ORONO – The University of Maine Cooperative Extension 4-H Japanese Exchange Program is looking for Maine families to host a Japanese student for a month-long stay this summer. Students will arrive during the third week of July and stay until the third week in August. Family members are not required to be in 4-H clubs to participate.

Families must have children close in age to the Japanese students. Ages range from 12 to 17. Similar interests match up host families and exchange students.

Families can also participate in a yearlong exchange program.

The program gives families and students a chance to learn about another culture. Families do not have to plan special activities for the student or incur extra expenses.

The application deadline is April 1. For more information, call Jill Coffren, 4-H Japanese Exchange program coordinator, at 645-3248.