Japanese Homestay Leads to Heartfelt Connections at Renaissance High School

This spring, Renaissance High School welcomed eight students from Yamate Gakuin High School in Yokohama, Japan, for a two-week homestay that quickly became more than just a visit. Yamate students attended Renaissance classes, explored Detroit, and built strong connections with their host families and peers. They also held a Culture Showcase for the community to share Japanese culture. Through shared experiences in and out of the classroom, students exchanged language, food, culture, and everyday life. Many Renaissance students described their guests not as visitors, but as family. As Japanese teacher Christine Ladner shared, “Over these two weeks, our students didn’t just make friends, they built relationships that truly feel like family.” This connection will continue in July, when Renaissance students travel to Yokohama, Japan for their own homestay experience.