Why Hosting a Japanese Exchange Student is an Adventure!

Opening Our Doors, Opening Our Worlds:

Thinking about hosting a Japanese exchange student? Take it from our family: it is hands-down one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have! You will talk about it for years to come.

To be completely honest, day one starts out a little quiet with a few shy smiles and language barriers. But watching that initial nervousness melt away is the best part. Seeing our student (Yoshinobu) get comfortable, open up, and truly enjoy himself was incredibly fulfilling.

Before we knew it, our house was a vibrant cultural exchange hub. We bonded over backyard soccer, Japanese baseball, shared local lingo, and provided a supportive home base. In return, it opened our eyes to just how much Japan’s incredible culture shapes our daily lives even in Australia. 

But the absolute best part? The connection doesn’t end when the hosting finishes.

It was such a great experience, and we’ve kept the relationship going across the globe. We’ve packed our bags and gone to visit their family in Japan! Reconnecting on their home turf proved that hosting isn’t just a short-term commitment; it can be the start of a lifelong, global friendship.

If you have ever thought about hosting, we cannot recommend it enough. It’s an amazing opportunity for your kids to grow, brings wonderful energy into your home, and creates memories that will last for years to come.

Jump in and get ready for an unforgettable journey! This will be our third year hosting a student, and we can’t wait to do it all over again!!!! 

Matt and Jess Cottee and family