A Portage la Prairie high schooler is trading prairie horizons for Japanese cityscapes next school year.
Oliver Bures, a Grade 12 student at PCI, will spend 10 months in Japan through the Rotary Club Exchange Student Program, immersing himself in language, culture, and music while retaking his final year of high school abroad.
A year of cultural immersion — and karaoke
Oliver’s fascination with Japanese music sparked his decision to choose Japan.
“For a while now, I’ve been interested in some music in Japanese, and so just spend a year there, figure out how to sing all the lyrics and then enjoy myself, just enjoy the music,” he says.
His excitement stretches beyond melodies to exploring Tokyo’s bustling streets, serene shrines, and the “completely different aspects of life” in his host community near the capital.
While his Japanese language skills are still basic, Oliver is preparing for the challenge. His host family speaks “almost no English,” but a 10-day intensive language course upon arrival will teach foundational phrases.
“I’ve been doing a bit of studying,” he says. “Thankfully, when I get there, there is a course they’re going to put me through to get me up to basics.”
Navigating nerves and new horizons
The transition isn’t without worries. Oliver acknowledges concerns about standing out as a foreigner. “One of my biggest fears is people judging me just because I’m not one of them,” he says. He remains optimistic, however, citing Rotary’s support and his host family’s guidance.
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His anticipation focuses on Japan’s vibrant contrasts. He describes his host family’s home near Mount Fuji, noting, “you can see it out the back window”, and the thrill of discovering “something new probably every block” in Greater Tokyo.
“It’s mind-boggling to think about how you could even live there,” he adds.
Rotary Club’s global bridge
The Rotary Club’s decades-old program pairs students with host families abroad while welcoming international teens to Canada.
Tyne Carmichael, a local Rotary member, emphasizes its dual purpose, noting, “The kids get to explore the world within the structure of a family. They’ll stay with three different families while they’re away, and in return, we host a student here.”
Carmichael notes the club is seeking host families for incoming exchange students, including one from France this fall.
“It can be really beneficial, especially if you have kids in your home. They learn a lot from the experience,” she says.
As Oliver prepares for departure, he’s ready to embrace Japan’s blend of tradition and modernity — and perhaps master a karaoke anthem or two along the way.