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Summer Homestay in Japan

Imagine being Japanese for a month -- eating Japanese food, sleeping on a `futon', visiting local shrines and temples, watching Japanese TV shows, browsing the crowded shopping streets and using Japanese yen, and dressing in `yukata' and joining in the summer O-Bon folk dances.

The Labo Summer Homestay program gives US and Canadian students just this opportunity. Your experience in Japan will give you a second family, and a second country.

Labo's Japanese Homestay program places US and Canadian students with Labo families throughout Japan who have a child of the same sex and similar age. Rather than seeing the country through the windows of a tour bus, or traveling with a group of other Americans and Canadians, participants have the opportunity to explore Japan as a member of a Japanese family.

Program Highlights

DATES

Students travel to Japan around the second week of July and return to their homes one month later. For 2007 dates, click HERE.

ARRIVAL PROGRAM

Groups are met at Narita airport near Tokyo and travel by chartered bus to a hotel in Tokyo. Labo's arrival program includes information about travel to host families, an introduction to Labo, and information about communication lines during the summer.

SUPPORT

Labo staff members and Interns from Australia, Canada, and the United States, as well as Labo Tutors and college students are available to provide assistance and support to exchangees throughout the summer.

NIHONGO PROGRAM

Travel to Japan three weeks prior to the Summer Homestay program and join Labo's NIHONGO Japanese Language program. For 2007 dates, click HERE.

 

Host Family Assignments

Students may request a specific host family, as long as they are members of Labo. If that family is unable to host, or if there is no request, Labo will select an appropriate host family with a host sister or brother within two years of the age of the exchangee.

If a student has other requests, such as a host with certain interests, or in a certain location, Labo will do their best to respect those requests.

Travel to Host Families

• Families in the Tokyo area pick up their exchangees and travel by bus, train, or car to their homes.
• Many students travel by Bullet Train to their host homes in the Nagoya, Osaka, Hiroshima, and northern areas.
• Some students fly to their host families.
• All ground travel is accompanied by Labo guides.

During the Summer

Host family activities vary from family to family. Labo members may still have a few days of school left, so a visit to a Japanese school is likely. When school is out, activities may include visiting local scenic and historical sites, including shrines and temples, shopping, sports, going to the beach, visiting relatives in the countryside, experiencing various aspects of traditional Japanese culture, and helping around the house with chores and cooking.

Exchangees are expected to adapt to their host family's lifestyle and schedule. Students with private plans should probably not join this program.

Labo Camp

All exchangees attend a 4-day Labo Camp with their host sister or brother. The host family decides which Labo Camp they attend, as well as which session of camp (each camp has 4-6 sessions during the summer). The host family makes all camp arrangements. Travel and camp fees are included in the In-Japan Fee.

Exchangees are encouraged to read about Labo Camp before going to Japan. More detailed information about camp is included in your orientation packet.

Departure from Japan

On the day before departure from Japan, exchangees travel to Tokyo for an overnight stay. This time is used for last-minute shopping, relaxing, and sharing experiences. Travel and Customs instructions for the trip home are also reviewed.

The following day students travel by chartered bus to Narita airport for their flight home. Labo staff assist with check-in and remain at the airport until the flight departs.

Cost

For prices, please contact your local exchange coordinator or the Labo office in Seattle.

Labo's all-inclusive In-Japan Fee covers all costs in Japan except for private purchases. Covered items include: All travel in Japan, hotels and homestays, meals, shipping luggage, Narita airport fee, Labo supervision throughout the summer, and Labo Camp fees. In addition, students receive a US$30 'yen packet' when they arrive, which gives them some Japanese yen to use until they are able to get to a bank.

Travel expenses to and from Japan are not included.

SCHOLARSHIPS: Labo offers partial scholarships for students who have hosted a Labo member in Canada or the United States. Full waiver of the In-Japan Fee is available to students who have hosted a Labo Year-Long High School student.