More and More Schools Choose Homestay for Educational Trips; Reasoned Popularity of Izena Island, Okinawa

Nationwide, an increasing number of schools are choosing private accommodations for educational trips. Behind this trend is a change in educational values, such as the desire to nurture students' independence and to emphasize contact with the local community. Izena Island in Okinawa Prefecture is now attracting attention as a place that can meet these needs. The island is not a tourist destination, and therefore offers a taste of "real life," a community-wide acceptance system, and experiences that move students' hearts. The popularity of Izena Island is not a passing fad, but a "reasoned choice" backed by its educational benefits.

What is the historical background behind the current selection of private accommodations for educational tours?

In recent years, the nature of school excursions has changed dramatically. Students are now expected to learn not only to visit theme parks and sightseeing spots, but also to nurture their "human ability" through interaction with local communities. Homestay programs are attracting attention as an educational style that matches this trend. In Okinawa, in particular, it is beginning to take root as a method for fostering 21st century skills such as independence, empathy, and understanding of diversity through "community immersion experiences.

Three Reasons Why Izena Island's Homestay is the "Homestay of Choice

There are several areas in Okinawa Prefecture that offer private accommodations, but Izena Island has earned a particularly high reputation among educators.

1. Many points of contact with the community

In addition to overnight stays, visitors can also experience the local community through working together with local people and participating in events.

2. Balance in the number of people accepted

The number of students accepted per family is small, allowing for a close relationship.

3. Management from an educational perspective

The entire village designs educational tours as a "place of learning," and teachers and parents have a high level of trust in the program.

Value as a place to experience "not-so-special everyday life

The charm of Izena Island is that it does not rely on special tourist resources or fancy activities. Making breakfast with the hosts, helping in the garden, taking care of the goats, and so on. It is in these everyday activities that students have moments when they feel that they are making a difference.

A private home stay is not a sightseeing trip, but "an experience that accompanies the rhythm of life.

That's why the private accommodation on Izena Island is truly 'educational'.

Expanding the circle of homestay on Izena Island through achievements and word of mouth

The spread of private accommodations on Izena Island is mainly due to "word of mouth" and "referrals" rather than advertisements. Teachers from schools that visited the previous year have introduced the program to other grades, and through interregional networks, the program has spread outside the prefecture. Comments such as "I want to come back again" and "I was surprised at the change in those children" are what generate the next school to visit.