This summer Ballard-ites can grab an opportunity to host one of 15 Japanese junior high school students and in exchange share with them the American culture while at the same time learn about Japan and its way of living.

The students will be staying in Ballard from July 14 through Aug. 3.

“We’re looking for families in the Ballard area who are interested in hosting a Japanese student for three week this July,” said Kristen Ramirez, resident of Ballard and coordinator of Compass USA. “These students are traveling from their homes in Japan to learn about American customs and culture by staying with a Ballard-area family.”

Compass USA has been around for 19 years and is based out of Colorado, Ramirez said. They’ve brought a lot of international students to the Puget Sound and this will be the first time they’ve hosted students in Ballard, she said.

Compass USA was founded on the principle that living inside a foreign culture is the key to international understanding. Dedicated to the promotion of quality international education and cultural training, their dedicated staff works closely with the best international educational organizations to offer students around the world the opportunity to live the “American experience.”

While staying in the area, the students will have a list of activities they’ll be involved in for the three weeks.

“Each day is marked by a few hours of English as a Second Language (ESL) study, volunteer activities and outings such as Mariners games, Mount Rainier, the waterfront and a walking tour of Ballard (i.e. the Ballard Locks, Golden Garends and Market Street),” Ramirez said.

A past exchange student who has had a lot of experience traveling, Ramirez said this opportunity is a worth while experience.

“This is a great opportunity for families with younger kids who are wanting to promote international education or who want to get in touch with other cultures and perspectives,” Ramirez said.

At a time where most people can’t afford to go somewhere like Japan, Ramirez said the next best thing is having someone in your house to give you the opportunity to have another culture in your home.

“Anyone could be a great potential home for these students,” she said. “It would be an interesting opportunity for people and it will give them the understanding of another place and culture.”

If you are interested in hosting a student contact Kristen Ramirez at 240-6015 or ktramirez@hotmail.com.