Overview

Our summer festivities end with the Capstone & OMSI program. All 15 to 16 year old Japanese students come from Tokyo around the beginning of August with intermediate to advance levels of English for 2 weeks. However, the program has two contrasting weeks of activities. Students will spend the first week single placed with volunteer host families and attend Capstone English classes in Downtown Portland. During the second week, students will participate in a summer camp at OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry). A farewell party is held at the end of the program to award students with a certificate of program completion, and to bring all host families and students together one last time. Prior to hosting, all volunteer families are required to complete the Host Family Application process, which includes being screened and vetted by one of our Host Family Recruiters. Host Families are responsible for providing three meals per day, the student’s own bed, transportation (if needed, carpool can be arranged), and love and guidance. Similar to our summer program, only single placements are allowed. In case of any emergencies, NISE staff as well as foreign chaperones are readily available to support the program 24/7.

“My son really benefits from the exchange program. He is an only child and I am a single mother. …It is nice to share my home with exchange students.”

-Tracey, 2018 Host Mother

“They were all kind to me and I had a wonderful time with my host family.”

– Kenta, 2018 Student

“We had a great time! We also spent time with another student, Kisaki. She was a delight and easy to communicate with. My 3 children volunteered for the week. They truly enjoyed it! Would do it again!”

-Shalise, 2017 Host Mother

“I have no siblings, so it was so much fun having host sister.”

-Kisaki, 2017 student

“Che was a wonderful young man. We wished we had more time with him.”

– TeriLee & JP, 2017 Host Family

“Kanon was a complete joy to have in our home. We enjoyed her SO much and were sad to say goodbye. I think it is a positive way to experience other cultures and lifestyles.”

-Naila, 2017 Host Mother

“Very well organized! Impressive! We’ve hosted for other programs and yours is by far the best. “ — Ginger, 2016 Host Mother

“It was rewarding to offer a home to a student and we enjoyed having our student and learning from her culture too.” — Susan, 2015 Host Mother

“I really appreciate everything my host family did for me. It was very fun.”

— Takahito, 2015 Student