July 2016 Dear Host Family: Welcome to the 4-H International Exchange program as a host family! I hope you are excited and eagerly looking forward to the arrival of your exchange youth in July! This is the second of two packets that are provided to host families. This packet contains the following:

This letter;

Orientation Powerpoint (printed)

Family Scrapbook

Cultural Information on Japanese fans, clothes, and chopsticks

Information sheet on fun things to do/homesickness and first day questions (copy for your information).

When possible, all of this information is also placed on our website at: http://4-h.ca.uky.edu/internationalexchange A reminder about our mandatory orientation for all families that are participating (this is copied and pasted from your previous letter) Orientation This year, ALL FAMILIES in the program will need to take part in an orientation. To participate in the orientation, please do the following:

Orientations are scheduled for 6:30 pm ET/5:30 pm CT on June 28th, June 30th, and July 2. You only attend one.

At the appropriate time, dial 877-394-0659 and, when prompted, dial the ID number 7367194160

The host parent and host sibling should be on the call. At a minimum, one parent should attend.

Have your orientation PowerPoint available for reference during the call. This information will be placed on our website for you to view during the conference call. An email will be sent with this information.

Please let me know if you have any questions. At this time we are still desperately in need of a host family for a boy and for a girl (both 13 years). If you know of anyone who could be persuaded, I would be happy to speak with them. Sincerely, Mark Mains, Ph.D. University of Kentucky Extension Specialist for 4-H Youth Development

4-H Youth Development

212 Scovell Hall

Lexington, KY 40546-0064

(859) 257-5961

Fax: (859) 257-7180

www.uky.edu

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2016 Host Family Orientation

Mark Mains, Ph.D. Extension Specialist for Teen & International Programs

University of Kentucky

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What Do You Have?

Mailing 1• Letter• Host Family Guidebook• Tomodachi Phrasebook• Insurance Card &

Information (copy)• Windows Newsletter

Mailing 2• Letter • Orientation ppt (printed)• Family Scrapbook• Cultural Information

– Furoshiki, Chopsticks, Fans

• Information Sheets– Fun Things to

Do/Homesickness– First Day Questions

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International Exchanges

• Kentucky 4-H has been participating in exchange programs with Japan since the 1970’s.

• Our main partner is the LABO Program who operates primarily in Japan.

• LABO is a club program for kids in K-12th grade to learn about American customs, language and culture.

• Most but not all participate in an exchange trip to the US.

• Several months are spent preparing for this trip. They practice overnight stays, make a journal, and create a project or story.

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The Chain of Communication

• Host Family

• State Coordinator Mark Mains (cell 859.393.1463)

• States’ 4-H International Exchange Program

• Japanese LABO Organization

• Natural Family

The host families and delegate are NOT allowed to contact the Natural Family during the homestay. No exceptions, please!

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The LABO Philosophy

• “International travel strengthens the individual”

• Japanese Youth Aged 12-15

• Low to “ok” English Skills

• Cultural Exchange NOT a language exchange or vacation

• Selected from LABO clubs in Japan

• Japanese parents begin saving from 9 years

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Cultural Differences

• Japanese society is a group oriented society where harmony over personal preference is emphasized. The good of the group outweighs the good of the individual.

• Japanese parents value hardworking kids who are respectful and don’t complain. A good child is one who perseveres, without complaint or comment, in the face of adversity.

• NO to no. Saying “no” is unheard of in Japan. Evasion is much more common. An example of this is the child saying “they are not allowed to dive off a diving board”. This is not true, they are allowed but probably don’t want to dive (so they tell a “white lie” to avoid a no).

• In Japan, the “white lie” is an acceptable method of keeping harmony. Your child may offer a white lie to avoid saying no or to keep the peace.

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The Host Sibling Relationship

• The Japanese youth come with the idea they are to bond with their “assigned” sibling. They will tend to gravitate toward this person over the other family members (sometimes).

• They will expect to go with their host sibling everywhere. While this may get tedious at times, it’s only for four weeks so please be good sports about it.

