Host a Japanese Exchange Student

This summer, North Carolina 4-H is hosting 30 month long students and chaperones from Japan. The exchangees will stay with their host families from July 20 through August 16, 2008. Our deadline for placing these students is May 15th – and there are many that still need homes. You do not have to be in 4-H to host. If you know of other families that may be interested, please let Robbie know. You can also email Robbie at robbie_furr@ncsu.edu.

Here are a few items you need to keep in mind as you consider to host a Japanese student:
1) The host family must have a child of the same gender and within two years of the same age (either older or younger).
2) The exchange student must have their own bed.
3) The exchange is primarily to introduce the student to American family culture. Special trips and outing other than what the family would normally participate in are not expected. For example, if the family goes to church or the grocery store or to grandmas; the child goes. If the family has a vacation planned; the child should be included. In short, the child is treated as a family member during their stay, nothing extra is expected.
4) The host family is responsible for all meals and pick up and return.
5) The Exchange students do have their own health insurance.
6) Applications and three references are required. The application can be obtained from teh Mecklenburg 4-H Office by calling 704-336-2082.

Once the family turns in the application, an extension agent should sign the application. An in-home interview is then required and will be conducted by an 4-H staff member. We will then make a match based age, gender and similar interests such as music, sports, reading, hobbies, allergies, and special requests. Finally, the family will receive a letter along with information about the child and a schedule of orientations.

This is an EXCELLENT opportunity for your family. If you have any questions, please let me know. I have hosted before and can give you plenty of insight. Generally, we place 3-4 students in Mecklenburg County each summer.