BUCHEON, Gyeonggi Province – Bucheon City is actively seeking host families for an upcoming international youth exchange program. This initiative will see young people from Bucheon's sister and friendship cities, including those in the United States, China, and Japan, engage in a cultural exchange with local middle and high school students. The city announced the recruitment on May 19th, emphasizing the unique opportunity for cultural immersion and global friendship.

The program is open to Bucheon residents currently enrolled in middle or high school, or youths born between 2008 and 2012. Prospective host families must be able to provide accommodation and meals for an international youth from July 26th to July 28th. Furthermore, selected Bucheon participants are expected to take part in a reciprocal visit program to one of the exchange cities next year, fostering long-term international ties.

The full exchange program is scheduled to run from July 24th to July 30th. It will bring together 32 young people from the U.S., China, and Japan, alongside 32 Bucheon youth, and chaperones, totaling 72 participants from five cities across four countries.

The program's itinerary includes a diverse range of activities. Weekdays will feature explorations of Bucheon, immersive Korean cultural experiences, and engaging sports and arts activities. The weekend will be dedicated to the homestay experience, allowing for deeper personal connections and shared cultural understanding. Participants will also receive a certificate of completion and may be credited with up to 20 hours of volunteer service.

Applications for the host family program are being accepted via email to the designated city official starting from the announcement date until June 9th. Following the application period, a selection process involving interviews and home visits will be conducted to choose the 32 Bucheon participants. This rigorous selection ensures a safe and enriching experience for all involved.