Hosting Opportunities

Delegations from our sister cities in Isesaki, Japan and Tlaquepaque, Mexico visit Springfield every year, and we are always looking for hospitable Springfieldians to host them. Our hosts embody our mission of “Peace through People” and are often declared to be our guests’ favorite part of their visit. 

Hosts do not need to worry about knowing the visitors’ languages; most visitors speak at least some English, and all respond well to kindness in any language. Hosts also do not need to worry about planning extravagant activities; guests are excited just to experience typical life in Springfield, and often their schedules don’t allow much free time. 

Delegates from our sister cities visit Springfield throughout the year for various reasons, so there is sure to be an opportunity that suits your abilities and preferences. The ages of our delegates can range anywhere from middle school students to the elderly. Delegates may need a host just for the day (typically 8:30am-4:30pm) or for a span of several nights. 

General Hosting Meetings

General hosting meetings cover information about all upcoming hosting opportunities. Anyone curious about hosting through Sister Cities is welcome to attend. RSVPs are not required but are appreciated; please e-mail lbakerink@springfieldmo.gov. These meetings last at least 30 minutes and immediately follow the information meetings for our travel opportunities.

  • Saturday, April 6 at 2:30pm
  • Tuesday, July 16 at 6pm
  • Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 6pm

Our Next Hosting Opportunities

DAY HOST OPPPORTUNITIES

  • Isesaki 11th Graders Visiting MSU
    Saturday, June 1 or Sunday, June 2 from 8:30am-4:30pm
    Application Deadline: April 26
    LEARN MORE AND APPLY

WEEK-LONG OPPORTUNITIES

  • Isesaki Delegation for the Japanese Fall Festival
    Wednesday-Tuesday, September 4-10
  • Tlaquepaque Delegation for Taste of Tlaquepaque
    Monday-Monday, October 14-21

Isesaki Student Hosting

Multiple groups of middle and high school students from Isesaki visit Springfield each year and spend most of their time in educational programming and housing at Missouri State University. Their itinerary always includes a “host day” in which they spend casual time with Springfield citizens, typically from 8:30am-4:30pm.

The goal is to experience normal life in the USA. This could mean bowling, a trip to the grocery store, a family dinner, a walk in the park — whatever you and/or your family might do on a weekend. Extravagant activities aren’t necessary, just love, friendship, hospitality, and reliable transportation.

Hosting Delegates of Major Events

Delegates visiting for our major events (Japanese Fall Festival and Taste of Tlaquepaque) require accommodations for multiple nights. Host responsibilities for these delegates include:

  • Provide an American homestay experience
  • Provide clean, comfortable sleeping accommodations
  • Provide transportation to and from events and activities following the schedule provided
  • Provide meals and snacks when not already arranged for at events/activities
  • Love on them and let them know how much we appreciate them and their presence

Host Interest

Fill out the form below to let us know you are interested in hosting and to receive future e-mails about hosting opportunities!

    (It is preferable that you live within Springfield to host overnights.)
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Having trouble? Questions?
Please feel free to contact Alexandra “Lexy” Saner, Associate Director, at asaner@springfieldmo.gov.