Homestay Matters

Homestay is not a sightseeing tour, it is all about living as part of the family and enjoying the different facets of Japanese life.

Take 1 day at a time, sit down and plan your day-to-day programme with your host family.

Souvenirs to host families should be given on the 1st day upon arrival at host family. Be understanding and helpful.

You may purchase some Japan local food delicacies and share with your host family during your stay. A good way to interact with children is to "bribe" them with our local candies/food.

You may like to cook for your host family some Singapore dishes i.e. curry chicken, bak kut teh etc.

Help your host family to do housework such as dish washing, working in the field etc. It can be fun!

Bring your family photos or personal photos to strike a conversation. Your host family is very curious about your life in Singapore.

When you go out with your host family, you should propose to pay for your own meals, transport, entrance fees, etc.

If you have any food restrictions, please tell your host family on the 1st day of your arrival. If you cannot finish all meals served, say sorry to your host family. When alcohol is offered, you can decline if you do not want to drink it.

Inform your host family of the estimated time you will be back if you are going out with your friends. Do not make them worry for you unduly. Remember, they are as equally excited as you for the homestay programme.

When you are going out, remember to take note of your host family's telephone number and address. You will find the information useful when you are lost.

Please use public phone when making overseas call back to Singapore unless your host family allows you to use their phone.

Participate actively in the weekly Hippo Family Club activities. Relax and enjoy the dances and songs. You may feel shy initially, but you will feel closer to your host family and other Japanese friends after the activities.

Most Japanese do not speak English fluently. So try to speak slow and use simple words. Refrain from using bombastic words. Your host family will be pleased if you can make the effort to learn some simple Japanese greetings.

Do not change your host family as this will cause embarrassment. Remember that there is such a thing called Cultural Difference.

Daily Life Customs

Japanese usually take off their shoes just after they enter their house and arrange them in a position pointing to the door. Slipper normally will be provided. Please change your socks daily or change to a new pair of "unholy" socks to avoid embarrassment.

Please shower and clean yourself before you enter the bathtub (known as Ofuro in Japanese). Do not use soap in the bathtub, the Japanese use it solely for soaking and relaxing.

Others

Convert your currency to Japanese Yen/Korean Won in Singapore.

You may purchase dictionaries/Japanese books/electronic translators in Japan. They are usually cheaper in Japan than in Singapore.

If you are on tight budget, you may like to look out for food outlets/vending machines/convenience stores i.e. 7-11

It is advisable to bring your own medicine such as medicine for flu and fever.