Host families needed for Japanese exchange students

Families in Mahoning, Columbiana and Trumbull counties will have a unique opportunity to open their homes to exchange students from Japan this summer as part of an international exchange program being offered by OSU Extension 4-H. Statewide, host families are needed for 80 Japanese youngsters (12-18) and their adult chaperones, who will visit Ohio from July 23 through Aug. 18.

Last year, seven youth and one chaperone were hosted in Mahoning and Trumbull counties.

Host families provide the exchangees with room and board and a chance to experience daily life in America. Families are urged not to alter their daily routines or lifestyles during their visitors’ stay.

Exchangees provide their own spending money and the sponsoring organization furnishes comprehensive medical insurance.

The young Japanese visitors belong to the Labo Foundation, an organization which promotes the study of English culture and language in Japan. The other youth belong to organizations similar to 4-H in their country. Ohio 4-H has been conducting international exchange programs with these groups since 1949.

All types of families are welcome to apply to become hosts, including urban, rural, single-parent, childless and non-4-H families. The only requirement is that for the Japanese month-long exchange, hosts must have a family member of the same gender and approximate age of the exchangee.

Those interested should contact Laura DePizzo in Trumbull County at 330-637-7384 or Gary Reel in Mahoning and Columbiana counties at 330-533-7712 for an application form and more information about this and other 4-H international exchange programs.