STONY PLAIN, AB: In 2025, the Town of Stony Plain is celebrating 40 years of friendship with its sister town, Shikaoi, Japan! Since 1985, the Shikaoi Exchange Program has fostered cultural connections and lifelong friendships between the two communities. To mark this milestone year, applications are now open for the Host Family, Assistant Language Teacher, and Long Stay Volunteer Programs. The Student Exchange Program is also running in 2025, however applications are now closed.

“For four decades, the Shikaoi Exchange Program has built meaningful connections between our communities,” says Mayor William Choy. “This anniversary year is a special opportunity to get involved, whether by welcoming students into your home as a host family or experiencing Shikaoi firsthand through the Long Stay Volunteer or Assistant Language Teacher Programs. The Shikaoi Exchange Program has had a lasting impact on many participants, and I encourage residents to take part in this unique cultural exchange.”

As part of the anniversary celebrations, a larger delegation of students from Shikaoi will travel to Stony Plain in October, nearly doubling the number of visitors from previous years. This increase means 40 host families will be needed, up from 29 last year.

“The Host Family Program is an incredible experience, not only for the students but also for the host families,” says Facility Programming Coordinator Kelly Maluta. “With this being a milestone year, we need more host families than ever before. If you have ever considered hosting, this is the perfect time to get involved and be part of something truly special.”

Host Family Program

Families in the Tri-Municipal Region have the opportunity to welcome two students from Shikaoi into their homes for a 10-day visit from October 4 to 14, 2025, offering them a glimpse into Canadian life.

  • Host families aren’t required to have Japanese language skills or previous hosting experience
  • Hosts will introduce students to Canadian culture through everyday activities
  • Students are usually comfortable and prefer to share a bedroom, so only a small amount of space is needed

Applications for host families are open until August 2, 2025.

Additional Exchange Opportunities

In addition to the Host Family Program, applications are open for:

  • Long Stay Volunteer Exchange: Travel to Shikaoi for 30 to 80 days, live in a dedicated exchange facility, and take part in local programs and community activities
  • Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) Program: Teach English in Shikaoi for a minimum of one year and gain professional and cultural experience while living in Japan

To learn more and to apply to be a host family or to other Shikaoi Exchange Programs, visit the Shikaoi webpage.