Tomodachi Softbank Leadership Program Homestay FAQs
Interested in hosting a student for one weekend this August? Please read the answers to our most frequently asked questions. If you would like to host a student during the Tomodachi program this summer or have additional questions, please contact Grants Director David Beiser at dbeiser@ayusa.org.
What are the homestay dates?
We are seeking homestay families for the weekend of August 2nd – 4th. Students will begin the weekend by having dinner with their host family on Friday, August 2nd and will end after lunch on Sunday, August 4th.
How many students can we host?
Each host family can host up to 2 students of the same gender. If families host 2 students, each student should have their own bed, although students are allowed to share a room. Individuals who are single and do not have any kids may also host.
Do students need their own bedroom?
Students are required to sleep in a private space, such as a bedroom, office, or they may share a room with a host sibling of the same gender. Families must provide students with a solid sleeping space, either a bed, pull out sofa or futon is acceptable- air mattresses are not allowed.
Do students need their own bathroom?
No, the students are not required to have their own bathroom.
How old are the students?
Students are 15-18 years old.
Do the students speak English?
Students will come with a range of English speaking ability, from minimal to excellent.
Is it required that the host family speak Japanese?
No, the host family is not required to speak Japanese.
What are host families expected to provide?
We would like host families to provide a clean and safe environment for the student. Families will be responsible for all meals and transportation throughout the weekend.
Is the host family expected to organize events/activities for the students to participate in over the weekend?
We do not expect families to do anything outside of their routine for the host weekend. The goal of the weekend is for students to participate in the daily life of an American household. With that being said, we hope the host family will partake in activities that promote interaction with their student.
What if there is an emergency during the weekend?
Host families will be assigned a designated a homestay coordinator that is available to assist the student and family throughout the weekend. There is also a homestay manager and Ayusa headquarters staff members who will be available to assist in the event of an emergency.
Can the students go to religious services if that is what the host family does?
Yes, the students can attend religious services. However, we leave it up to the host family to discuss this with the student and give them the option to attend services.
Will the host family be reimbursed for any of the activities?
No, the host family will not be reimbursed for any activities during the homestay weekend.
What makes a great host family?
A great host family will give their student a glimpse into American life and be patient with the student that is in a new environment.
Will there be any activities arranged by the Tomodachi program over the weekend?
No, there will be no planned activities during this weekend. We want the students to spend as much time with their host family to experience firsthand what it is like to live in an American household.
If host families go on a trip or take the student somewhere, can they ask the student to pay for gas, accommodation, etc.?
This places the student in an awkward position. We ask that host families not have this expectation of the students while they stay with the host family.
