The Nippon Institute of Technology Intercultural Campus (NITICC) in the Pass is looking for a few good homes in 2010, and hopes the community will take part in this unique opportunity.
The NITICC is expecting 15 students will arrive in May of 2010, for a full year of studies in the Crowsnest Pass. As part of their studies, the students learn English and become familiar with Canadian culture, before transferring to a second year program with Lethbridge College.
While in the Pass, students stay with local families, which helps with learning both English and culture. Married and cohabitating individuals, along with single individuals, with or without children, are welcome to apply. Homestay families receive $600 per month to cover expenses, and will receive a paid trip to Japan if they stay with the program.

Phil Cann, director of the NITICC, says that they anticipate ten homestay families will return from previous years. They are thus seeking approximately ten new applications, so that backups are available.
“It is absolutely critical to their learning as well as their emotional support,” says Cann. He says that families in the past have been very positive about the experience.
In addition, the NITICC is currently offering an incentive to local non-profit organizations in their search for new families.
For each new family that an organization refers and whose application is approved, a $150 donation will be provided. An additional $150 will be donated for each family that has a student placed with it. Finally, a further $200 will be donated to the organization if the student stays with the family and with the program for the full year.
For more information, contact the NITICC at 403-562-7704.