MLI Homestay, in partnership with the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario, will welcome a group of international high school students from Hong Kong to Russell from Sunday, April 27 to Friday, May 9.
The students will attend St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School as part of a 13-day cultural exchange program designed to promote global learning and cross-cultural understanding.
The 10 students selected for the exchange are among the highest-achieving students in Hong Kong, chosen for their academic excellence. They will be hosted by local families during their stay, giving them firsthand experience of Canadian life and traditions—from spring barbecues and bonfires with s’mores to maple syrup on pancakes.
“This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for both the students and their hosts,” said Cheryl Lee, COO of CISS MLI. “We invite new hosts to join us in creating lifelong memories. The experience is transformative not just for the students, but for the families who open their homes.”
The program is part of a larger international initiative that annually involves students from more than 30 countries, including Spain, Italy, Germany, France, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico. While the Hong Kong students learn about Canadian culture, local families also gain insight into Chinese traditions and have the chance to build lasting global connections.
Stéphane Lavoie, local coordinator for Ottawa, emphasized the mutual benefits of the exchange.
“It gives a great experience for students here and for the students from Hong Kong,” he said. “I always say, after 20 years of doing this, it’s a friend for life.”
MLI Homestay is currently seeking seven host families in Russell and the surrounding communities—four for boys and three for girls. Hosts are asked to provide a private bedroom, meals, transportation to and from school, and inclusion in family activities. Students may share a room but must have separate beds.
Hosts will receive $480 for their hospitality during the 13-day program. A $100 referral fee is also offered for each successful student placement.
“This will be the first time students from this school have the chance to visit Ontario and learn about our people and places,” added Lee. “We are excited to share this time with the people of Russell. Please consider hosting two students for this short and special visit.”
