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Calgary Herald

Japanese students immerse in Calgary life through MLI Homestay program

Seventeen students from Osaka, Japan, are getting a taste of Canadian life — and plenty of poutine — during a two-week trip to Calgary this summer. Article content The group of teens from Osaka Meisei High School are in Calgary until Aug. 7, taking part in a two-week cultural exchange organized by MLI Homestay, a national organization that connects international students with host families across Canada. Article content Article content Article content During their stay, students are taking in the city and exploring local attractions as they attend English classes at Calgary French & International School. Article content Article content MLI Homestay, which has offices in Toronto and Vancouver, has been placing international students in Canadian homes for more than 25 years. Its programs run in Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and B.C., and range from short-term study tours to full-year high school placements. Article content The organization says these visits bring more than just new experiences for students — they also create global connections at the community level. 'This is an academic program, so they learn a lot of English, but we do that through a lot of song and dance and walks around the community to interact with community members,' said Keri Tkachuk, program coordinator with MLI Homestay. Article content Tkachuk said the students spend their mornings in English lessons and afternoons exploring Calgary and surrounding areas. Article content Article content 'They generally love it. They love being with their host families, and after school, they spend time doing different activities that their host families have planned for them.' Article content On Tuesday, a group of six students volunteered their time to help clean up at Prince's Island Park. Article content Tkachuk said Calgary is a strong destination for exchange programs because it's multicultural, welcoming and close to natural attractions. 'And there's lots of opportunities and things to do and see in Calgary as well,' she said. Article content 'I want to see a lot of mountains,' said Kotaro Senga, who enjoyed visiting the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller last week.