Looking for host family for myself (3rd year student) in trade for house in US/Labor

[shoelessone]

I dont know where to start looking for this sort of opportunity, so I figured I'd just start posting on forums on the internet in hopes of someday finding a possible "match".

Basically, I am a 3rd year student at Michigan Technological University in the US, but have a REAL desire to travel and learn about different cultures/countries, in particular Japan. Anyway, I am basically looking for a family OR some other sort of living arrangements that I could live for free IN TRADE for either:

1. work (of any sort, probably manual labor - I cant speak Japanese (although I am hoping to learn some before I travel over to Japan, and hopefully learn LOTS while over). Hopefully eventually after a couple of months I'll be able to speak well enough to get around. I dont plan on being fluent, although that would be a dream come true.

2. in trade for roomm/board at MY house in Michigan in the united states (i have a great family, and they would love to have a guest, especially somebody able to teach/etc). We have had many foriegn guests, and I think you'd find my familys easy going additute, and open mind enjoyable for an experience to the states.

I'd like to stay for 3-9months, depending on the type of arrangement/the amount of time you'd like to have me for. I would also like to attend classes if at all possible, perhaps just a Japanese language class. I'd also like SOME free time to do a small amount of travel/exploration.

If you have any interest in having an INFORMAL exchange student, PLEASE email me, I have had dreams of learning Japanese and seeing what I believe to be an interesting, beautiful country, and would honestly die for the chance to learn/find out for myself.

If you cant help, but might know of a better place to post this, or can help me in anyway in finding a family, I'd be very appreciative. I dont have much money, however I'd be willing/able to most likely pay a small amount of money to pay for food for myself for the duration of my stay if desired.

Either way, the BEST way to contact me is by emailing me at
shoelessone@hotmail.com OR shoelessone at gmail dot com. Once again, I'd appreciate it even if you could let me know a better place to look. Any help would be greatly, greatly appreciated!

Thank you!


p.s. I am working on 2 degrees at university, 1. Computer Science, 2. Bioinformatics. I am also interested in photography (www.shoelessphotography.com) and computers. I also am athletic and into the outdoors. I can do all sorts of work, both manual labor and more "mentally challenging" work. I'd do anything for the opportunity. I am very easy going, and I like to think I am polite and easy going.

Also, I am willing to go anytime that works for my host - hopefully sometime next summer (2006). My house is always open, if you are interested I can provide a video/photos of my house/family, etc, to insure your comfort. Our house is in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Thank you!

(ha, I forgot, one more thing - the ULTIMATE would be if somebody could point me in the direction of a biotech company of some sort where I might be able to have an internship of some sort with. Sort of a slim chance of this, but you never know when you can get luckey )

[Iron Chef]

You should really finish your degree(s) before trying to find some kind of short-term accomodation abroad minus a work visa. You may run into some problems due to...
(Excerpts taken from: http://www.learn4good.com/travel/japan_visa.htm)

"Documents certifying the purpose of the visit (in detail) must be submitted..."

"Documents certifying that the person concerned can defray all expenses incurred during the stay in Japan..."

"Any foreigner wishing to enter or land in Japan must possess a valid passport and a student visa obtained from an embassy or consulate."

"A student visa cannot be acquired after arriving in Japan."

"It is not permitted to work in Japan under a student visa."

Anyways, there's always the off chance you can find a workaround but it is highly doubtful you'll be able to find someone willing to put you up for that long informally. By the way, how's Grand Rapids? I went to grad school at GVSU. 8-p

[shoelessone]

thanks for the advice!

GR is pretty nice I like it all right - I live about 5 minutes from GVSU campus, go there quite often to work out and things

Anyway, I understand what you are saying - however, I might very well be a student over there perhaps. I know kids who have lived for a 6months to a yera over in japan while going to school.

Anyway, I know I have been a bit sparatic with this whole thing, and there is a lot more research to be done.

hey, btw, do you happen to know if GVSU has a japanese program? Unforunatly, Michigan Tech does not, so I have been hoping/planning on attending summer school.

Also, you are probably right, and i might very well end up waiting until after I finish my degree to live in japan. I am nervous though that once I am done with school I will have too many other "commitments" that will stop me from being able to travel like I might want to otherwise.

Thanks for the response!
-Kev