Host families are still needed in Moose Jaw for students coming from Japan. 

Arron Dobrescu, CEO and founder of Spike & Ai International After School in Yokohama, Japan, is seeking spots for the students between July 25 – August 2.  

“Each year we do a homestay program in Moose Jaw. We’ve been doing it for around 15 years now,” said Dobrescu. 

While numbers vary every year, this year they have 19 students coming from Japan. “It’s a short week – the kids are very busy during the day. We’ve got lots planned around the city and into Regina, and the kids usually are gone from early – around 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.” 

Dobrescu was born and raised in Moose Jaw and said that he loves having the chance to bring students from Japan so he can share his childhood home with them. “They just love it, because, you know, they’re from a big city here in Japan, where it’s tough to find a piece of grass.” 

The homestay program is looking for six families to host the students, and most days the students will be busy. “Usually, the kids will have breakfast with their host family, and then they’ll have a packed lunch, and then return for dinner at nighttime,” said Dobrescu.  

“If people are working, it’s no problem, because all the host families chip in together and help each other out. If they have to pick them up, or even if we have to go pick up the kids, it’s no big deal.” 

He added that the students have a free day on Saturday, July 27 to spend with their host families. 

The stipend for hosting students is $350 per student for the week. Anyone interested can reach out to Arron by calling 81-090-5829-4527 or emailing arron@spikeandai.com or by emailing Tana Arnott at arnott.tana@prairiesouth.ca or calling 306-631-4282.