May 24, 2022
Deadline Nearing! Families Needed!
Host families still needed for this exciting opportunity of hosting a Japanese delegate this summer. Looking for some new fun and excitement this summer after two long years of staying home? Host a new friend from Japan in your home this summer.
The Japanese delegates will be in Kansas July 22 – August 16, but families are needed for hosting July 23 – August 13. Kansas 4-H International Exchange Programs are offering hosting opportunities for 25 - 30 families this summer. Host families are needed who would be willing to host a Japanese boy or girl. The Japanese youth will be between the ages of 12 and 16. Our responsibility is to make host family assignments matching each delegate with an American same-gender host sibling as soon as possible so that families and exchange delegates can communicate and get to know each other.
Any Kansas family with children aged 10-16, who is interested in the Japanese culture, may host. A separate bed is required, but not necessarily a separate room from the host sibling. Delegates are 100 percent medically covered with 4-H insurance and bring their own spending money. They can go on host family vacations, camping trips or join their host sibling for summer camps and the county fair. The focus is everyday family life.
If you have further questions, please call Pam Van Horn, Kansas 4-H Japanese Exchange Coordinator, 785-826-8917, or email pvanhorn@ksu.edu.
Benefits: Increase your family’s cross-cultural and global understanding, broaden family communication skills, make a new friend from another country, and have fun while leaning about Japan in your own home.
How to apply: Families may now apply on-line by visiting https://www.states4hexchange.org/apply/host. There is a required application with references. In addition, there will be an in-home interview conducted as well as background checks conducted for all adults living in the household.
What you do: The host family treats the delegate as a family member (rather than a tourist/guest) and keep a “regular” family schedule. That could mean chores, fairs, camping, ballgames, etc.... very busy –or not so busy. It just depends on what your family likes to do! Most delegates will have studied English for one year in school. They are usually shy and don’t want to make mistakes –so the first few days getting them to talk may be a challenge! The host family needs to be pro-active on ways to communicate without words, or using a Japanese/English translation dictionary, etc. We try to get all to attend a “mid-point” gathering –usually a picnic or swim party, so they can meet with other Japanese kids and their chaperones. Also, the host family can visit with the Japanese chaperones if they are having challenges and need assistance. Chaperones are always available by phone, when needed.