GenkiJACS Homestay Information

The opportunity to stay with a Japanese host family is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the culture, and practice at "home" what you learned at school that day.

When arranging a host family for you, we try to take into account any needs or preferences you may have, such as smoker or non-smoker, allergies, English ability, and so on. Your host family can act as guides and mentors, friends and companions, and a wonderful resource in your adventure in Japan. They are likely to be the people you become closest to during your stay, which is why we perform a thorough screening of all host family applicants, to ensure that they can provide a suitable environment to assist your learning and to allow you to fully experience Japan.
Of course, you must abide by certain rules of conduct when staying with a host family. We have collected some of the most common rules together as the Homestay Rules.
See photos of our host families in our photo gallery here.

Your Room

You are guaranteed to have your own private room, which may be either Japanese or Western style. All rooms have a desk and chair, bed/futon, and air-conditioning or heater.

Facilities

• The kitchen, living area and bathroom/toilet facilities are shared with the host family.
• Most but not all Japanese homes have Internet access, so you may be able to use their computer to access the Internet. However, few homes have wireless Internet.
• Some host families may prepare a bicycle for you to use.

Location

Host families are chosen to be as close to the school, and the center of Fukuoka City, as possible. All host families are within one hour traveling time of the school by public transport.

When your accommodation is decided, we send you a detailed introduction to your host family, including contact information, directions from the airport or train station to the host family and from the host family to school, maps, and photos where possible.

Food

Breakfast is included in the accommodation cost. Generally you will be expected to eat the same food as your host family. A traditional Japanese breakfast often includes rice, fish and miso soup. You can request your host family to prepare toast, cereal or other foods for you.
Dinner can be arranged with the host family for 500 yen per night. To book dinner, tell your host family at least one day in advance that you want to eat with them, and pay the fee at that time.
Please note that it may be very difficult for host families to meet any special dietary requirements you might have, such as vegetarianism or food allergies, as these are less common in Japan. In paticular, vegetarianism is not well understood, and many common sauces and flavorings contain traces of meat or fish extract. It is usually recommended for strict vegetarians to cook their own food where possible.

 

Homestay Costs

Homestay Questions and Answers

Q. Can I specify conditions for my host family?

A. Yes. We will try to accommodate any requests you have regarding your host family. However, please bear in mind that while we will do our best, it may not be possible to find a family exactly as you requested.

 

Q. Can I eat dinner with my home family, in addition to breakfast?

A. If you would like to have dinner with your home family, we can arrange for this. Generally, you will have to pay a little more, though the exact cost varies between host families. In addition, you can usually specify how many nights a week you would like to have dinner at home. In many cases, students find that they are often not home at dinner time, being too busy sightseeing, going out with friends, and otherwise enjoying their time in Fukuoka.