Lanark County has been a favourite location for international student group visitors from high schools across Japan for over 15 years, and this summer the tradition will continue.
Japanese students from Ritsumekian Uji High School (Rits Uji), located near Kyoto Japan, will be returning to Lanark County in mid-August to learn about Canadian customs and culture from their friends and local teachers. They will be studying English at Carleton Place High School and have exciting activities planned to explore Canada’s heritage, culture and natural beauty.
This summer Muskoka Language International (MLI) Homestay will be looking to place over 65 students in caring host families across Lanark County, in the towns of Perth, Smith Falls, Almonte, Carleton Place, Merrickville and Kemptville.
MLI is looking for Lanark County’s support from local families and need hosts for the Rist Uji programme from August 16th to 27th, 2016. The visiting students will be a mix of boys and girls aged 17-18 years old.
MLI Homestay is excited to offer this hosting opportunity to new local families as a numbers of students still require a warm and welcoming home for a short stay. “It is a great way to share Canadian and Japanese culture,” Joann Campbell, MLI’s Homestay Coordinator, explains. “The host families are like Canadian ambassadors showing the students the Canadian way of life.”
An honorarium is paid to the host family, but Joann hopes potential hosts look at it more as an opportunity to meet and share friendships, which live far beyond the end of the visit.
“It can be a real bonding experience. They just enjoy being in a Canadian family and experiencing how we live. The students go away from it with a better understanding of Canadians,” she said. “It is a great way to share Canadian culture, our open hearts and share our generosity.”
Anyone interested in hosting students or to find out more about fundraising opportunities can contact
Jessica Gutierrez at jgutierrez@mlihomestay.com or call (647) 882-3244
JoAnn Campbell at jcampbell@mlihomestay.com or call (613) 200-8843
Do you organize a sports team, youth group or other community program in need of assistance with fundraising? Partnering with MLI Homestay is a great way to involve your group in a cultural exchange experience, while raising funds for your programs.
