Dream Canada International, formerly known as GLEEM, is a non-profit ministry program which has been in the Comox Valley since 2001.
DCI is celebrating its 13th year and feels privileged to have hosted over 1,000 students and to have partnered with over 100 wonderful host families.
DCI is a Christian foreign student discipleship ESL program for Grade 8 students who come from South Korea and Japan for five months.
They stay with local host families for two and a half months here in the Comox Valley and then move to a second campus in Salmon Arm for the other two and a half months, while the other students transfer from Salmon Arm to the Comox Valley.
The students have the opportunity to enjoy many Canadian cultural experiences with their host families. Also, while they are here they are involved in a variety of activities that the Comox Valley has to offer including alpine skiing, golf, tennis, kayaking, skating, swimming and horseback riding.
They also have the opportunity to go camping at Strathcona Park, Camp Homewood on Quadra and Camp Bob, north of Campbell River, as well as to visit Campbell River, Nanaimo, Coombs and Victoria.
The school program is five days a week, from 8:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., at River Heights Church.
Several host families and/or respite families are needed for the April 19 to July 1 program. Host families will need to provide room and board, transportation and include the students as part of their family, as well as by attending a local church. There is a remuneration of $1,500 per month for two students in the home.
If you are interested in being part of this cross-cultural ministry team, contact Sheila Joiner at 250-218-0806 for further information and an application form.
— Dream Canada International