May 15, 2024
Host Families Need for Japanese Exchange
Twelve more host families are needed for this exciting opportunity of hosting a Japanese delegate this summer. Eight girls and four boys still need Kansas homes. The Japanese delegate will be in Kansas from July 21 – August 16, but host families are needed for July 23 – August 15. Want an exciting way to learn about another culture and not have to travel? The 12 Japanese youth are between 13 – 16 years of age. Our Kansas responsibility is to make host family assignments matching each delegate with an American same-gender host sibling by May 24 so families and exchange delegates can communicate and get to know each other before the delegates arrive. Don’t delay!
Any Kansas family (4-H Family or non-4-H Family) with children aged 10-17, 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. The delegates 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, at (785) 826-8917, or e-mail pvanhorn@ksu.edu.
Contact: To host a particular youth from the attached list or 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. 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 on ways to communicate without words, or using a Japanese/English translation dictionary, etc. 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.
Please see the listing of Japanese youth needing host families for 2024.