• While they will spend a majority of their time with the host sibling(s), it’s normal for there to be “fatigue”. Consider scheduling some alone time for your child.

Pick Up/Drop Off Summary

• LABO Pick Up– July 23, 2016 at 12:00 pm EST/11:00 am CST– Lexington, KY (ES Goodbarn, UK Campus)– We will have short presentation and you will be on

your way! Your LABO delegates WILL NOT have eaten lunch.

• LABO Drop Off– August 18, 2016 between 1 pm – 3 pm– Kentucky State Fair Grounds (Cloverville Area)– Additional information will be sent at about week 2-3

of homestay.

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The Rules

• Animals – most have little experience with large animals. Please be sensitive to this and help them get used to family pets or be around farm animals.

• Appliances – provide an orientation to the household. Many traditional Japanese homes do not have ovens or microwaves.

• Bikes – they may ride bicycles with appropriate safety gear and instruction/supervision.

• Boats – they may ride in boats with appropriate safety care and instruction/supervision.

• Farm Equipment, Planes, ATV’s, Lawnmowers, Guns/Play Guns, Fireworks, High Risk Activities, Hunting, Driving – NO

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Video Games & Electronics

Host parents are asked to use their own best judgment when considering what games will be played while they are hosting international delegates. It is important to avoid games which could be considered insulting to other cultures. In particular, please do not allow host siblings and delegates to play first person shooter games set in WWII. It’s ok to use electronics but try to limit them. We want them to experience American outside the home!

Here is a list of the most common 1st Person Shooter game series based on WWII: • Hidden and Dangerous• Commandos• Wolfenstein• Medal of Honor• Deadly Dozen• Brothers in Arms• Day of Defeat• Call of Duty• Battlefield• Red OrchestraFor additional resources regarding video games set in WWII which may be inappropriate please

see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_World_War_II_video_games12

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Traveling During the Homestay

• Overnight trips are allowed with notification

• Day trips are allowed outside and inside state

• Long Vacations are discouraged

• For Trips

– Contact me and provide a basic itinerary and emergency contact information

– The child is part of the family, additional trip expenses are incurred by the family

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Family Activities

• Families are encouraged to go about their normal routine but schedule family activities as your time allows.

• Take your delegate to fairs, farmers markets, shopping, hiking, parks, local or state locations of interest.

• Take your delegate to church, school groups, etc. We want them to have as much exposure to other families and kids as possible.

• Idea: Call the county tourist board or chamber of commerce to find things to do locally and regionally. Discover what your county has to offer along with your delegate!

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Quiet Time

• Having a non-English speaker middle school student in your home for 30 days can be exhausting! Take care of yourself and your family.

• Schedule blocks of quiet time where EVERYONE gets a chance to do their own thing for a while.

• Be careful of overscheduling…take time to enjoy the experience and relax!

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Passport

• VERY IMPORTANT

– With the delegate find a safe place for it in the home

– Upon arrival at departure site we will confirm the passport FIRST THING!

– They do not need to carry it with them on a day to day basis.

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Luggage

• Delegates are allowed ONE CARRY-ON and ONE CHECKED bag only. Please help them adhere to this during their return.

• Monitor items in carry on…don’t include restricted items

• Delegate cannot return with

– Meat (dried or fresh), Vegetables, Fruits, Weapons, Liquor or Tobacco

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Shipping Items

• If the Japanese youth wishes to mail items to their home this is at their own expense!

• A standard paper box costs around $75 - $100 to ship

• This is discouraged due to expense and inconvenience to the host family

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Book 1: Host Family Guidebook

• This book is your “how to” for all aspects of the exchange program. It covers most of the necessary information about your role as a hosting family. I will highlight some sections:

• Delegate/Family Communication: Communication will be a barrier. However, it’s one that can be overcome with non-verbal gestures, expressions, writing and your phrasebooks. By the end of the homestay you will be communicating (in some way) easily.

