Disaster Relief Effort All of us at Labo would like to thank everyone who has called and emailed us in the wake of the natural disasters in Northern Japan; we have been very touched by everyone's kind thoughts and prayers.  We have been able to confirm that all of our staff and adult volunteers are safe and accounted for, but unfortunately two Labo families disappeared in the wake of the tsunami.  Many people have asked whether it is possible to send money to Labo that will be used to assist Labo families in need.  We are extremely appreciative of these offers, and we take this responsibility very seriously.  100% of the money that has been sent to us will be distributed to families that have lost their homes, suffered serious property damage, or have been otherwise financially impacted by the earthquake and tsunami.    As of July 6th, Labo has received US$1,928.15. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our friend and supporters who have made donations. Labo has stopped accepting donations as of the beginning of July, so if you would like to donate to relief efforts please contact the Japanese Red Cross. Once again, thank you so much for your concern and support.

 

What is LABO?

Labo is a family-based Japanese youth organization

Children in Japan between the ages of 3 and 18 join Labo in order to improve their English-language ability as well as to learn about other cultures and expand their personal horizons.

Using international bilingual songs, stories and plays from around the world, members learn about the world and about working with one another. At weekly Labo Party meetings, children of all ages work together to bring these stories and plays to life. At seasonal camps, Labo members also enjoy practicing and performing their plays in addition to hiking, games,and other outdoor activities.

Labo is volunteer-driven. Thousands of Labo Tutors, trained by local Labo offices,recruit young people from their neighborhood to join their Labo Party club. Tutors often remain an important part of their members’ lives into adulthood.

Labo International Exchange Foundation

A non-profit part of Labo, has been organizing homestay and academic exchange programs since 1972 (see our history), primarily for young people between the ages of 12 and 18, but also for young adults.

The exchange of students between Japan, North America, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and China, provide children and their families opportunities to experience a new culture, learn a new language and become international citizens. Labo families welcome a foreign child into their family in order to make friends, learn about a new culture, introduce their own customs and practice a new language.

During the summer, Labo staff, Canadian and US university Interns, and bilingual Labo Tutors are available to assist both the families and the exchangee with problems, question or concerns. (current list of Labo board of directors)
Labo International Exchange Foundation sponsors several language programs in Japan for both international visitors and Japanese students.

Labo's Exchange Programs

IN Japan

Nihongo and Homestay

Children age 12-18 come to Japan for 1 or two months during the summer to study the language or just live with a Japanese family and learn about the culture.

Intern

Programs for young adults involve living in Japan for one year, studying the language, working and/or living with a Japanese Labo family.

IN North America, Australia and New Zealand

Homestay

Japanese children age 12-18 come to the US, Canada, New Zealand and Australia for a month during their summer. They live with a host family who has a child the same age and sex.

Year-long High School

High school age children from Japan come to the US, Canada, New Zealand and Australia to live with a host family and attend high school for one year.

Language Programs

Labo International Exchange Foundation sponsors several language programs in Japan for both international visitors and Japanese students.

 

 

Expanding Boundaries: Hosting a Japanese student Western families and Japanese youth have first hand experience in learning about each others culture, making new friends through the LABO Exchange program.	Discover Japan: Travel to Japan LABO offers youth an opportunity to experience Japan from the INSIDE, not as a tourist. The youth will experience daily life in Japan by living with a Japanese family.
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