ORONO – Maine families are being sought to host Japanese students from mid-July to mid-August as part of a two-way exchange program sponsored by 4-H.

The program is open to families in Maine with children close in age to the Japanese participants, who are 12 to 18. Families without children in this age range will be considered as hosts for the adult chaperone from Japan. Homes for monthlong stays are still being sought for 18 of the 19 Japanese boys and girls who want to visit Maine.

“You don’t have to be involved with 4-H to host; you just need a willingness to share your home and your world. There is no need to know Japanese; the students have all studied English and are anxious to use it,” says Jill Coffren of Jay, state coordinator for the program.

Host family applications and brochures about the program are available by contacting a local County Extension Office or Coffren at 207-645-3248.