Exchange program returns in 2024.
The Sister City Youth Exchange offers Whistler students invaluable cross-cultural learning opportunities, immersing in traditions, history, language, and present-day geography during a visit to Karuizawa, Japan.
Whistler has been the proud Sister City of Karuizawa for twenty years. The relationship strengthens economic and cultural ties and promotes tourism. The Youth Exchange program is one part of Whistler’s partnership with Karuizawa.
Program Information:
Each year, 10 Whistler youth participate in this exciting exchange program; Karuizawa youth visit Whistler for six nights in March and Whistler youth visit Karuizawa for six nights in October.
Shared interests between the successful applicants:
- An eagerness to represent Whistler as an Ambassador
- An interest in learning about the Japanese culture
- Participation in school or community activities
- Independence and working in a team
Youth must in Grade 8 or Grade 9 and reside in Whistler full-time to be eligible to apply.
Important participation information for families:
- Accepted youth and their families must host Karuizawa youth in the home for three nights during Karuizawa’s visit to Whistler
- Two chaperones from the RMOW travel to Karuizawa with the Whistler youth.
- All homestay family parents require Police Information Checks.
Costs:
The RMOW funds 50 per cent of the flight costs for the Whistler exchange to Karuizawa. The RMOW also organizes various fundraising activities. Students taking part in the program cover the remaining travel costs.
Contact:
For further information about the Sister City Youth Exchange program please contact:
Recreation Services Supervisor
Stephanie Nicoll-Russell
snicoll-russell@whistler.ca
