Host Families Needed This Summer

The Menlo Park Sister City Program is looking for 7-8 families to host visiting students (ages 12-17) and/or chaperones from Bizen, Japan. The Menlo Park-Bizen program is a student exchange program between the Cities of Menlo Park, California and Bizen, Okayama, Japan. Its purpose is to promote and expand cross-cultural relationships. Enjoy cultural exchange, leadership growth, and lifelong friendships.

For 2026, we will welcome 8-10 students and up to 3 chaperones from July 21-26 (Tuesday-Sunday). More details are here. Please review our frequently asked questions and complete the host family application today! Applications are due March 28, 2026. Host families will be notified by April 4, 2026.

A group of people pose for a photo under a large wooden archway labeled "Menlo Park," surrounded by greenery and trees.

A group of people stand in a line posing for a photo in front of a large, ornate church with a colorful mural on its facade.

Five teenagers stand close together outdoors, smiling at the camera. Some wear name badges and lanyards. There are trees and other people in the background.

A group of Japanese students run and play together on a grassy field in Menlo Park, with trees and a building in the background.

A group of Japanese students poses outdoors in Menlo Park, some holding papers with calligraphy. Casually dressed and smiling at the camera, they enjoy their hosting experience together.

A large group of people, including adults and children, pose outdoors in Menlo Park in front of trees and houses. Some individuals, possibly hosting Japanese students, hold up papers with Japanese calligraphy.

Several boys, including Japanese students, gather around a table outdoors in Menlo Park, using chopsticks to pick up colorful objects from bowls while others observe or stand nearby.

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