The Sunshine State

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First Presbyterian Church
Oakland, FL

Oakland is a small town that is just minutes from downtown Orlando, a little north of Disney World and just west of Universal Studios.  Oakland has been a town long before Orlando was created.  The town was developed by the railroad company to serve as the community where the workers lived while they were building the rails across Florida.  Many of the historic buildings still stand among the huge oak trees and along the shores of Lake Apopka.   The old railroad tracks were removed several years ago and the land has been transformed into a long, linear park for biking, skating, running or just a nice walk.

Since many schools close the dormitories for periods of time longer than the CIH program, we allow students to arrive earlier and stay later than the CIH program dates of December 17 through January 2.  Airline flights are often higher priced if you travel during the peak time, so arriving early and staying later may allow you to save money on your travel costs.  We just ask that you let us know what schedule you prefer, so we can be prepared for your arrival.

Because you are part of a smaller group of international students, the choice of activities is varied and the schedule is flexible to what you would prefer to do, on most days.  Since you are considering Oakland as your CIH choice, you are probably attracted to warmer weather, participating in outdoor activities and visiting the local tourist attractions.

• You will have the opportunity to go to Disney World (4 parks), Universal Studios (2 parks), Sea World and Kennedy Space Center.  The cost of admission to the parks will be the responsibility of each student.  You should budget about $50.00 per day for admission to the parks.
• You may also choose to go bike riding, skating, canoeing down one of our pristine rivers, or just enjoying a walk outdoors.
• If you enjoy shopping, we have a variety of large malls, Disney shopping and entertainment complex, department stores, and grocery stores, including an area of well-stocked Asian markets
• Are you tired from all the studying?  If you prefer, you can catch up on your sleep or relax in a lounge chair on the back porch, overlooking the lake, and just enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, music or a good book.
• Many students enjoy movies, especially Disney movies.  We have almost every Disney animated movie for your enjoyment.  It is not uncommon for the students to have a few late night video parties during their visit for the holidays.

During your visit, you will be asked to prepare one of your favorite foods from you home country, to share with us and the other students.  Many students are homesick for some familiar foods, so you are welcome to prepare anything you wish to share.

We do participate in the activities of our church and encourage you to come with us so you can fully experience our family Christmas.  Through our church, you will have the opportunity to meet other students and share ideas and fun times together.

Our climate is sub-tropical, and although many winters are warm, we have cold fronts move through which cool our temperatures down.  So come prepared for temperatures as low as the 40s in the morning, to daytime highs in the 80s.

As you can see, there are many opportunities for fun, adventure and learning about new people, families and cultures.  We look forward to hearing from you soon and sharing our home with you during the Christmas holidays.  Merry Christmas!!

Other Florida Programs

09/18/05