Shikaoi Exchange Program Celebrates 39 Years of Friendship

STONY PLAIN, AB: The Town of Stony Plain and the Town of Shikaoi in Japan became twinned municipalities in 1985 and have maintained a sister-town friendship through an ongoing exchange program. In 2024, all four Shikaoi programs have returned. Applications are now open for the Long Stay Volunteer Exchange Program and for Host Families to welcome the Student Delegation arriving from Shikaoi in October.

“Over the last 39 years, the Shikaoi Program has brought our two communities together to experience one another’s culture and celebrate our international friendship. Each program offers opportunities for Stony Plain and Shikaoi residents to connect and learn about each other’s community and culture.” says Mayor William Choy.

“It is wonderful to be able to bring back the exchange programs. They really are amazing and life changing opportunities for students and residents,” says Facility Programming Coordinator Kelly Maluta. “If you’re thinking about welcoming students into your home in October or are considering applying for the Long Stay Volunteer Exchange program and experiencing Shikaoi firsthand, I encourage you to take the plunge! These programs have been the beginning of many lifelong friendships.”

Host Family                                                                                                      

Each year, the Town of Shikaoi sends a class of students to visit Stony Plain. Students are paired and hosted by local families and enjoy participating in family outings, cultural traditions, and everyday Canadian activities.

• Host families are needed to provide accommodations for students. Students will arrive in Stony Plain on October 5, 2024 before departing on October 15, 2024. Host families are needed to accommodate a pair of students per household and provide them with a Stony Plain experience
• Host families are not required to know Japanese or have previous hosting experience

Applications for Host Families are open until August 2, 2024.

Long Stay Volunteer Exchange

The Long Stay Volunteer Exchange Program is an opportunity for Stony Plain residents to visit Shikaoi for a period of 30 to 80 days. Participants are offered free accommodation at the S.S House, a housing facility located in the town core built for the program. The Town of Shikaoi will also provide a travel grant to cover a portion of travel expenses.

Successful applicants will:

• Be the age of 18 or older
• Ideally have lived on their own for at least one year
• Have the ability to financially support themselves for the duration of their time in Shikaoi
• Hold a Canadian Passport
• Participate in Town of Shikaoi programs and events
• Host English pot-luck parties at the S.S House
• Promote English education by volunteering primarily at the Shikaoi nursery and kindergarten

Applications can be found on the Stony Plain website.

Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) Program

The Town is not accepting applications for the ALT Program at this time, as the position is currently filled but applications are expected to open late 2024 or early 2025.

More information about each program can be found on the Shikaoi page.