Would you like to develop an international friendship and learn more about another culture – without even traveling? If so, then consider hosting a Japanese teenager or adult this summer.
Families are needed to host a student or a chaperone from Toyota City, Japan as part of the Detroit Sister Cities Program. Preference is given to Detroit families. However, families outside Detroit are considered for hosting. The group of ten individuals – eight students and two chaperones – will visit Detroit to learn more about the American culture and stay for two weeks. The dates are July 31-August 14, 2025.
During the group’s visit, there are various activities, including trips to the Detroit Institute of Arts, Museum of African American History, Belle Isle, Niagara Falls and The Henry Ford. The group activities are scheduled on the weekdays, leaving the weekends and evenings open for activities with host families.
What can I expect of my guest?
Yes, all students have a demonstrated level of proficiency in English. Students come to the United States with a desire to learn more about the American culture, immerse themselves in the language and improve their level of proficiency.
What is expected of a host family?
Activities
The student or chaperone will participate in your family’s daily lives and events. In the case of exchange students, parents also are expected to provide adult supervision to ensure the safety and well-being of the guest.
Lodging
Your guest will need his/her own bed, not convertible or inflatable in nature. An exchange student can share a room with a child who is of the same sex and close in age.
Chaperones will need a separate bedroom.
Meals
The host family will need to provide meals for the guest when he or she is not involved with sponsored activities. These meals would include breakfast and dinner on weekdays and all meals on the weekends.
Transportation
The student/adult leader will need to be transported to and from the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center for daily activities. The center is located at 2 Woodward Avenue at Jefferson Avenue.
Why is a background check required?
The safety and welfare of our participants is of greatest concern. The criminal background check is an integral part of the screening process. Criminal background checks are conducted for all members of the host family, ages 14 and older.
What happens once we submit our application?
Once the application is received, a screening process will begin including a home visit and interview. Requirements for the interview are:
- to be held at the prospective host family’s home;
- all members of the family are requested to be present;
- application must be complete; and
- Sister Cities Program representatives will conduct the on-site interview.
Download an application below – due May 15th:
History of the Detroit-Toyota Sister Cities Program
The relationship between Detroit, Michigan and Toyota City, Japan began in 1960, when the two cities signed a Sister Cities agreement. The student exchange program began in 1965 with students from Detroit traveling to Toyota City, Japan. Detroit students visit Toyota one year, while students from Toyota visit Detroit the following year.
In addition, students from families who serve as hosts are given special consideration when Detroit students are selected to go to Toyota City, Japan in 2026.
Detroit and Toyota City will celebrate the 65th anniversary of the program in July 2025.
More Information
For more information, send an email to lover@detroitmi.gov or call (313) 850-1940.