Students from Japan see the sights and experience Canadian life during a two-week exchange program.
Japanese students from Tokyo got the opportunity to experience Canadian life during a two-week stay in the Foothills as a part of a foreign exchange program.
The program had them staying with host families and attending English language school each morning at Viking Rentals Centre. They also took part in afternoon excursions and had free time to explore Okotoks and area with their host families.
During their second week, students got a tour of Alberta as they were taken to multiple tourist sites, including Banff, Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump and Waterton.
The students loved being able to see world-renowned spots but a lot of them found interest in the normal activities of everyday Canadians.
One such activity was a campfire night put on by organizers.
Students got to roast marshmallows and hotdogs over an open fire, a regular activity in Canada but one that proved to be quite foreign in Japan.
Another point of interest for most students was the town’s deer population, many fascinated by their numbers and how docile they are.
Sixteen-year-old Yuwa Sato had never been to Canada, so she wasn’t sure how she would enjoy it, but after a few days with her host family, she really began to love the country.
“I love Canadian people because I have always heard that Canadians are very kind, and that is right,” said Sato.
She also got to enjoy some new experiences on the trip, particularly with her host family.
“I love the food here; I ate a lot of delicious food in my host family’s house. I tried sausage yesterday and this morning I ate blueberry muffins my host mother made for me. It was great.”
She also remarked about the Canadian summers and how the sun sets so late compared to what she was used to in Japan.
The exchange is run by Zion International Programs, which usually brings students to Vancouver or cities in the United States. President Michael Thompson spent a lot of time in Okotoks in his youth, so he always thought it would make a great example of Canada for visitors.
“In high school, I came up here to work for my uncle during the summer. I fell in love with it and begged my parents to let me stay,” said Thompson.
“Okotoks has good people and good families. I thought we could bring this wonderful program to Okotoks. It’s always been a desire of mine to bring them up here to Alberta and Okotoks.”
He brought the first group of students to the Foothills last year and due to the positive feedback, decided to bring more back this year.
Thompson is also bringing another class to Okotoks that will be arriving on Aug. 18 for a week-long experience.
Thompson extended a big thank you to the host families, adding the program would not be possible without them.
Next year, Zion International Programs will be bringing a record 120 students to Okotoks. Thompson is asking any families interested in hosting students to contact his company as it will require over 60 families.
Anyone interested can apply on the company’s website here.
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