Students from Greater Victoria School District Visit Sister City in Japan
Victoria International Education organized the group of 10 students to visit Morioka for a cultural and educational experience.
The group of students were featured in a Japanese news segment during their visit with the Morioka City Hall Mayor Shigeru Uchidate.
On May 14, 2024, 10 students aged 14 to 16 from within the Greater Victoria School District visited Morioka City Hall in Japan. The group met with Mayor Shigeru Uchidate who encouraged the eager students to “experience new things and make them into memories.”
Morioka City Hall has been sending students to the Greater Victoria School District for over 30 years and this year the District was finally able to reciprocate thanks to the support and organization by Victoria International Education.
“It’s extremely beautiful with all the mountains surrounding everything,” says student Aldous from Victoria High School about being in the new city. “I’d like to work on my Japanese a little bit and also learn more about the culture of Morioka.”
The participating high school students are in grades 9 through 11 and attend Oak Bay, Reynolds, Spectrum, and Victoria High schools.
The group will spend a week experiencing classes and club activities at Morioka Daiichi High School and Ueda Junior High School, and will live with homestay families in Morioka and Hanamaki.
Planning for the trip has been in the works since May of last year when a delegation of Morioka City Hall officials from Japan visited Victoria and met the District’s Superintendent and the Mayor to discuss a cultural learning and sharing opportunity.
Information about future study abroad initiatives as well as the application process can be found on Victoria International Education’s website at studyinvictoria.com.
Students were greeted by school staff and beautiful weather in Japan.
“Our team of international education professionals sincerely appreciates the opportunity to work with our wonderful students and their families, and our partners from around the world,” says Dr. Jeff Davis, Director of Victoria International Education. “Quality educational programming, excellent student support, and a strong Homestay Program all help to ensure the continued success of our students in Victoria.”
An active sister city relationship has existed between Victoria and Morioka since 1985. Homestays and other types of exchanges have deepened ties between the cities and opened doors of opportunity for cultural sharing.
About Victoria International Education
Victoria International Education (VIE) has a long-standing reputation for delivering high-quality academic programs to international students from around the world since 1992. VIE is part of the Greater Victoria School District. Curriculum is approved and accredited by the British Columbia Ministry of Education and taught by University and Government Accredited Teachers.
Our years of experience in international education have made us keenly aware of the unique needs of international students and provide comprehensive support including:
- School-based international student advisors at each of our high schools and middle schools
- Our own registered homestay program
- Multi-cultural homestay placement officers
- An orientation for all new international students
- Professional, experienced program staff committed to student success
Learn more: studyinvictoria.com.
Victoria International Education
3461 Henderson Road, Victoria, B.C. V8P 5A8
isp@studyinvictoria.com
250.592.6871
Greater Victoria School District No. 61
Communications
community@sd61.bc.ca