The homestay provides you with full immersion in Japanese language and Japanese culture. Host families volunteer to participate in the program not merely to accommodate you but also to help you to practice your Japanese and deepen your understanding of Japanese culture. They are also willing to learn the language(s) and culture of your country. The homework and class topics are expected to reflect your homestay experience.
In Summer 2023, HIF partially resumes homestay.
Participants will be arranged to stay with a host family for one month and at a dormitory for another month.
<Homestay>
- Furnished private room
- Two meals a day (breakfast and dinner)
<Dormitory>
- Rooms will be shared by 2 students with beds, restroom, shower facility, etc. in each room.
- Two meals a day (breakfast and dinner) on weekdays.
- Meals on weekends: TBA
- A dorm mother will be there.
Note: Due to the progression of COVID-19, all information is considered tentative and subject to change.
Each student will be placed with a family who lives in Hakodate City, Hokuto City or Nanae Town where the public transportation is available to commute to/from HIF. Your host family will show you how to get to HIF using public transportation (bus, tram, or JR train) on the first few days of your homestay. HIF works hard to find families who live close to HIF, but please note that there is a chance you will live about 1.5 hours away from HIF. HIF will refund transportation expenses for those who use public transportation to commute between host family’s house and HIF, according to the criteria set by HIF. Further information will be given at the beginning of the program.
Your host family will prepare a room, bedding, desk, and desk light for you. Also they will allow you to use
their washing machine, detergent, iron, hair dryer, etc. Please bring/purchase in Japan for your personal
use any necessities such as towels, toothpaste, shampoo and any other consumable items you wish to
have.
It is a good idea to bring some omiyage (souvenirs) with you for your host family. Anything is fine, but
some popular omiyage are cookies, chocolates, tea, coffee, something that has your university name or mascot
on it, etc. It’s also recommended that you bring some pictures of your family, friends, hometown,
university, etc. to show your host family.
HIF matches students with host families according to food and health preferences. These preferences may
include cigarette smoking, pets, alcohol and dietary restrictions. However, sometimes students who dislike
cigarette smoke are matched with host families that smoke. In these cases, host family members offer to
restrict their smoking to designated areas for your convenience.
Some host families accommodate more than one student and they provide each one with an individual room.
College
This program for me was about self discovery more than anything. I was given the opportunity to ...
College
Throughout my time at HIF, I feel that I made many wonderful memories, whether that be with my ...
College
HIF was one of the most incredible experiences ever. Being immersed in a homestay in Japan, ...
University
I feel so lucky to be here. From the fluidity of transportation from home to school or culture classes to ...
University
At HIF, I was able to not only improve my Japanese, but gain a better understanding of the culture.
Denver
The HIF program has exceeded all my expectations and has become one of my most valued experiences.
Washington
HIF gives you the tools, resources, and support to help you not just succeed, but to exceed!
University
HIF has been a great experience for me. The program provides you with lots of opportunities to get involved with ...
Washington
TThe HIF program is wonderful in respect of not only improving your Japanese language skills, but also on ...