On November 18, 2024, the Black Gold School Division welcomed a group of international students from Colombia who will be attending local schools for the next four weeks.
“Our International Student Program is in its third year, matching students from around the world with local host families who become their “home away from home,” said Yolanda Chang, the program’s Homestay Coordinator. “It is such a unique opportunity for our host families to build a lifelong friendship with someone from another country.”
The international students and host families have been connecting online for several weeks, but getting to see each other in person for the first time is so exciting. Despite the exhaustion from an over 16-hour travel day, the students are all smiles and eager to start their Canadian adventure!
The Luchak family (above) previously hosted two Colombian students and would highly recommend it to others.
“It was such a positive experience for our family.” said Greg Luchak, “We learned so much about a different culture, the girls and their families. It helped make a connection with both families that we will always have.”
This year, they are among several families who are hosting for a second year in a row.
The BGSD International Student Program is a unique opportunity to experience a new culture and broaden your own horizons, develop valuable cross-cultural communication and problem-solving skills, and create lasting friendships and international connections. While the program is well received by the schools and communities, maintaining it can be a challenge.
“We know that students and families have the best experience when they have a host sibling who attends the same school,” said Chang. “This means that we are always looking for new families as children grow up and graduate.”
Up next, a number of Japanese high school students are arriving in January 2025, and Chang is looking for host families in Leduc to welcome them. If you are interested in becoming a host family, please email bgsd.international@blackgold.ca.