Shikaoi Exchange Program Returns to Celebrate 38 Years of Friendship

STONY PLAIN, AB: The Shikaoi Program is back in full force! The international exchange between the Town of Stony Plain and the Town of Shikaoi will see programs return for 2023.

The Town of Stony Plain and the Town of Shikaoi became twinned municipalities in 1985 and have maintained a sister-town friendship through an ongoing exchange program. In light of the global health pandemic, various elements of the program were suspended in recent years. All four Shikaoi Programs are returning for 2023, including the Student Delegation, the Adult Delegation, the Long Stay Volunteer Program, and the Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) Program. Recruitment is currently open for the Student Exchange and the Long Stay Volunteer Exchange Program.

“Over the last 38 years, the Shikaoi Program has brought our two communities together to experience one another’s culture and celebrate our international friendship. We are thrilled to be able to reunite with our sister-town this year!” 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, and have been sorely missed by both towns,” says Recreation Coordinator Kelly Maluta. “The first programs to kick things off are the Student Delegation and the Long Stay Volunteer Programs from Stony Plain to Shikaoi. Being able to travel to Japan and experience everyday life in Shikaoi is such a memorable experience, and the programs have been the beginning of many lifelong friendships.”

Student Exchange

The Student Exchange presents local students with an opportunity to travel to Japan and experience life with a local Shikaoi family. Stony Plain students with an interest in Japanese culture are invited to submit an application.

Eligible applicants must:

• Be between the ages of 14 and 18 at the time of application
• Be available for travel mid to late July (travel dates to be confirmed)
• Host Shikaoi students during their annual delegation visit to Stony Plain in the fall
• Have, or be able to obtain, a valid passport
• Provide proof of three COVID-19 vaccinations for travel to Japan

Applications for the Student Exchange are due March 3, 2023. A representative from the Town will contact candidates of interest with further information and to schedule interviews.

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.

Eligible applicants must:

• Be over the age of 18
• 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
• Provide proof of three COVID-19 vaccinations

Interested candidates can find an application on the Stony Plain website.

The Town is not accepting applications for the ALT Program at this time, as the position is currently filled. Recruitment for host families for the Shikaoi student delegation will be announced this summer. The delegation is expected to arrive in Stony Plain on September 29 and depart October 10.

More information on each program will be provided on the Stony Plain website. Keep an eye out for announcements and registration information posted to the Town’s social media channels!