Culture Swap: Host a Japanese Student, Have A Japanese Family Host Your Child

It's not quite Freaky Friday. But the idea of swapping cultures is exciting for any young high school student; a chance for them to see another country, another city, another world.

The San Carlos Sister City Association, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, is seeking families able to host an English speaking Japanese high school student this summer from July 21 to August 3 and in turn have their student hosted by an English speaking Japanese family in our sister city of Omura, in Nagasaki.

There are no charges or fees of any kind to the host family; only the cost of including a Japanese student in your family’s daily life and activities. Students must be between ages 15 and 18. Hosting will begin in the summer of 2013.

Former Mayor Tom Davids wrote to San Carlos Patch to explain the ideal situation to be "a family with high school student willing to welcome a Japanese student into their home and family life for a short time, include the student in all family activities and get him or her to and from a San Carlos assembly point for several group activities."

In addition to having the opportunity for their child to live with a Japanese family next year, the entire family would have a new and unique cultural experience, he said.

It is preferable but not essential to live in San Carlos. 

If you are interested or know someone who may be interested, please email johnjhoffmann@comcast.net for an application and further information, using “Student Exchange” in the email title.