June 14, 2024
Host Families Need for Japanese Exchange
Have you been reading the email that Kansas 4-H is offering families the opportunity to host a Japanese delegate this summer and thought, we should host sometime. Take the chance this summer and have memories for a lifetime. Eleven Japanese youth are still in need of a welcoming Kansas Family to host them July 23 – August 15.
These youth delegates have invested funds for 10+ years to come to the United States for a 3 ½ week stay during their school break. The Kansas 4-H International Program has 7 girls and 4 boys available between ages 13 and 16.
You might say our county fair is going on during that time. Many past host families enjoyed having the delegate stay during the fair as there was an extra set of hands to assist with projects while enjoying the hustle and bustle of family life. Some Japanese delegates even exhibited projects at the fair. Additionally, by August 15 some schools may have started - take the delegate along as past delegates have experienced American schools. Now, that’s a memory!
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, 785-826-8917, or e-mail pvanhorn@ksu.edu.
Our Kansas responsibility is to make host family assignments matching each delegate with an American same-gender host sibling that is no more than 3 years older or younger. We provide families with the Japanese delegate’s Personal Information Sheets so families and exchange delegate can communicate and get to know each other before the delegates arrive, July 21. Don’t delay!
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 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. 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.