Celebrating over 30 years of Sister Cities Salem, MA and Ota, Japan
Host Families needed!
For more than 30 years the City of Salem has enjoyed a deep cultural
exchange with its sister city, Ota-ku in Tokyo, Japan. Every year, Ota City
Department of Education sends 28 middle-school students (ages 13-14) to
Salem for an activity-packed week of English language and cultural
immersion. Each student stays with a host family on the North Shore –
a tradition that has led to rich connections and life-long friendships!
WHAT DAYS WOULD THE STUDENT STAY IN OUR HOME?
Students will arrive around 4:30pm on Sunday, July 21st and be with their host families until 9:00am on Monday, July 29th.
BUT WE DON’T SPEAK JAPANESE!
That’s cool! You do not need Japanese language skills. The students have basic English skills (they may be shy and just need encouragement)!
OUR SPACE IS LIMITED, WHAT DO WE NEED TO PROVIDE?
Students must have their own bed but a shared room with kids is totally fine. Just TLC and the comforts of home!
WHAT DO WE NEED TO DO WITH THE STUDENT?
Nothing special! You are their home away from home. Incorporate them into your typical family activities.
On weekdays, students join their school group during the day. The host family is responsible for brown
bag lunches, drop off, and pick up to the program in Salem (generally around 8:30am and 4:30pm). On
Saturday, July 27th, enjoy a special luncheon, presentations, and performances by the students, and
participate in the communal and festive Bon dance at the Peabody Essex Museum. On Sunday, families
include their student in normal activities (beach, sports, shopping, video games!) – Your choice!
WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE KIDS?
Host families must have one or more kid(s) in the home – ideally 10-16 years old.
BE PART OF OUR HISTORY!
784 Japanese Students Hosted
119 American Students Visited Japan
Countless Lifelong Friendships!
“I was very timid… and the students taught me how to communicate and socialize beyond words… we were able to create fun and adventurous memories that I still think fondly upon today. The homestays only lasted a week, but at the end they were called our sisters and brothers…
The tears and hugs are as memorable to me as the fun activities, and since then I have strived to create bonds with others as strong as the ones I made through the exchange.”
Jessica Valatka
Salem Senior, Winner of the 2024 SOCE Scholarship
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