Our Activity
ホームビジットにて交換留学生が地域の家庭を訪問しました。〈2026年春学期〉
2026.07.08
法政大学グローバル教育センターでは、千代田区の協力の元、
今回は5名の留学生が3つのご家庭を訪問し、
受入先となったホストファミリーからは、「子供たちにとって、
参加した留学生も、
法政大学グローバル教育センターでは、
参加者の体験談
國立台湾師範大学 CHEN Yan-Ling（台湾）
The experience of visiting a Japanese family has become one of the top three experiences of my exchange life. I gained so many “first-time” experiences during this event.
The Shimizukawa family was incredibly friendly and hospitable. When they noticed we were practicing Japanese, they kindly slowed down their speaking speed and listened to us patiently. We shared stories about our home countries and cultures, and read the Japanese newspaper together to explore the unique features of the language.
The most impressive part was making Japanese udon noodles from scratch! The little boy of the family taught us step by step. We mixed flour and salt water, kneaded it into a dough, put it in a plastic bag, and then stomped on it with our feet. After the dough had rested, we flattened it and cut it into long strips. The whole process was completely new and exciting for me. To top it off, the noodles were very chewy and tasty, and the sumptuous dishes served for lunch were delicious as well.
During Japanese afternoon tea, we made hand-whisked matcha, enjoyed dorayaki, and played board games together with lots of laughter. The family also taught us proper Japanese etiquette. It was a meaningful day, and this warm memory will always be a highlight of my time in Japan.
ボイシー州立大学 Elliot RAMSEY （アメリカ）
The opportunity to interact with people coming from a variety of different cultures is a great experience. It allows us to broaden our horizons and make relationships with people who may come from different backgrounds than ourselves. There are two main things I learned from this home visit experience: that people have the same interests regardless of culture, and that kindness can be shown to all people.
First, in my experience, I found that people have the same interests regardless of culture. For example, when I went to Chieko and Takayuki’s house, I learned that Takayuki really likes to do programming. Chieko likes to play games, go to different places around the world, and cook. Their son Koki likes to play Minecraft. When we do not interact with people, we start to form opinions about them that might be wrong. But interacting with these people allowed me to see that they have similar interests, and we have a lot in common. When we all laughed together playing Monopoly, I was reminded of playing the same game with my family growing up, and it brought me a lot of joy. This makes me want to interact with people of different cultures even more deeply.
Second, I learned that kindness can be shown to all people. The people of this family, Chieko, Takayuki, and Koki, showed deep kindness to Fiona and me, even though we were foreigners. They accepted us into their home and treated us as family. This showed me a deep example of how kindness can be shown to all people. Some people believe that it is hard to be kind to people who are different in a variety of ways. But through interacting with Chieko, Takayuki, and Koki, I saw that kindness is possible and can have a large effect. I will remember talking about different countries, eating udon, playing games, like しりとり and Monopoly, and laughing together for the rest of my life. Yes, sometimes kindness can be hard, but I also think that it is possible in every situation. And when kindness is shown, it can make a deep impact in other’s lives. For Chieko, Takayuki, and Koki’s kindness, I am deeply grateful.
So, this home visit was an amazing experience. I found the joy of interacting with people who seem different, but really are very similar to me in many ways. I also found the joy of receiving kindness. This kindness showed me the beauty that is in all our hearts. So, I hope that Hosei University can continue these exchanges, and I will treasure these memories forever.
ステンデン応用科学大学 Katharina RADLER （オーストリア）
When I found out that I got into the host family program, I was excited. After our first meeting with the kids as well, I was so grateful to meet such kind people. Even though English is a second language for all of us, we managed well with gestures and sometimes the help of Google Translate.
On the day itself, I was quite nervous because you are invited to their home, and of course you don't want to do anything wrong. However, these thoughts quickly left my mind because they were so sweet and welcoming that after 10 minutes of chatting, I felt at ease.
My host kids, or siblings, are 6 and 2 years old. We had a great time watching Japanese kids' cartoons and exchanging Pokémon cards. After playing, of course, we got really hungry, so our host mum and grandma showed us how to cook a Japanese omelet and chicken for our bento boxes. It was actually the first time that I made an onigiri, and I think I did a very good job because it actually looked like an onigiri.
