MEDINA, Ohio – Medina County families will have the opportunity to welcome a young person from Japan and various other countries into their home for 3-4 weeks this year as part of an international exchange program being offered by the Medina County Extension.
Host families are especially needed for 100 Japanese youngsters aged 12-18 and their four adult chaperones, who will visit Ohio from July 25 through Aug. 19.
In addition, 4-H needs families for six young adults aged 19-30 from various other countries who will visit each family for three-week periods between Sept. 24 and Dec. 5.
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 visitor’s 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 eligible to become hosts, including urban, rural, single-parent, childless and non-4-H families. The only requirement is that for the Japanese exchange, hosts must have family member of the same gender and approximate age of the exchange.
Those interested should contact Nancy Fortney at 330-239-2579 for an application form and more information.
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