Experience Japan’s culture without having to travel. The Mountain West Cultural Exchange program is looking for host families this summer who are willing to house a Japanese student, 10-18 years old. 

The free program not only benefits the student but also the host family. Students share their culture through classic Japanese meals like okonomiyaki, gifts and other talents.

“Two of the kids have brought traditional Yukata and have shared them,” said Andrea Timm, an exchange program host. “There was one day we did a dress-up day because my kids also have those.”

Exchange students can share their talents as well. The students “teach the crafts that they’re interested in.  A lot of kids like drawing and so these kids have taught my kids how to draw different caricatures or even manga style drawing,” said Timm. “There are the same interesting crafts and arts and everything, but they look a little bit different.” 

“Each student brought with them more than just their luggage; they brought stories and traditions that will always be cherished,” said Emma Timm, Andrea’s daughter.

“A lot of families may never visit Japan – but this brings Japan to you,” said Maresa Manzione, MWCE chair representative. This program helps host families connect with their delegates.

“Our family had an absolute blast with Kano last year,” said the Hadleys, a host family. “We went to an Ogden Raptors baseball game, a parade, golfing, played lots of games and learned about the Japanese culture as well. We absolutely loved this experience and look forward to doing it again in the future.”

Hosting a Japanese exchange student can be a great experience for the whole family. “When we saw they were having this program and our children were the same ages as some of the kids that come, we decided it would be a really great opportunity for them to learn about different cultures and to see the beauty and the differences of where we come from and where they come from and to see that there’s something to gain from taking time to learn from others,” said Andrea.

Host families have said that this program helps build lifelong friendships. Ella Powell’s family hosted an exchange student and was able to visit them in Japan. “This experience has meant the world to me,” said Powell. “Getting involved in MWCE has brought me some of the best times of my life and I cannot express my appreciation enough.” Powell said that going to Japan was a dream come true. “While I was there, I had the best time. Going to see my friends in Japan this time was so meaningful and special. They all feel like family at this point. I love Japan.” 

“What started as a cultural exchange became a lifelong friendship,” Emma said. “Each student we welcomed into our home as guests left as part of our family.”

The summer program is held July 27-Aug. 11. To apply to be a host family, visit this website, https://www.mwce.website/. Families need to have at least one child at home of a similar age to the exchange student. Opportunities to host an exchange student are limited, so apply now.