The Explore Japan Summer Exchange and Enrichment Program, open to Japanese and American students, is not only a unique and rewarding experience for boys and girls – but it is free for host families. The Milton-based program, now in its 21st year, enables boys and girls from Japan to visit families in the south suburban area for two-and-a-half weeks.
Explore Japan, which runs from July 27 to Aug. 13, is seeking host families. It is held at Milton High School (for girls) and Pierce Middle School in Milton (for boys), operating 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Host parents do not need to be available during Explore Japan’s operating hours.
Exchange students range in age from 8-16. It is not necessary for host families to have children the same age as the exchange student.
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“This is a one-of-kind program and families have found this to be an amazing experience,” says Program Director and Founder Steve Shapiro. “You welcome a visiting Japanese student into your home for two weeks and he or she becomes part of the family. Your children learn about Japanese culture and the students discover what it’s like to live in America.”
Activities include Japanese language workshops, arts and crafts, cooking, martial arts, calligraphy and a variety of interesting cultural exercises.In the afternoon, there will be field trips to the Museum of Fine Arts, Fenway Park Behind the Scenes Tour, Boston Harbor Cruise, bowling, Harvard Square and more.
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Last summer, Josh Coben and Djuna Perkins of Dedham hosted 15-year-old Rio Shimazaki. Their children, Nathaniel Coben, 10, and Theo Coben, 7, also participated in the program.
“At Explore Japan, American and Japanese students learned about the culture of the other in a fun, camp setting,” said Coben. “Hosting a student allowed the rest of our family to participate in the cultural exchange, which we all enjoyed. Our son had a great time, and we are hosting again this year.”
There is no charge to host families and their children, or for 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.
