Ames host families needed for students from Koshu City, Japan
The city of Ames needs roughly 14 families to host a delegation of Japanese middle school students in October.
Ames Middle School students traveled to Koshu City, Japan in July, as part of the Ames International Partner Cities Association (AIPCA) educational exchange. Story County is returning the favor when 20 students and five adults from Koshu City, Japan visit Sunday, Oct. 13 through Friday, Oct. 18.
AIPCA President Karla McCollum told the Ames City Council on Tuesday that 20 host families are needed, and so far only six have been secured.
“We hope to show (the exchange students and adults) the same hospitality they showed Ames students back in July,” McCollum said. “They were so generous with our students.”
Families interested in hosting a student may apply to host a student may apply at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSemKIn9_Xn2WKt6jJnHZh_Fok1QmYsElnMhJ8voyf3SzQ_x2A/viewform.
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What is expected from host families?
For five days in October, host families will help introduce a Japanese student to American life and create lasting connections. In return, they will learn about Japan and gain a firsthand perspective on Japanese customs and traditions.
McCollum said AIPCA is trying to keep things as low maintenance as possible. Students will participate in scheduled activities throughout the day and into most evenings, and there will be drop-off points for AIPCA to pick them up. McCollum said most of the students’ meals will be taken care of, though families may have something for breakfast.
She added that two students can stay in the same house as long as they have separate bedrooms.
Questions can be directed to AIPCA at [email protected].
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Promoting cultural and educational exchanges
AIPCA’s partner city relationships have been a source of cultural exchange and collaboration for more than 30 years, McCollum said.
Koshu City, Japan is currently Ames’ only designated sister city.
“Our partnerships are more than symbolic,” McCollum said. “They allow us to share knowledge, art, education and innovation with our friends around the world. Whether it’s student exchanges, cultural delegations or economic collaborations, these relationships help us to see the world in a more interconnected way.”
Because of AIPCA’s partnerships, Ames has built lasting friendships that have bridged continents, fostered greater understanding and enriched the community, McCollum said.
Celia Brocker is a government, crime, political and education reporter for the Ames Tribune. She can be reached at [email protected].
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