October 21
Opening Ceremony at Independence Visitor Center
The Summit starts with an Opening Ceremony and Welcome Reception -- with local entertainment and local cuisine. This is the first chance for guests to meet people from their host region -- local volunteers, performers and artists, dignitaries. Optional local sight-seeing tours are available earlier in the day.
October 22-24
Summit Delegates' Homestay Experience
Delegates spend four days and three nights with host families in homestay towns thoughtfully matched to guest interests and preferences. During these homestay days, local town leaders and host families work together to share the best that their communities have to offer. This person-to-person exchange and shared enthusiasm for local and cultural experiences is the essence of the Japan-America Grassroots Summit.
October 25
Closing Ceremony at the Inn at Villanova
Finally, the Closing Ceremony and Farewell program -- where guests, host families, volunteers, and others who have connected with each other during the Summit gather together as a group once last time.
Information About Becoming a Host Family
As a host, you’ll welcome guests into your home for four nights and three days, and enjoy making new friends and learning to communicate with or without knowing each other’s languages. During the day Thursday and Friday, guests join in activities planned by local organizers. Saturday and half Sunday are free time: your guests might want to go shopping for souvenirs, or you and they might enjoy cooking together or just relaxing over a glass of wine or sake.
HOSTING INFORMATION
- A family within the greater Philadelphia region
- Willing to open your home to a Japanese guest for 4 days and 3 nights
- Able to provide lodging, basic amenities and meals
- Excited to share American and local/regional culture!
BENEFITS
- Share your city/town and culture
- Create life-long memories and friendships
- Engage in intercultural and language exchange from your own home.
More Information Coming Soon What can I gain from being a host family?
You will meet a like-minded Japanese guest who values international friendship and have a chance to start a relationship that can last a lifetime.
Where should I take my guest? What activities should I do with my guest?
Participants in the Grassroots Summit want an opportunity to experience everyday life in the US. Guests may be interested in visiting some touristy locations (ie. Independence Hall, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Shofuso Japanese House and Garden), but we also highly recommend taking your guest to your favorite local spots including the Waterfront, Fairmount Park, and shopping in Center City. You might also consider meeting up with other local host families and having group activities such as picnics or get-togethers.
How do we communicate if we do not speak Japanese?
Important pieces of information including medical conditions, allergies, etc. will be communicated in English beforehand. However, for everyday communication, your guest will likely have a rudimentary understanding of English. Former host families have also suggested using online translation services including Google Translate and DeepL.
Your donation helps to support Japanese arts, business, and cultural programs in Philadelphia including the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival, lectures and workshops, preservation of Shofuso, and much more.
