If you’re looking for a summer activity for your children, Explore Japan, a Milton-based summer exchange program for Japanese and American students age 8-16, is a unique and rewarding experience. Through this program, now in its 20th year, boys and girls from Japan visit host families in the south suburban area for two weeks.
The program, which begins in late July and runs from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday, is seeking host families. It is held at Milton High School (for girls) and Pierce Middle School in Milton (for boys).
“Hosting is welcoming a visiting Japanese student into your home for two weeks,” explains Program Director and Founder Steve Shapiro. “You make them part of the family. They want to learn about life in America and practice their English skills. They also want to tell you about their country and culture.”
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Activities include workshops on Japanese language, arts and crafts, cooking, martial arts, calligraphy and a variety of interesting cultural exercises, as well as a number of field trips. Last year’s field trips included a Red Sox game, the Museum of Fine Arts, a Boston Harbor cruise, bowling and an afternoon in Harvard Square.
Diana and Edward Shepherd-Jury of Canton hosted 16-year-old Yuki Tsujino last summer. Their daughters, Dejah, 16, and Eva, 7, participated in the program.
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“My family has been positively changed because of Explore Japan,” said Diana, “and we will always be appreciative for the opportunity.”
Another Canton family, Cairra and Justin Germain, and their three sons – Quentin,13, Ja-cai, 8, and Tyler, 6 – hosted 15-year-old Kazuki Okumura last summer.
“Kazuki taught Quentin and his brothers words in Japanese and we spoke English to Kazuki to help strengthen his English,” said Cairra. “The daily camp experience allowed Kazuki and Quentin to enjoy cultural activities and fun field trips.”
More than 60 host families from the south suburban area took part in the 2012 program. Communities providing host families have included Braintree, Dedham, Hingham, Milton, Quincy, Sharon, Walpole, Westwood and Weymouth.
There is no charge to host families and their children, or for their activities during the two weeks. Openings are still available for hosts who would like to participate this summer (see www.americanlearning.com for an application).
For more information, call 781-828-2800 or visit www.americanlearning.com.