Exchange Program/Hosting
From IkataWiki
| Red Wing-Ikata Exchange Program | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overview | Being a host family | About Ikata |
| Previous Programs: 2007, 2008, 2009 | ||
Hosting an Ikata student is one way to participate in the Red Wing-Ikata Exchange Program. This article will describe in detail the Red Wing homestay portion of the program, and present recommendations for host families based on feedback from previous years' participants.
Contents |
Being a host family
Learn the 5Ws of being a host family.
What?
In a nutshell, being a host family means welcoming one or two Japanese students into your home as members of your family for around 10 days. During the stay period, the Red Wing Sister City Commission (RWSCC) will hold a number of events and activities for students and host families, such as:
- Potluck picnics
- Beach parties
- Progressive dinners
- Participating in the River City Days parade
See 2007 Red Wing Homestays for details of the 2007 program.
We generally place two Ikata students (of the same sex) per host family. This helps lessen the impact of culture shock and homesickness. Exceptions are made when there is an odd number of boys or girls, or when a host family does not feel up to the task of hosting two students.
Ikata students are:
- Age 13 or 14 (9th grade)
- From Ikata, but may not go to the same school (though we try to place in same-school pairs)
Who?
Anyone from the Red Wing area can be a host family. In the past, host families have tended to be the families of students who visit Japan or are otherwise involved in the Exchange Program. This is not a requirement, however, and we welcome any interested families to volunteer. Due to the small scale of the program we generally don't have a need for more than 5 host families.
The only specific requirements for being a host family are:
- You can provide meals for your student(s) while he or she is at your home (up to 3 meals a day)
- You can provide transportation for your student(s) in and around Red Wing during the stay
- You can provide a safe and supportive environment for your student(s), and will actively encourage their cultural exchange and studies
Though these are not requirements, ideally the following will apply:
- You have one or more children of high school age
- You can provide your student(s) with a private bedroom for the duration of the stay
When?
The Red Wing homestay portion of the exchange program is held in early August for a period of 10 days.
Host families should not feel obligated to change their day-to-day schedule during the hosting period, but we do ask that they try to participate in the RWSCC group activities, or at least provide their student with transportation to the activities.
Where?
In your home and all around Red Wing. Hosting a student need not involve fancy vacation plans. Students visit Red Wing to learn about day-to-day life in America, and will enjoy seeing and doing normal, everyday things. Of course we also encourage you to take your student(s) sightseeing or wherever you and your family might enjoy. Some destinations that were a hit with previous Ikata student participants include:
- Driving along the Mississippi
- Boat cruise on the Mississippi
- County Fairs
- River City Days
- Ice skating at Prairie Island Arena
- Mall of America
- Farm visits and pottery making
Why?
There are lots of reasons to host:
- It's fun! Past participants, both host parents and siblings alike, have frequently said that they enjoyed the program so much that they wished the homestay period was longer.
- Expand your horizons. Your student can teach you a lot about Japan, from culture to language to cuisine.
- Know thyself. By teaching someone about American culture and lifestyle, you can discover new things about your own family, your own country, and even yourself.
- Be an ambassador. Though "bringing about world peace" may be too grandiose a goal for one small exchange program, grassroots cultural exchange is a way for you to make a positive difference in the lives of real people both immediately around you and on the other side of the globe.
Stumbling blocks
As with any cross-cultural exchange, there are bound to be mishaps and miscommunications. However, a little bit of knowledge and preparation can help smooth out most any situation you encounter as a host family.
Language
Students in Japan are required to study English starting in the 7th grade (soon to be extended to elementary school). Ikata students are in the 9th grade by the time they visit Red Wing, meaning they have had a little more than two years of English. Despite this, host families can expect to have some difficulty communicating with their students. Be sure to speak in easy English.
Ikata students have weekly prep sessions leading up to the program where they practice speaking and hearing English, as well as other methods of communication. Try thinking about how to express yourself without words: You can draw pictures, use gestures, or show photographs.
Keep a pen and paper handy when conversing with your student, as a picture really can be worth a thousand words.
Food
Japanese people often find American food to be overwhelming, both in terms of taste and portions. If you find your student not eating much, he or she simply may be full.
Culture
Japanese culture is often described as placing more emphasis on "group harmony" than on individual preferences. You may find your student to be soft-spoken or reluctant to offer his or her opinion. Many students can also seem uncommunicative because they are afraid of making mistakes in English.
We encourage our students to be as honest and straightforward as possible, but nervousness and culture shock can be difficult to overcome. Try to be receptive to your students needs. Of course you aren't expected to be a mind reader, so talk to the Ikata chaperone if you have problems.
