This program provides a homestay experience for overseas students, support for said program, and introduces projects to promote international exchange with foreigners.

Exchange between overseas students and local communities

NIFS introduces overseas students studying at universities and colleges, etc. in Nara Pref. to “sato-oya” (“host families”), with whom cultural exchanges can take place. We also hold international exchange parties and events to introduce Japanese culture.

The sato-oya in this project play the role of the “family” in Japan for overseas students and provide advice and mental support. Overseas students live in college dormitories, etc., so, it is not necessary for them to live together with the sato-oya. NIFS inquires with each party about their expectations, and then pairs the overseas student with a sato-oya with the best match. After that, both parties are encouraged to come together and share cultures on their own schedule.

To become a sato-oya of an overseas student, registration as a NIFS Volunteer is required.

Besides the above, NIFS Volunteer families accept overseas students studying in Nara Pref. into their homes for a homestay for one week during the summer season. NIFS also organises study tours to show these students the charms of Nara, as well as events to facilitate exchange between the overseas students and Nara Pref. citizens.

Homestay and home visit

Foreigners who would like to experience everyday life and Japanese culture by living with or visiting a typical Japanese family through a short homestay or a home visit can apply (as a group) to be introduced to host families in Nara Pref.

If you and the group you represent would like to arrange a stay with host families, please follow this link for more information.　

Applications cannot be accepted on an individual basis.
Applications to become a host family are accepted anytime. Prior registration as a NIFS Volunteer is required. (Information in Japanese only)

Introducing foreign culture and Japanese culture

Foreign people living in Japan are encouraged to be proactive and participate in the communities they live in. To promote international exchange and international understanding, NIFS volunteers who are knowledgeable about foreign culture are introduced to schools and international exchange groups in Nara Pref.

Also, teachers are provided for courses for foreign people in flower arrangement, tea ceremony, Japanese cooking etc., and volunteers are provided to introduce Japanese culture at international exchange projects

Waku Waku Club

At NIFS, the NIFS Volunteer planning and management group hosts the Waku Waku Club at the NIFS Lounge as a place for exchange between foreign people living in Japan and Japanese people. There are two types of events: the “Ko-sodate Club” (Child-care Club) events for foreign and Japanese parents and children, and the “Workshop” events, where foreign and Japanese cultures are introduced.

Check the Waku Waku Club site for more details