Purdue News
Purdue News
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May 8, 1998
Japanese youth of all ages need Hoosier hostsWEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Japanese students from 12 years of age to college age need host families in Indiana this summer.In the monthlong 4-H Japanese Exchange Program, young people ages 12 to 18 are matched with host children of the same gender and approximately the same age. Special interests also are taken into consideration, according to Amy Nachman, Purdue University 4-H youth international program coordinator. Host children need not be 4-H members. "Host families don't need to speak Japanese," she said. "The Japanese kids have studied English, but their fluency varies. In fact, Nachman emphasized that host families should treat the delegates like one of the family and proceed with their normal summer activities. They're expected to provide room and board and share their day-to-day life with the Japanese delegates from mid-July to mid-August. "The Japanese kids want to experience American life," she said. "There's no need to plan special activities." Ten college students studying agriculture at Iwate University and Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology are looking for host families involved in agriculture. The students will be visiting the Hoosier state for four weeks in July and August to learn about Indiana's agriculture industry. In past years, the students have gained hands-on experience by working at such places as a dairy farm and a farm-implement dealership. "I'm looking for families involved in some aspect of agriculture, such as veterinary medicine, elevator management and straight agricultural production," said Carol Andrew, host coordinator for International Programs in Agriculture. "Host families don't necessarily need to have college-aged children at home." As with the 4-H program, host families are expected to provide room and board and needn't speak Japanese. Youths in both programs will provide their own spending money and insurance. Orientation materials and continued support throughout the stay are provided for both programs. Call toll free at (888) 398-4636 and ask for Andrew to learn more about hosting a college-aged student or Nachman to host a younger delegate.
Sources: Amy Nachman, (765) 494-8437; e-mail, an@four-h.purdue.edu
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