Homestay

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.

TO MAKE YOUR HOMESTAY FRUITFUL & SUCCESSFUL

Empathy is the key. Try to understand perspectives of other than your own.
Respect others and be open-minded.
Reserve judgment on cultural differences.
Make extra efforts to understand the non-verbalized assumptions in the context of communication.
Do not be afraid to make mistakes and learn from them.

<Advice from Former Participants>

Try as many new things as possible, even if they are scary. The more you put yourself out there, the more you will learn. Try everything you can.
If you have problems with your host family, please talk to them. They are hosting to also learn about or adapt to your culture; neither side should have to fully give in.
Don’t afraid to talk to your host parents. Balance work and fun. Don’t hide in your room all the time.
Talk with your host family as much as possible. Share your interests, but also try to find out your host family’s interests, as well.
Take advantage of life in Japan! Explore, meet Japanese people, and enjoy the experience.
Spend every day as if there is no tomorrow.
etc.

<Advice from Host Families>

Don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions.
Share one (or more) episode(s) of the day with us. Any event is fine, no matter how small it is. We are happy to hear about it.
Be honest about what you can eat and what you cannot eat.
Be punctual.
Keep your room neat and clean.
Forget the Internet. Put your phone away. Let’s enjoy face-to-face interaction at home together!
Enjoy your stay in Hakodate!
etc.

HOUSING ARRANGEMENT IN SUMMER 2023

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.

POSSIBLE AREAS FOR HOMESTAY

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.

WHAT TO BRING FOR YOUR HOMESTAY

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.

HOST FAMILY PLACEMENT

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.

Name:

Emily Branam

University:

Swarthmore
College

This program for me was about self discovery more than anything. I was given the opportunity to ...
Name:

Ismail Can

University:

Swarthmore
College

Throughout my time at HIF, I feel that I made many wonderful memories, whether that be with my ...
Name:

Dabbour, Jawad

University:

Franklin & Marshall
College

HIF was one of the most incredible experiences ever. Being immersed in a homestay in Japan, ...
Name:

Ernestina Hsieh

University:

Yale
University

I feel so lucky to be here. From the fluidity of transportation from home to school or culture classes to ...
Name:

Plearn Janvatanavit

University:

Wesleyan
University

At HIF, I was able to not only improve my Japanese, but gain a better understanding of the culture.
Name:

Keanna Lundy

University:

University of
Denver

The HIF program has exceeded all my expectations and has become one of my most valued experiences.
Name:

Randy Tran

University:

University of
Washington

HIF gives you the tools, resources, and support to help you not just succeed, but to exceed!
Name:

Michelle Wan

University:

Emory
University

HIF has been a great experience for me. The program provides you with lots of opportunities to get involved with ...
Name:

Yiyang Zhong

University:

University of
Washington

TThe HIF program is wonderful in respect of not only improving your Japanese language skills, but also on ...