Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do we need much room?

You do not need to have a spare room for the Japanese guest(s). All you need is a temporary spare bed for the student. A female can share a room with a female, and a male can share with a male. Or, the student could have a separate room. It’s up to you. Even a mattress on the floor is OK!

2. What about food?

The Japanese visitors are here to learn about Australian life and food is a part of that. Just make whatever food you usually do. You will be informed of any particular likes, dislikes or allergies. Perhaps they might offer to cook for your family one night. It could be a new experience for your family!

3. Will they be able to speak English?

Generally, the Japanese guests won’t be able to speak much English, although they will understand more. Don’t worry!! About 70% of communication is non-verbal. All the visitors will have dictionaries, and gestures and facial expressions can convey a lot. If your children are learning Japanese encourage them to try and speak a few words. It doesn’t matter if they make mistakes but the Japanese guest(s) will really appreciate the effort.

4. What is they get sick or there is a problem?

If there is any trouble whatsoever call Shoji Australia for bilingual assistance (24 hours a day). We can give you advice over the phone, arrange a doctor, interpreter, or even come out to see you, depending on the circumstances. Groups of students usually travel from Japan with a teacher or a tour escort so we can contact them if the student would feel more comfortable talking with someone they know.

5. Who will we be hosting and what will they do?

Students who visit schools do so as part of a buddy program. There are a two variations to the buddy program. The first involves a group of students from a school or town in Japan visiting a primary or high school in Western Australia. The students will attend school daily, starting at normal time and finishing at normal time. The group will have their own English lessons in the mornings, and either attend excursions or integrate in classes at the local school. A Farewell Party for the students and host families is held at the end of the trip.

The second variation is when a student comes to Western Australia with the intention of integrating in a local school for a short period of time, usually 2-4 weeks. The student attends school daily with their host brother or sister and will join them in their classes (following their timetable). This is a wonderful way for the students to experience ‘normal’ Australian school life.

6. What kind of financial support do we receive?

Buddy programs are run not only to enhance the cultural awareness in local schools but also to act as a fundraiser. In these programs, the schools as well as the host families receive a donation. If hosting an individual student, a cheque contribution will be given on the date of arrival to cover costs. In a group situation, a cash donation will be given either at the ‘Host Family Briefing Session’ or on the date of arrival. (N.B. Schools decide how much of the total donation will be given to the host families and is not a matter for Shoji Australia to decide).