The World Comes to Your Home! Borderless House Launches 'Natsuvizi Challenge,' a Summer At-Home International Exchange Program for Students and Parents

Borderless House Inc., a company aiming to realize a multicultural society, will hold a summer international exchange experience program called 'Natsuvizi Challenge' (short for 'Summer Visit Challenge') for elementary and junior high school students and their parents, starting Wednesday, July 1, 2026.

This program is conducted in partnership with 11 educational institutions nationwide, including English conversation schools. Through the experience of their home-visit service 'Borderless Visit,' which involves sharing a meal at home with foreign tourists, families can create special memories, 'turning everyday home time into a family world tour' without traveling far during the summer vacation. Applications will open on June 1, 2026.

Background: 'Learning English but no chance to use it.'

Children across Japan are learning English daily at conversation schools. However, many voice the concern that there are almost no opportunities to speak with foreigners outside of the classroom. Furthermore, with the weak yen making overseas travel difficult, there is a growing demand for opportunities to interact directly with foreigners within Japan. Borderless House's 'Borderless Visit' is a home-visit service connecting foreign tourists with ordinary Japanese families. Based on over 14 years of experience and more than 5,000 exchanges, the company planned this program to provide children nationwide with a chance to 'use English to interact with foreigners and feel closer to the world.'

What is Borderless Visit?

A home-visit service that matches foreign tourists visiting Japan with local families online. Host families welcome guests into their homes and share 'an authentic time to connect' by enjoying a regular home-cooked meal together. No special preparations are necessary, and it's okay if your English isn't perfect. Based on the concept of 'turning everyday home time into a family world tour,' the service has been supporting international exchange for about 14 years.

Program Overview

- Program Name: The World Comes to Your Home! Fun for the Family! Summer International Exchange Experience Program 'Natsuvizi Challenge' - Target: Households including elementary and junior high school students and their parents (nationwide) - Participation Fee: ¥2,000 (tax incl.) per participating child. *After the home visit, a 'hospitality fee' of ¥3,000 per guest hosted will be provided. - Application Period: Monday, June 1, 2026 – Monday, August 31, 2026 - Home Visit Period: Wednesday, July 1, 2026 – Wednesday, September 30, 2026 - Report Session: Mid-September 2026 *An optional online presentation session will be held.

Three Key Features

1. Builds Confidence Through the Experience of 'Being Understood' in English: Children prepare questions for the guest and ask them in English during the visit. The real experience of 'they understood me' gives children great confidence. Experiencing cultural differences together with parents also increases interest in international exchange.

2. Easy International Exchange from Home During Summer Vacation: The program's greatest features are its convenience: 'no need to go out,' 'no special hospitality required,' and a low participation fee of ¥2,000. 'Real international exchange' is achieved by interacting as equals, rather than as host and guest.

3. Receive an Original 'Certificate of International Exchange Experience': The program is designed based on the 'inquiry-based learning' framework promoted by the Ministry of Education. Participants record their journey in a dedicated workbook, which can be submitted as a summer project. A certificate is provided, and an optional online presentation session in September helps children conclude the experience with a sense of accomplishment.

Program Flow

- Phase 1: Preparation & Theme Setting: Using an original workbook, children formulate their own 'inquiry,' research the guest's country, and prepare questions in English. - Phase 2: Home Visit: Welcome the foreign tourist into the home and converse in English. After the experience, record discoveries and insights in the workbook. - Phase 3: Summary & Presentation: Complete the workbook to finish the independent research project. Present the results at the online session in September.