KIS 'Family Exchange' Host Family - Host Friendship Program

The 19 JICA participants are divided into 9 groups, and then matched with families or 'friends' in Kosaka. During the three month program, the families and friends have agreed to meet with the participants at least three times.

"What is a host family/friend?" Seminar
held on Thursday August 10th at 19:00
(Lobby of Sepamu)

This seminar is held for individuals and families who are participating in the program for the first time, or who have concerns about what to do.

Host Family/Host Friend First contact with JICA
Wednesday August 16th, 19:00
Gold Palace Lobby

This is a chance to gather the host families/friends, the JICA participants and coordinators. JICA participants are introduced to their matches, and KIS events over the next three months are explained. It's a good chance for the participants to meet their family in a very relaxed atmosphere.

Host Family Adventure Tales from the Suzuki Family

Supervising the Home Exchange Program

Mrs. Suzuki, who has been a Host Family for two years running, gave us her thoughts on her experience this year. When you read it, I'm sure you'll understand how heartwarming her experience was.

JICA Trainee Welcome Party
August 18th(Friday)

Don't miss this party! It will be held for the students participating in the science camp and this year's JICA participants. There will be at least 100 people at this party, which will surely be a memorable one.

Free Talking

Please Join us for the "free talking" sessions while the JICA participants are here. The participants will give a presentation on their country(Japanese interpreting from Raymond),and there will be time for questions from the audience. Sessions will follow the schedule found on the under. Session start at 7:00pm at MMAJ.

August 23rd (Wed)	Ecuador, Kyrgyz
30th (Wed)	Kazakhstan, Myanmar
September 5th (Tues)	Mongolia, Oman
21st (Thurs)	Peru, Mexico
28th (Thurs)	Philippines, Saudi Arabia
October 12th (Thurs)	Papua New Guinea, Thailand
18th (Wed)	Zimbabwe, Tunisia
25th (Wed)	Uzbekistan, China
November 6th (Mon)	Brazil, Burkina Faso
9th (Thurs)	Argentina

Japanese Classroom

Held on selected Tuesdays and Fridays (Total of 11 times) while the JICA participants are in Kosaka. This is a chance for the participants to study some Japanese language that will make their stay in Kosaka a little more pleasant.

2FL MINETEC (17:00-18:00)

August 22nd (Tues), 25th (Fri), 29th (Tues)
September 19th (Tues), 22nd (Fri), 26th (Tues), 29th (Fri)
October 10th (Tues), 13th (Fri), 17th (Tues)
November 7th (Tues)

Kunizakai Festival
September 2nd(Saturday)

This is the 'Border Festival', a unique collection of attractions from major festivals in Akita, Aomori, and Iwate prefectures. The event takes place at Lake Towada. In total, there will be performances from 12 different festivals, including Aomori Nebuta; Akita Kanto, Hanawabayashi, and Kosaka Tanabata. We will be taking the JICA participants to lake Towada to experience a Japanese festival.

Soccer Tournament in Kazuno city
September 23rd(Saturday)

This event is co-sponsored by the Kosaka and Kazuno International Societies. Come and join the JICA participants for a friendly 'international' soccer tournament in Kazuno city. Leave your soccer cleats at home, as only regular running shoes are allowed; this is a day for everyone, regardless of age or skill level! More details coming soon.

Flag Painting
September 24th(Sunday)

Every year, to our "wall of flags" in Chuo Park, we add the flags of countries who are sending participants to the JICA program in Kosaka for the first time. There is only one new country this year, Myanmar; however, the other participants will be touching up their flags. Come and join us!

International Cooking
October 14th(Saturday)

Don't miss this! We get several of the JICA researchers to make a dish from their country, and then have a dinner party. If you come early, you can help with the food preparation. Maybe you can add something new to your cooking repertoire! No matter what you do, don't miss the food!

Farewell Party
November 10th(Friday)

Everyone will gather at Sepamu, the local community centre, to say good-bye to this years program participants. This is always a really great party, don't miss it!