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Host Family Guidebook (con’t)

• Food:Don’t worry about the food you will have for your delegate. They will eat most of what you offer them and are told to try a “courtesy” bite of everything to see if they like it. Part of a going to a new country is experiencing the food!

• Suggestion: Set a “snack basket” of fruit, granola bars, fruit snacks, snack cakes, etc on the counter and encourage your delegate to “help themselves”

• Your delegate may want to cook a meal for you. Ask them this early in their homestay so you can arrange to go to the grocery with them. Make sure YOU and YOUR FAMILY try a “courtesy bite” of everything!

• IDEA! Host a themed holiday meal for them…how about Thanksgiving or Easter in July? This is a way to expose them to more American culture.

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Host Family Guidebook (con’t)

• Money/Gifts (pg 13):Japanese culture places a high importance on giving gifts. Your delegate will be expected to bring back several larger gifts and dozens of smaller gifts for their family, friends and teachers. Plan on working with them to visit places where they can buy KENTUCKY gifts (not UK).

They will probably have several gifts for your family. You are welcome to give return gifts but don’t feel you have to “keep up”. The best gifts are homemade or unique ones that it’s impossible for them to find in Japan.

Idea: Create a scrapbook or photo album of their stay. Send a framed family picture back with them. Make a gift together for a great memory!

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Medical

• When in doubt take them to doctor. Call me first (if possible). Use your regular family physician or urgent care as the first step. Only use the ER in an emergency.

• You have parental authority for them in the case of life threatening/serious issues.

• Carry your Waiver/Release with you. Make several copies for purse, car, etc. Provided at pick-up.

• Keep me informed as much as possible and as quickly as possible.

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Support

• Families are encouraged to share emails and ask each other for help

• 24/7 Access to State Coordinator or Assistant Coordinators during the home stay

• In-State Chaperones who call youth at 2 weeks and receive post cards from youth at 1 and 3 weeks

• Support Materials and Orientation (language book, language CD, orientation book, feelings poster, pocket dictionary, etc)

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Pictures & Videos

• Take lots of pictures! I would love a copy of your families pictures to use for future promotion of this program (with your permission).

• Each year, S4-HIEP runs a contest for promotional videos and pictures. Each family is asked to get 2-3 great pictures that capture the experience of hosting from the Japanese and/or American perspective. Action shots of 2-3 people are great!

• Idea: Plan a video! Work with your family to plan a time/place/event where you can take a video about the experience of hosting!

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Everyone is asked to take a “courtesy bite”!

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Make them a part of your family and give them chores! They might not like them at first but imagine how proud they will feel to have contributed to your home life!

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Tell your family and friends about this program! Most people take part after a personal recommendation from someone they know and trust. This is a great program that allows youth from both countries to develop valuable life skills and international competencies!

Questions??

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Dealing with Homesickness

Idea’s to Engage Delegates

1. Have your student bring

out their photo album 2. Make origami 3. Play cards 4. Build a card house 5. Make a video 6. Plain with a train set 7. Build something from

the wood shop 8. Go on a hike 9. Bake some cookies 10. Make some jam 11. Start a portfolio for

your student to take home

12. Make a singing video with your student

13. Take your picture with your student at a photo booth

14. Watch an animated Disney movie

15. Go bird watching 16. Color a t-shirt 17. Go to a pet store 18. Make a picnic 19. Carve animals, shapes

out of vegetables and fruit

20. Watch a Godzilla movie

21. Pick flowers out of a field

22. Paint rocks and name them

23. Draw cartoons for each other

24. Make a gingerbread house from graham crackers

25. Go on a bike ride 26. Pick berries 27. Make a dried flower

arrangement 28. Make flavored popcorn 29. Paint each other’s

fingernails 30. Watch/play a ball game 31. Sew a pillow 32. Learn a duet on the

piano together 33. Make shadow puppets

on the wall 34. Make paper masks 35. Play jacks 36. Make ice cream 37. Go exploring in the

woods 38. Make a cardboard house 39. Make donuts 40. Go window shopping 41. Play a video game 42. Listen to different

types of music 43. Dance 44. Make a basket together 45. Have a water fight 46. Fly a kite

