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Host Family
ホストファミリー事業
Homestay for international students from neighbor universities
近隣大学
This is a project to promote mutual understanding of nature, culture, lifestyle, etc. of each country through exchanges between international students from neighbor universities and host families. So far, 210 international students from 17 countries have been trying to interact with Kitaibaraki citizens, and there are many cases where they continue to interact with their host families even after graduating or getting a job.
Seasons：Janurary or February every year
Stay period：2 nights and 3days
Universities：Ibaraki University (Engineering)、Ibaraki Christian University
A delegation of Wairoa（WAIPRO)
ワイプロ
This is a project in which high school students from Wairoa College visit Kitaibaraki City once every two years. They make travel expenses while working part-time on holidays to come to Japan, and are excited to participate in this project. This enthusiasm was conveyed to the hearts of the citizens on the receiving side, and the circle of cooperation expanded every time, such as Shirasu fishing, rice harvesting, visiting elementary, junior high and high schools, and acceptance of homestays.
It was temporarily suspended due to the Tohoku Earthquake and tsunami and the Fukushima nuclear accident just before the 8th of Waipro, but we have continued to exchange with each other, and now we are reviving the project, and we have been fostering wonderful exchanges since then. Despite being a younger generation, the "Haka" that they perform at special events also shakes the hearts of us.
It seems a long time for 10 days, but when it comes, time flies. They get along like a real family and tears don't stop on the day of farewell.
Seasons：Around September, once every 2 years
Period：Abou 10 days
Q&A
FAQ
ホストファミリーをご検討の方へ
Is it okay if I can't speak English?
A. It doesn't matter if you can't understand English! This homestay project is not for English conversation classe but for students from overseas to interact with Japanese families. Even if there is a language barrier, you can convey the feeling of trying to communicate with them with gestures or facial expressions. THIS is the real charm of this project and a great experience for both. If you feel uneasy, don't worry, there is also a booklet of "Easy English Conversation" created by KICS.
What kind of meal should I serve?
A. Basically, there is no problem with meals as usual. Just as some Japanese people like sweets and spicy foods, some foreigners are not good at natto, but some foreigners love it. Even if something that they might not like is served in the meal, it will be an experience and also memorable. Japanese people tend to think that they must provide "hospitality", but eating AS USUAL is important for learning about Japanese food culture. It is okay if you just keep in mind the "usual dining table". Notes: Important information such as allergies is posted on the student profile, which is given to the host family in advance.
I'm worried anyway! What if something happens!?
A. If something happens, our staff will respond. Please contact us anytime when you feel anxious. The staff will accompany you in case of an emergency such as going to the hospital due to bad physical condition. The precious time will pass in a blink of an eye. We both are nervous about meeting each other, so please spend your time together and have fun.
How to become a host family?
A. We are recruiting in the city bulletin the month before the homestay period. In addition, the application forms are distributed at elementary and junior high schools in Kitaibaraki, so you may have the opportunity to learn through your child. For more detailed information, please check this site or contact us.
Kitaibaraki International Communications Society（KICS -キックス）
The chairman : Genya Araki
1-222 Isohara, Isohara cho, Kitaibaraki city, Ibaraki Pref. Japan
Tel：（0293）42−1818 mail：kics.teams@gmail.com
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