Okotoks Town Council Chambers had some special visitors Tuesday, as a group of exchange students from Japan dropped by, as part of their visit to town.
The students got to meet, and learn from Okotoks Mayor Bill Robertson, who told them about how the government works in Alberta, and a little bit of town history.
Teacher and coordinator, Brenda Andrais, says the students are here to put what they've learned in school into practice.
"In Japan, they learn English, and they learn how to read it and write it," she says. "But when they come here, they get to practice speaking it, so they get much better with English, and they're ability to use it by coming here."
The group, consisting of 15 students and two teachers, are in Canada for the very first time, coming from Chiba, Japan, a part of the Greater Tokyo Area, which has a population of over six million, a stark contrast from the 28 thousand people who call Okotoks home.
The group arrived in Okotoks on July 10, and are only here until July 21.
After a few days in town, Andrais says the students are enjoying the Canadian hospitality so far.
"The families (the students stay with) have embraced them, and are taking them to wonderful spots," she says. "So, they get to see how much quieter and more laid-back this culture is, as compared to being in Tokyo."
Andrais says the students have also had the chance to experience a different landscape, which is life-changing for them.
"This is their first opportunity to travel, so it's their first opportunity to see another part of the world, which is amazing," she says. "To go to the mountains, which they have seen pictures of, and Lake Louise, has been a very exciting event for them."
When Mayor Robertson asked each student what they enjoyed most about Canada, the popular answers were its nature, the open space, and the friendly people.
One answer stood out the most though, as one girl responded with "Carly Rae Jepsen."
Sun, Apr 21, 2:00 PM
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