47. String beads 48. Make potpourri 49. Color eggs and hunt for

them 50. Play checkers 51. Play backgammon 52. Teach them card tricks 53. Do magic tricks 54. Face paint 55. Decorate a cake 56. Have an early birthday

party 57. Take pictures of each

other making faces 58. Play marbles 59. Read a children’s short

story to them 60. Play Frisbee 61. Make paper airplanes 62. Shop at a farmers

market and make a meal with your delegate

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Fun Things To Do With Your Delegate

Go to the grocery store

Take them to the visitor center to pick up information about the area

Highlight a map of Kentucky with places your child has visited

Go bowling

Make a video for them to take home

Play games like Sorry, Uno, Hearts, and Memory

Make a small album for them to take home

Go Fishing, Camping or Hiking

Take them to Church, 4-H, Scout or community meetings

Pick berries

Make jam

Make cookies

Sleep in the back yard

Stargaze

Pick up free pencils and souvenirs at the fair

Watch an old Disney movie or cartoons

Go out for ethnic food

Shopping

Make s’mores

Go to the beach, mountains, etc.

Visit the local firehouse, museums, etc.

Go on a picnic

Go shopping at a Saturday market

Participate in a community activity

最初の日にホストファミリーにこの質問を聞いて下さい。英語で！  

QUESTIONNAIRE  FOR  FIRST  DAY  WITH  HOST  FAMILY  Sit  down  with  your  host  family  and  ask  these  questions  the  first  day  of  your  stay.  

1. What  should  I  call  you?  (Mom?  Dad?  First  name?)  ホストのお父さんとお母さんをどう呼んだらいい？  

                           

                             

2. Which  chores  do  I  need  to  do  everyday?   毎日どのお手伝いをすればいい？

 

3. May  I  help  you  at  meal  time?  (Choose  one  or  two  duties) 食事の時のお手伝いについて  

_ Set  the  table   テーブルをセットする  _ Clear  the  table 食事の後テーブルを片づける  _ Help  wash  dishes 皿を洗う  _ Dry  the  dishes 皿をふく  _ Empty  the  garbage ごみをすてる  _ Other その他                        

4. May  I  help  myself  to  food  and  beverages  or  would  you  like  me  to  ask  first?  自分で好きな食べ物や飲み物

をとっていいか、それともホストに聞いた方がいいか？            

                             

5. Are  there  any  areas  in  the  house  that  are  strictly  private?  (Bar,  study,  den,  sewing  room,  pantry,  computer  

room,  desk,  etc.) 行けない所はある？そこはどこ？              

                             

6. Where  may  I  put  my  clothes  and  my  suitcases? 服と荷物をどこにしまったらいい？      

                             

7. What  time  should  I  get  up  in  the  morning? 朝何時に起きたらいい？            

8. What  time  must  I  go  to  bed  every  night? 夜何時頃寝たらいい？              

9. When  may  I  take  a  bath?  (How  long?) いつお風呂に入ればいい？            

10. Where  can  I  buy  stamps? 切手はどこで買える？                  

11. Where  can  I  mail  letters? 郵便局はどこ？                  

12. What  are  the  rules  about  telephone  calls?   電話の規則は何？              

REMEMBER:  IT  IS  NOT  ADVISED  FOR  LABO  GUESTS  TO  CALL  HOME.  HAIR  PERMANENTS,  EAR  PIERCING  AND  TATTOOS  ARE  FORBIDDEN  WITHOUT  PERMISSION  FROM  PARENTS  IN  JAPAN.  SMOKING,  ALCOHOL  AND  DRUGS  ARE  FOBIDDEN  BY  LABO.    

禁止事項：日本への国際電話、パーマ、ピアス、タトゥー（入れずみ）。タバコを吸うこと、お酒を

飲むこと、ドラッグ（麻薬）は絶対禁止！