November 17, 2025
Japan Exchange Host Families Needed
Families looking for a new experience for summer 2026? Host a Japanese delegate in the comforts of your own home while exploring the world. Thirty teens from Japan are needing host families this summer. The Japanese delegate will be in Kansas from July 21 to August 16, but families are needed for hosting from July 23 to August 15. 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 9-17 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 for souvenirs. They can go on host family vacations, camping trips, or join their host sibling for summer camps and the county fair. The focus is on everyday family life as the delegate becomes part of your family. The delegates' information is to be available in February 2026.
If you have further questions, please call Pam Van Horn, Kansas 4-H Japanese Exchange Coordinator, 785-826-8917, or e-mail 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 learning about Japan in your own home.
How to apply: Families may now apply online by visiting: https://www.states4hexchange.org/apply/host. (The link is open now.) 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 proactive in ways to communicate without words, or using a Japanese/English translation dictionary, etc. 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.
Agents, please include the announcement in the local county/district newsletter and encourage interested families to contact Pam Van Horn at pvanhorn@ksu.edu.