Introduction
From IkataWiki
| Host Family Guide →日本語
|
|---|
| Table of contents |
| Introduction | Preparation | Homestay | About Ikata | Conversational Japanese |
Contents |
Homestay
A homestay is defined as "Living as a member of a family in a foreign country, so that one may learn about that country's customs, culture, and language."
Through a homestay one can learn about cross-cultural differences, expand one's understanding of the world, and cross borders by making friends people across the world. By opening up their homes to visitors, a host family can help to facilitate international diplomacy on a grass-roots level.
History of the homestay
In 1932 American professor Donald Watt decreed that "in order to promote world peace, the people of the world must be bound together by mutual understanding and friendship." His concept, in which one lives as a member of a foreign family to learn about their culture, was called "an experiment in international living," and was the precursor to the modern homestay.
In 1982 US President Ronald Reagan said "America should take the initiative in promoting exchange between nations and cultures." Homestay programs in the US saw a swell of popularity.
In 1955 Japan joined the international homestay program and the "Japanese Association of the Experiment in International Living" was formed. It wasn't until around 1975, however, that the concept of the homestay became common knowledge in Japan.
Someone who goes on a homestay is a Visitor
A family that accepts a visitor into their home is a Host family
Differences between America and Japan
- America = Active participation
-
- Place emphasis on cross-cultural experiences and a spirit of service
- Open to two-way communication--both learning and teaching
- Japan = Somewhat reluctant participation
-
- Sometimes may seem to be motivated mostly out of obligation or an expectation of being rewarded
- May see a homestay merely as an educational experience for children
Benefits of homestays
- By sharing each other's daily lives participants begin to form true understanding of foreign culture
- Making friends from other countries
- Learn more about your own country
- Analyze and think about your own family's customs and lifestyle
- Hosting a visitor can strengthen the bonds within your family
- Everyone can work together to greet, entertain, and teach the visitor
- Get first-hand exposure to a foreign language
Length of a homestay
A homestay can range in length from 1 or 2 nights to one or more months to a year. The most common kind of program seems to be between 1 day and 1 week in length.
- *IIEA homestays are held in Ikata's sister city, Red Wing, and last for 10 days.
Costs
For short-term homestays, host families are generally not reimbursed. In some cases travel or other expenses may be partially covered. Handling of costs often varies depending on the length of the homestay.
- *IIEA generally requires that basic expenses (local travel, food, etc.) be covered by the host family. However, personal shopping, communication, and travel expenses incurred during the homestay are to be paid by the visitor.
| Host Family Guide →日本語
|
|---|
| Table of contents |
| Introduction | Preparation | Homestay | About Ikata | Conversational Japanese |
