Japan

LEX Exchange programs are homestay programs in which participants live as members of a host family. Participants absorb the customs and characteristics of the host culture by taking part in daily life activities and by spending time with a "brother" or "sister." Delegates also visit historic sites and participate in local festivals.

All host families are carefully selected, and most have some English ability. Families host because they are interested in sharing their lives with a new family member. All our Japanese hosts are members of the Hippo Family Club (currently known as LEX Language Project in the U.S.), an organization they have joined in order to learn foreign languages and meet people from around the world.

My impression of a HIPPO family homestay is that HIPPO is a great way to meet new people from all over the world. I enjoyed going to the HIPPO meetings and doing the activities they had planned. I love the idea of learning many languages. I'm lucky enough to continue my exchange because my older host sister is coming to my house in America for one year! Japan is a beautiful country. I hope to come back again soon. Thank you! Amanda, age 13, Massachusetts

This experience has encouraged me to be more open about exploring new venues. I never thought that I would be able to live comfortably for two weeks in the home of strangers, but I must stress that the hospitality of my Japanese host family was beyond all my expectations. George, age 82, Florida

The homestays in Japan are open to LEX Language Project members, and to 4-H youth whose states participate in the Japanese exchange program. 4-H members should contact their local 4-H leader or WorldWise Exchange Services, 800-407-3314, exchange@worldwise.org for more information.