Japan Homestay Experience: Paulo’s Story of Heritage & Host Family
Student Story: Paulo is welcomed to Japan with beautiful welcome sign!
For students looking to travel abroad, a Japan homestay experience experience offers more than sightseeing. It offers real connection, cultural understanding, and a second family.
That was exactly the case for Paulo, a student from Honolulu, who joined Go World’s Japan Homestay Program to explore his heritage and immerse himself in daily life with a local host family.
By the end of his time in Osaka, Paulo returned home with unforgettable memories, deeper confidence, and a lifelong bond with his host mom.
Traveling Abroad in Japan to Explore Heritage and Identity
Growing up in Hawaiʻi, Paulo was surrounded by a blend of cultures that sparked his curiosity about the world and his own background. While he knew he had Japanese heritage, he did not have many family members from that side living in Hawaiʻi.
Joining a homestay in Japan felt like the right opportunity to explore that connection in a meaningful way.
“The unique environment I was raised in growing up in Hawaiʻi fueled my curiosity about the traditions and cultures of other places. I wanted to join a program that deepened my connection to my Japanese heritage. I also hoped to gain the confidence to navigate an unfamiliar culture with an open mind and grow as a person through my experiences.”
Rather than traveling as a tourist, Paulo wanted to experience daily life in Japan as a local, supported by a host family.
A Warm Welcome and Life With a Japanese Host Family
From the moment he arrived, Paulo was welcomed with a handmade sign and open arms by his host mom, Miyako. She quickly became the anchor of his experience.
Through his homestay, Paulo was introduced to:
Everyday Japanese home life
Local neighborhoods and landmarks
Home-cooked Japanese meals
Simple routines like grocery shopping and evening drives
More importantly, he experienced what cultural exchange is really about: belonging.
What Made This Japan Homestay Experience So Meaningful
When asked about his favorite part of the program, Paulo’s answer was clear.
“While I could say it was bowling or thrifting in the many Second Street shops I visited, what I really enjoyed most was the time I spent with my host family. Whether it was driving around, picking up things at the supermarket, or eating dinner at a friend’s house, those moments mattered most.”
Miyako did not just host Paulo. She welcomed him as family.
“Miyako is the reason I was able to experience all of these things. I feel very grateful knowing that I now have two moms in the world, one I live with and one in Japan.”
Why a Japan Homestay Program Is Different From Typical Teen Travel
For parents exploring travel abroad in Japan for their teens or young adults, homestays provide a level of cultural immersion that traditional travel programs cannot.
Through Go World’s Japan Homestay Program, students:
Live with vetted local host families
Practice cultural independence in a supported environment
Gain confidence navigating a new country
Build real relationships that last beyond the program
Could Your Teen Have a Similar Experience in Japan?
Paulo’s story is just one example of how a homestay in Japan can shape a student’s confidence, worldview, and sense of identity. Ask us how this can be you!
If your student is interested in:
Traveling abroad in Japan
Connecting with Japanese culture and daily life
Experiencing true cultural exchange through a host family
👉 Learn more about Go World’s Japan Homestay Program and see if it is the right fit for your student.
