HOST FAMILIES

2023 JAPAN-AMERICA GRASSROOTS SUMMIT

NOW SEEKING HOST FAMILIES

Over 100 Japanese citizens will be traveling to Ohio in September 2023 to participate in the 2023 Japan-America Grassroots Summit, which  will showcase Ohio’s local attractions, unique culture and customs, and special business opportunities Japanese participants will take part in tourist activities in Columbus for three days, including a welcome reception and ceremony at The Ohio Statehouse.


They will then travel to eight local host cities across Ohio for a 4-day/3-night homestay program.

  • Bellefontaine
  • Columbus
  • Delaware
  • Dublin 
  • Findlay
  • Bluffton
  • Marysville
  • Sidney
  • Troy

From September 21-24, participants will live with host families and learn more about the local lifestyle and culture before returning to Columbus for a farewell celebration at the Columbus Zoo.


The host family experience is the most important part of the Grassroots Summit. It is during this time that guests and hosts make meaningful memories in the spirit of genuine omotenashi -- hospitality and open-hearted friendship

HOST FAMILY REQUIREMENTS

Host families are expected to:​

  • Provide 3 nights of lodging for guests
  • Provide guests with meals
  • Provide guests with transportation during their stay
  • Plan and provide activities for guests during a designated host family day on Saturday, September 23, 2023.
  • Transport the Japanese guests to their hotel in Dublin, OH on Sunday,

        September 24.


Hosts will also be invited to attend the Summit Closing Ceremony at the Columbus Zoo on Sunday, September 24. Hosts and participants will receive free passes to enjoy the zoo before the final celebration.

HOST FAMILY APPLICATION

All interested parties must submit an application to be considered to host. Please note that applying does not guarantee that you will be selected

APPLY TO BECOME A HOST FAMILY TODAY!

WANT TO SPONSOR GRASSROOTS SUMMIT?

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HOST FAMILY FAQ

Can more than one person be assigned to one host family?

Yes, if it matches the preferences of the host family and the participants.


How are local sessions/host families and Japanese guests matched?

When signing up for the Grassroots Summit, Japanese guests select their top 3 choices of local sessions. JASCO and CIE staff will then work with Key Persons and other staff from the local session cities to make sure both guest and host family preferences are accommodated as much as possible.


When will we know how many Japanese guests we have, and with whom they are staying?

We will know the overall number of participants in the Grassroots Summit shortly after the application deadline in the spring, but the homestay preferences will not be received until a few weeks after the deadline. Pairings will be complete by mid- to late-summer.


How will Japanese guests get to the local session?

JASCO and CIE will arrange for bus transportation for the Japanese guests from Columbus to their local session. 


Please note that local session host families will be responsible for taking the guests back to Dublin, unless arrangements are otherwise made with JASCO.


How much English ability will the Japanese guests have?

While many of the participants speak English, their facility in the language will fair. Some speak it very well, some may need more help. There may also be some participants with little to no English language ability. 


Almost all guests bring an electronic translator or a dictionary for occasional help, as well as use tools such as Google Translate. 


If an interpreter is needed for a local session activity, JASCO can help to search for one (although the potential rates must be paid for by the local session city)

Questions? Email JASCO at grassroots@jascentralohio.org.

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