Ishikari–Campbell River High School Student Short-Term Exchange Program

Important Notes – Please Read Carefully

• This program is part of the official sister city exchange between Ishikari City and the City of Campbell River. Participation is limited to families who are able to host a Japan exchange student (buddy) for two weeks in May.
• During the exchange, students will stay with their buddy’s family in a homestay arrangement and attend the same high school as their buddy.
   Please note that the buddy may not be of the same gender.
• Students from Campbell River will travel to Ishikari at the end of June immediately at the end of school. They will attend the same high school as their Japan exchange buddy.  
• The student’s family is expected to act as a host family, providing a private room and support for the buddy’s school life.
• If a student engages in dangerous or prohibited behavior during the exchange, the host organization (Ishikari International Association (NPO)) reserves the right to terminate the exchange early and send the student home.
• A home environment inspection will be conducted for students selected to participate. Additionally, a criminal background check may be required at the request of the host organization.
• Details will be provided to the selected students beginning in January.
   

Program Details

This exchange is open to 4 students who attend Campbell River High schools – Carihi Secondary & Timberline Secondary. 

These students will attend either Ishikari Shoyo High School or Ishikari Minami High School.

• 4 students total
• Exchange Period

• Ishikari Students in Campbell River: May 16 (Sat) to May 30 (Sat), 2026

• Campbell River Student swill travel to Ishikari for June 28 (Sun) to July 11 (Sat), 2026

 Eligibility Requirements 

1. Must attend either Carihi Secondary or Timberline Secondary

2. Must actively participate in exchange activities as a representative of Campbell River City and continue international exchange activities after returning
3. Must be able to host an incoming exchange student (buddy) from Ishikari in a private room
   • Hosting period: May 16 (Sat) to May 30 (Sat), 2026
4. Must understand that the buddy may not be of the same gender

Application Requirements:

1. Student School Photo and/or recent photo

2. Previous School Report Card.
3. Letter of Recommendation. Please have a teacher, school counselor, Principal, mentor, coach, tutor, or other adult who knows the student well but is not a family member write a letter of recommendation for the applicant. 
4. Letter to your exchange buddy describing yourself
5. Video of Self Introduction.
   • Duration: 3–5 minutes
     • Content: 
     • Motivation for applying
     • What do you hope to learn from this exchange?
     • What skills are important for participating in an exchange program?
     • How do you plan to use your exchange experience after returning?
6. Passport picture page.

■ Estimated Costs

• Approx. $5000CAD
   (includes round-trip airfare, travel insurance, passport fees, spending money, miscellaneous expenses)

■ Application Deadline

• Submit to your school by November 12^th, 2025

Additional Notes

• This program is co-hosted by Ishikari City and the Ishikari International Association, with the Association as the main organizer
• Students will stay with host families (buddies) in Japan.
• Selection will be based on submitted documents and videos. Results will be announced via the International Student Program in early December
• From January 2026, selected students will undergo a home inspection and A criminal background check may also be required.