Bloomington Normal Sister Cities
Residents of the Bloomington-Normal area have regular opportunities to become involved in Sister Cities programs by serving as host families for exchange students from Asahikawa.

The opportunity to host a senior high student occurs August—June as one student from Asahikawa studies in a B/N high school for the academic school year.

Couples or families can volunteer to host a student for a few weeks or for several months. Host family duties include providing room and board for the student and transportation to and from school and events/activities.
Senior high exchange students receive a small monthly stipend from the Sister Cities Committee to help offset the cost of school lunches and other minor expenses.

Past host families have found great rewards in having a chance to learn about another culture on an ongoing, first-hand basis.

Host parents are interviewed by the committee and by law must complete a police background check. Host parents that are selected are expected to sign a contract with the committee, promising to fulfill certain obligations, and are provided with a set of rules that govern the conduct and expectations of the students.