Whitehorse Welcomes Ushiku!

Program Overview

The Sister City Exchange Program between Whitehorse and Ushiku, Japan, launched in the 1980s, fosters mutual cultural understanding and strengthens leadership skills among youth.

Every other year, Whitehorse host families invite an Ushiku exchange student into their home, sharing Canadian and Yukon culture. Host families provide meals, accommodation, and outings, while the City of Whitehorse organizes weekday activities.

The following year, a group of Youth Ambassadors from Whitehorse visits Ushiku, where they immerse themselves in Japanese culture through activities like living with a host family, visiting a high school, and engaging in traditional and modern experiences.

This exchange cycle reinforces cross-cultural bonds and lasting friendships.

Our 2025 program will take place from July 24 to August 3 when Whitehorse will host students from Ushiku.

Important dates for host families
May 22: Application deadline for host families
June 25: Host family introductory information session
July 9: Pre-arrival information session
July 23: Final information session

Host family applications for 2025 are now closed. Thank you to everyone who volunteered to be a host family.