April 27, 2018 – Residents interested in hosting a Japanese student from Midland’s Sister City are reminded to submit an online application by Thursday, May 17! Nine host families will be selected to host one of three exchange students from Midland’s Sister City of Handa, Japan for a one-week period between July 23 and August 12, 2018.
Host families play a vital role in the program by opening their homes and introducing their Japanese student to everyday American life. The pupils and their families live together for 6 to 7 days, allowing the student to experience the “day-today” routine. In addition, families and their exchange students participate in a variety of planned activities facilitated by the Sister City Committee; however, host families are encouraged to provide the students with additional experiences and opportunities to learn more about American culture and life in Midland.
Interested families are encouraged to apply regardless of their previous hosting experience or familiarity with Japanese culture. Family units with one or more children are preferred and one adult should be present during the week of hosting. An orientation session will be held in June to prepare families for the students’ arrival.
To apply as a host family or for more information on the Sister City Student Exchange Program, visit www.cityofmidlandmi.gov/studentexchange. The application must be submitted by Thursday, May 17.
