A group of Japanese students from Okinawa will be studying English conversation and American culture at Auburn High School from July 23-Aug. 18 and are desperately looking for volunteer families to host them.

“I’ve taught this group at AHS for several years now, and this year finding host families is difficult,” said Denise Sawyer, a guide and instructor. “Our host families are volunteers and need to be native English speakers. But other than that, almost any type of family is welcome.”

The Japanese students – ages 13-16 – will be going to school Monday-Friday, with English class in the morning and “field trips” in the afternoons to City Hall, the fire station, downtown Seattle and other sites.

Host families, as Sawyer explains, do not have to play “tour guide,” just include the student in their normal schedules and treat them like a member of the family.

“It’s a great opportunity for American families to learn about a foreign culture and add some fun to their long summer days, without having to leave the area,” Sawyer said.

Class hours for the students will be 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 9 a.m.-noon Friday.

Requirements for hosting:

– At least 2 related individuals in the home (i.e., husband and wife, siblings, parent and child).

– English is the native or only spoken language in the home.

– A ride or carpool (often easy to arrange) to the study center Monday-Friday.

– An extra plate at the table, a place to sleep, and a willingness to take the student along on family activities and outings

For more information, contact Denise or Mary Sawyer, International Understanding, at 253-927-4389 or dalisawyer@yahoo.com.