Host a Japanese student this summer

Does concern over the current economy have you rethinking your summer vacation plans? Does your family like to learn about new cultures? If so, University of Illinois 4-H has an opportunity for you to consider. Families have an opportunity to experience a different culture this summer without leaving their home. University of Illinois 4-H Youth Development is currently recruiting host families for 50 Japanese youth and their adult chaperons for an American homestay July 23-Aug. 20.

"This is a wonderful way to experience a new culture, while sharing about your own," said Bill Million, 4-H Specialist for International Programs with University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Development. "Previous experience is not necessary, as we provide host families an orientation about the Japanese culture in preparation of the homestay."

The 4-H Japanese Exchange program enhances international, cross-cultural understanding between the two cultures. This opportunity provides an avenue for families and youth to improve their communication skills, while increasing their international awareness and understanding.

The 4-H Japanese Exchange program consists of youth who are learning to speak English in language acquisition programs. Like 4-H clubs, the Japanese programs (LEX and LABO) meet monthly to help youth become more fluent in English and base their activities around the family unit.

Japanese youth, ranging in age from 12-17, are placed in an American family with a host brother or sister. These international visitors are thrilled to be coming to the United States and look forward to learning from their new host brother/sister and their new family, while improving their ability to use the English language, said Million.

To obtain more information or a host family application packet, call volunteer coordinator, Mary Herra at (630) 365-6305 or the University of Illinois Extension office in Kane County at (630) 584-6166 before Saturday, June 13.

4-H is the largest out-of-school educational program for youth in the United States. 4-H seeks to assist youth in acquiring knowledge, forming attitudes, and developing life skills that will enable them to become caring, competent, and contributing members of society. In Illinois more than 292,800 youth participate in 4-H and the other youth programs of University of Illinois Extension. More than 24,700 youth and adult volunteers assist in the programming. For information about 4-H in Illinois, visit www.4-H.uiuc.edu.