FAQs – Japanese Students

What does it cost to host a student?

First, there is no fee to participate. We ask that you provide housing, food and transportation for your Japanese student and estimating what families spend is difficult because it varies so much. Are you having All-American hot dogs for dinner or going out to a restaurant? Playing board games at the kitchen table or video games at Salem Willows? Perhaps consider what you spend on your own middle schooler over a 6-day period and use that as a guide. Also consider whether your family will go on the Wednesday trip to Canobie Lake Park because amusement parks are thrilling budget-busters!

What does a typical week with a cultural exchange student look like?

Here’s a Sample Schedule:

Saturday evening

Welcome Party

Host families meet each other, share contact info and plan for the week. Students arrive from Japan and go home with their host family.

Sunday

Free Day to get to know your student!

Optional evening activity:  Navigators Baseball Game, Fraser Field

Monday

Students in Salem: Trolley tour, House of the 7 Gables

Optional evening activity: swimming and basketball at the Marblehead YMCA for host families and exchange students

Tuesday

Students in Boston: state house, swan boats

No evening activity

Wednesday

Canobie Lake park – many host families join their exchange students there and stay into the evening.

Thursday

Students in Salem:Meet the mayor, city Hall tour, Winter Island

Optional evening activity: Mini-golf

Friday

Students at Fenway park and Salem ferry.

No evening activity

Saturday

Goodbye party 10 am Exchange students rehearse the skits, songs and games they present to the host families. Noon- Japanese lunch and performances.

Optional evening Activity: Cookout

Sunday

8am host families bring students to drop off point to board bus to airport.

Bring tissues! Pen pals for life.

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