City of Salem Seeks Host Families for Cultural Exchange with Ota, Japan
The City of Salem is poised to strengthen its long-standing cultural ties with its sister city, Ota, located in Tokyo, Japan. This summer, the Salem-Ota Cultural Exchange Program is actively seeking host families within the community to participate in this meaningful initiative. Community members are encouraged to consider opening their homes to support this enriching cultural experience.
For over three decades, Salem and Ota have fostered a collaborative relationship that has brought vibrant cultural exchanges to both communities. Each year, the Ota City Department of Education sends a group of 28 middle school students, typically aged 13 to 14, to Salem for a carefully curated week filled with English language learning and cultural immersion activities. This program not only focuses on educational advancement but also aims to create lasting connections and enduring friendships between families on both sides of the Pacific.
The visiting students are scheduled to arrive in Salem on the afternoon of Sunday, July 20, 2025, and will stay with host families until the morning of Monday, July 28, 2025. Prospective host families are not required to possess Japanese language skills, as the students have a basic proficiency in English. While the children need to have their own bed for the duration of their visit, they are permitted to share a room with other students if necessary. Importantly, host families should have at least one child in the household, preferably between the ages of 10 and 16, to facilitate mutual interaction.
The impact of this program cannot be understated; over the past 30 years, Salem families have welcomed a total of 812 Japanese students, while 126 American students have had the opportunity to visit Ota. This cultural exchange program serves as a vital conduit for understanding diverse cultures and building international relationships that enrich the lives of all participants.
Families residing on the North Shore interested in hosting a student or learning more about the program can reach out via email at salemotaculturalexchange@gmail.com. Additionally, for further information regarding the historical context and the ongoing programs associated with this sister city relationship, residents can visit the dedicated website at www.salemotace.org.
Engaging as a host family not only provides a unique opportunity to help shape the experiences of international youth but also allows families to gain valuable insights into Japanese culture, traditions, and way of life, thereby enhancing the cultural fabric of Salem itself.