This July Okotoks will welcome 25 students from Japan, who are coming to Canada to learn more about our culture.

MLI Homestay Okotoks is looking for host families to provide hospitality for the students aged 15-17 this year for the 11 day program, which takes place at the Foothills Centennial Centre.

Christy Linsday, MLI Homestay Okotoks Coordinator says the students will learn about life in Canada and strengthen their English skills, which most need to find work in their home country.

She says it's not just the students who learn about culture from the program, but the host families as well.

"One of our mottos is that we create life long friendship, my family has hosted a number of times and we've been exposed to Japanese culture, food and traditions and we keep in regular contact with our students from previous years. One of the families from last year, her daughter actually made such a strong connection with their homestay student that she went to Japan to visit her in the past year."

Linsday shares MLI is in urgent need for host families in Calgary and Okotoks, here in town the program is short 10 places for students to stay which must be sorted by June 24.

She adds being a host is as easy as being a warm, welcoming family.

"The student requires transportation, three meals, their own room, and the student just needs to have a good time, so a family that's willing to welcome them into their lives and show them what its like to be a part of their family."

The students from Japan will arrive in Okotoks July 9, 2017.

For more information on the program or becoming a host click here.

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