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How to host a foreign exchange student from japan?

What should I bring to my host family in Japan as an exchange student from the US?

  • I am going there this summer and I have no idea what to bring them. They have 2 kids; a daughter who is 14 and a son who is about to turn 11. I really want to avoid bringing them any types of food if possible. Thanks in advance for any help!

  • Answer:

    definitely something american because people like to get stuff from other countries clothes would be really cool, but then you would have to worry about the parents not approving and sizes and stuff don't get something that is just like junk that will break, but don't spend too much money, if you do they might feel bad (i do when people get me expensive things for no real reason) i can see avoiding some kinds of food. but i don't think that you should try to avoid all food like with candy, thats what i would get them if i was being cheap oh and don't get technological stuff because they are way more advanced than america i know i said clothes are a bad idea but, if you can get in touch with them, ask the parents if they think the kids would like clothes, and then ask for sizes if they say yes, but don't buy them if you can't get in touch sorry i didn't really tell what exactly to get but now you have an idea of what not to get haha XD

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it depends on where you live. but i think you shoul bring something you can get only in america, and what you think is an american thing. (I brought gogatsu ningyou (kind of japanese doll) to my host family when i had a homestay in new zealand, as I thought it must be original in japan.) well, if i were the host family, i want a an T-shirt printed with something american. anyway, I hope this would help you and wish your nice trip to japan.

tkm

Food gifts are always popular in Japan, so I don't know why you want to avoid them but I am sure you have your reasons. Other consumables will be appreciated: soaps, lotions, scented powders. American liquors like bourbon always go over well with the adults. The problem with physical objects is that they have to be displayed. I've visited friends who have snow globes brought by visitors 20 years ago. Now they are dusty, unloved, and cluttering the living room but they can't be thrown away. For the kids, maybe school supplies (pencils, pens, notebooks, etc) from your state or city.

mediatinker

Depending on what area of the USA you are in id take a regional book of cooking recipes and while you are there make them something from the book. As far as the kids, what interested you when you were that age?

Zack

Clothing with English writing on it, even if it makes no sense, seems to be prolific in Japan. If you have a university nearby, if it is not too expensive for you, tee-shirts from there might be a good thing. Photo books of the U.S. (especially from your area) would probably be well appreciated. Search your heart - put yourself in their place - what would YOU want to receive?

Atatakai

I agree with Zack San, bring something from your area. Check out the tourist gift shops in your state. For the girl, get something from Abercrombie and Fitch or Forever21 or some trendy shirt. The boy probably has all the techno gadgets an 11 yr old boy should have...so get him one of those cool convertible frisbee boomerangs at Seen in on TV stores...

MarianasTrench

Sitting here for a couple minutes... thinking... Maybe some rare US coins? A Kennedy Half-dollar, a Sacajawea $1 coin, a $2 bill (go to a bank). A twelve inch ruler? A small map of America, showing the states? If you got any, a piece of Obama election schwag (sticker, pin, etc). Dunno, hit the toy section some time and look for something cool.

Tom B

I know that the Japanese love sports stuff especially baseball! Get them a Jersey or Cap of your local professional team!

kentarookun

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