Host families from Auburn are needed to accommodate visiting students from Okinawa, Japan, this summer.

The foreign exchange student and home-stay program – administered by International Understanding, a non-profit organization – expects to serve as many as 16 students. Currently only nine homes have committed.

To qualify as a host family, there must be two related people in the home – either a traditional married couple, with or without children, or single parents with children living at home. It also can include siblings sharing a home.

The host family is asked to feed the students and get them to and from classes at Auburn High School – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Thursday and 9 a.m. to noon Friday – where they will be studying English language and American culture. Families are asked to spend time with them and include them in everyday functions.

Students do not necessarily need their own room, but they do need their own bed, which can be provided if needed.

An orientation meeting will be held a week or two before students arrive. Students are scheduled to arrive July 23 and leave Aug. 19.

The group is planning several events, like sightseeing in Seattle, overnight camping, a pool party, sports day, daycare visit, Mariners game and other activities.

For more information, contact teacher/guide Denise