Host a Visitor from Wako

There are very few requirements for being a host family for a student. Please contact the City if you are interested in hosting.

Longview receives visitors from Wako, Japan, twice each year.

Student Visitors

In August, school students visit our City and spend special time with families who volunteer as Host Families. Student stays average three to four days, and students are most comfortable doing a home-stay in pairs. Most of them have never been to America before and they are very eager to try anything American.

Activities that students enjoy are:

  • Attending church
  • County Fair and Rodeo
  • Doing anything family-oriented
  • Getting bargains at bazaars, garage sales, or thrift stores
  • Going to the beach or the mountains
  • Going to the grocery store
  • Picnicking
  • Shopping
  • Sight-seeing
  • Watching videos on TV

Students love trying American cuisine such as hamburgers, french fries, pizza, and salads.

Adult Visitors

In October, an adult contingency visits Longview. Most of these visitors are business professionals or teachers and desire to see businesses and organizations that are similar to their own. They are taken on a tour of Longview on their first day and shown such sites as:

  • Chamber of Commerce
  • City Hall
  • Local High Schools (particularly, Mr. Kolberg's Japanese class)
  • Longview Public Library

The adults usually stay at local motels but would love the opportunity to stay at someone's home.