After our lunch, we had more interesting conversations about the differences between our countries and life itself. We ate a delicious cake that I baked with the few ingredients I had in my dorm and just enjoyed the time together. We also had the privilege of meeting a friend of my host mum, which gave us an even broader insight into Japanese culture.
Overall, I am so grateful for the experience and the opportunities offered by Hosei and my host family. I could really learn a lot about the culture while also connecting with daily life here. My heart was filled, as well as my tummy. I will cherish these memories forever.
Lastly, I am still in contact with my host family, and we will see each other again! Arigato gozaimasu for everything!
アナウアク大学 Luis Enrique ESTRADA （メキシコ）
The home visit was one of the best experiences I have had during my exchange in Japan. It gave me the opportunity to spend time with a Japanese host family and learn about their daily life in a way that would not have been possible in a classroom.
During the visit, we prepared our own matcha, made takoyaki, and created a traditional Japanese paper lantern. These activities were both enjoyable and meaningful because they allowed me to experience Japanese culture firsthand. We also spent a lot of time talking about our cultures, family traditions, and personal interests. I learned many things about life in a Japanese household, and it was interesting to compare our different perspectives.
Another part that I really enjoyed was exchanging traditional sweets. I shared some Mexican sweets with the family, and they introduced me to several Japanese sweets. It was a simple but memorable way to learn more about each other's cultures.
The host family always made me feel welcome and respected in their home. Their kindness and hospitality made this experience very special, and I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to participate in this program. I hope to have the chance to meet them again in the future.
サンクトガレン大学 Vanessa SCHUEPBACH （スイス）
The Opportunity to Experience Different Cultures
On Saturday, 13 June, my Austrian friend Katharina and I had the wonderful opportunity to visit a Japanese host family organized through the ESOP programme. The goal was to experience authentic Japanese culture through a home visit while sharing a little of our own cultures. As a Swiss guest, I brought some cheese, while Katharina prepared a delicious chocolate and banana cake for dessert
A Warm Welcome
The family had thoughtfully planned the entire day. After picking us up at the station, and quickly stopping at their home, they took us to a local festival (Matsuri), where the father and their six-year-old son were participating. It was a special chance to witness a cherished local tradition and feel part of the community.
Discovering Bento Culture
Back at their home, the family introduced us to the art of Bento. Through posters, drawings, and even a book read by their son, they explained the meaning and traditions behind Bento lunches. We also enjoyed playing Pokémon cards before preparing the meal together. The grandmother kindly taught me how to make tamagoyaki, a traditional Japanese egg roll.
Gratitude and New Connections
Sharing the meal together and spending time with family friends gave us a valuable insight into everyday Japanese life. We left with wonderful memories, new friendships, and deep gratitude for the family's incredible hospitality, kindness, and generosity.
ステンデン応用科学大学 Katharina RADLER （オーストリア）
When I found out that I got into the host family program, I was excited. After our first meeting with the kids as well, I was so grateful to meet such kind people. Even though English is a second language for all of us, we managed well with gestures and sometimes the help of Google Translate.
On the day itself, I was quite nervous because you are invited to their home, and of course you don't want to do anything wrong. However, these thoughts quickly left my mind because they were so sweet and welcoming that after 10 minutes of chatting, I felt at ease.
My host kids, or siblings, are 6 and 2 years old. We had a great time watching Japanese kids' cartoons and exchanging Pokémon cards. After playing, of course, we got really hungry, so our host mum and grandma showed us how to cook a Japanese omelet and chicken for our bento boxes. It was actually the first time that I made an onigiri, and I think I did a very good job because it actually looked like an onigiri.
After our lunch, we had more interesting conversations about the differences between our countries and life itself. We ate a delicious cake that I baked with the few ingredients I had in my dorm and just enjoyed the time together. We also had the privilege of meeting a friend of my host mum, which gave us an even broader insight into Japanese culture.
Overall, I am so grateful for the experience and the opportunities offered by Hosei and my host family. I could really learn a lot about the culture while also connecting with daily life here. My heart was filled, as well as my tummy. I will cherish these memories forever.
Lastly, I am still in contact with my host family, and we will see each other again! Arigato gozaimasu for everything!
