(VOVworld) – The 2015 Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program was held in HCM city from November 17 to November 21. Youths from ASEAN countries and Japan shared the homes of local families in 14 districts across the city to learn more about the traditional culture and daily life of Vietnamese people.

It was the 8^th time that family of Mr. Tran Ngoc Quang of District 1 hosted passengers from the ship. Quang said each time they stay with his family they create unforgettable memories and stay in touch afterward: “I want to show them that Vietnamese people are hospitable and friendly. I do my best to make their stay as enjoyable as possible. Some friends from Laos send us new year postcards and friends from Japan have returned to visit us.”

Tran Thi Tuyet Huong of District 3 took care of 2 young people from Indonesia like sons. She woke up early to go to the market and buy food for them every day. Huong said the daily meals embrace the culture of Vietnamese people and their sense of community: “I knew they were Muslims so I just bought fish and shrimp. They have Vietnamese rice cakes for dessert. I took them around to show them what people do in the market. I’ll show them one of the oldest markets in our area.”

More than 170 families registered to host 300 passengers from the ship this year. They provided them accommodations and took them to places of interest, helping them to discover the beauty of HCM city. Natthaphop from Thailand said that although the homestay program was just 2 days and one night, the host helped him learn a lot about Vietnam, its culture and its hospitable and friendly people. He said: “I’m feeling very excited because it is my first time in Vietnam, in HCM city. I’ve felt really glad because he shows me his hospitality. I’m really looking forward to spending time with him. I think we need to keep in touch through letters, Facebook, and social media. It’s going to be a very good time to stay in touch with each other.”

Established in 1974, the Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program is jointly run by the Japanese government and Southeast Asian countries to foster friendship and understanding among youth from the participating nations. Vietnam joined the program in 1995.