“Rocking” the cultural exchange with Okotoks hospitality!
110 grade 9 students arriving in October for a 7-day cultural exchange
More than 110 Japanese students will visit the Foothills region this fall, and organizers are looking for local families to open their homes as part of a week-long cultural exchange program. The grade 9 students, ages 14 and 15, are scheduled to arrive Oct. 20 and remain in the region until Oct. 27.
The students come from a school system that encompasses large portions of Japan, and many will be meeting each other for the first time when they arrive in Canada. As a result, organizers are seeking host families in Okotoks, High River, and Diamond Valley to provide a private room, breakfast and supper, transportation to a central pickup location, and an opportunity for students to experience everyday Canadian family life.
Hosts do not need to have children of a similar age to participate, and retirees and older residents are also encouraged to apply, particularly if grandchildren or other family members can be involved in activities during the students’ stay.
The itinerary includes visits to Banff and Lake Louise, the University of Calgary, Stephen Avenue, the Calgary Tower, and the Big Rock near Okotoks. One activity requested by the students this year is a chance to learn curling, which will be held at the Okotoks Curling Club.
The main goal of the trip is to provide students with an authentic Canadian community experience, including helping prepare meals, learning household routines, and taking part in community events and family activities.
Those interested in hosting a student can contact Jeannine Tucker at [email protected] or at 403 969 3951.
Leave a Reply