Greater Victoria Seeks Host Families for 155 Japanese Students

Greater Victoria is looking for local families to host 155 high school students from Japan this October. The students will be participating in a cultural exchange program organized by Muskoka Language International (MLI) Homestay, which specializes in cultural learning experiences across Canada. This initiative, returning after a hiatus due to COVID-19, highlights the importance of community involvement and hospitality.

Cheryl Lee, Chief Operating Officer of MLI Education Group, emphasized the significance of this opportunity. “This is a special moment for us to show off our B.C. hospitality to our visitors,” she stated in a recent news release. The program has a history of over ten years, and the need for more host families has become urgent as the exchange resumes.

Families in Greater Victoria, including areas such as Sooke, Metchosin, Langford, Victoria, and Saanich, are encouraged to participate. Hosting arrangements typically last for four to five nights, and families can choose to host either one or two students. In return for their hospitality, host families will receive financial compensation.

The visiting students, aged between 14 and 16 years, will attend local schools during their stay. They are scheduled to be at Pacific Christian School from October 18-22, 2023, followed by Royal Bay Secondary School, Edward Milne Secondary School, and Belmont Secondary School from October 21-26, 2023. This structured educational experience aims to foster cultural exchange and understanding.

Local coordinator Lynette highlighted the enriching experience of hosting international students, saying, “Hosting an international student is an enriching and memorable experience for both the students and the families involved.” She expressed gratitude for the support from the Greater Victoria community, which helps to provide a warm Canadian welcome to the students. Families can share local traditions such as visiting pumpkin patches and exploring beaches, making the experience enjoyable for everyone involved.

Individuals interested in hosting or who can refer potential families are encouraged to reach out to Lynette at 250-216-4126 or via email at [email protected]. Additional details can also be found on the MLI website at mlihomestay.com/hosts.