't care what your father says! Cabbage and rice is a healthy dinner. You were guaranteed three meals a day. You get toast for breakfast, rice for lunch, and rice and cabbage for dinner. If you want to eat something else go to McDonald's!
The agent hangs up. Julie approaches the woman at the desk.
JULIE: Excuse me, I need to talk about my home stay.
AGENT: You can't cancel your contract. You know that right?
JULIE: Well... My home stay finish next week.
AGENT: Take this paper and fill it out. We can extend your contract. There is a three hundred dollar administrative fee.
JULIE: What fee?
AGENT: Administrative fee. It's for the paperwork. You need to pay three hundred dollars.
JULIE: Why do I pay?
AGENT: To extend your contract, there is a fee. You have to pay. It's three hundred dollars.
MOE: Too high!
JULIE: I don't pay. I finish contract thank you. I finish home stay.
AGENT: Fine, fill out this form.
JULIE: Excuse me. I have questions about my money.
AGENT: We don't give any refunds.
MOE: You have trouble?
JULIE: I pay too much money. My mother say I stay for one year, so she pay much money.
AGENT: I don't understand you.
JULIE: Contract is six months. My mother pay one year. You take too much money.
AGENT: No refunds.
JULIE: Why you can take my money? I'm not stupid girl!
MOE: Julie, it's okay.
JULIE: No, I'm not stupid girl. You give me my money.
The agent lights a cigarette and starts smoking. She opens up a drawer. She hands Julie another sheet.
AGENT: Fill this in.
MOE: Julie, you are too powerful.
JULIE: I am powerful. She is like dragon. Look her smoke.
The two girls giggle as Julie fills in the application for her refund.
Read the textbook version of this episode.
See what Moe and her friends should have said.
| Homework questions Send your answers to Poligo |
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| Summarize the main points of the episode and send your summary to be checked. |