If you’ve ever wanted the chance to get some international exposure, right here in Spokane, now is your chance.

Each year, the Mukogawa Fort Wright Institute in west Spokane hosts hundreds of Japanese students looking to learn more about America.

All of the young women come from Mukogawa Women’s University in Nishinomiya, Japan (Spokane’s Sister City). 

Spokane native Nicole Tamura helps coordinate the student’s stays here in Spokane.

“They are here for about 4 months to study English and American culture. Students live on campus in our dormitories and have their meals in our student dining hall. Our homestay program gives our students an opportunity to experience American life outside of campus and dormitory life,” Tamura said.

While the students stay on campus for most of their time in America, the school looks for Spokane families to host two Japanese students for a weekend.

When it starts snowing in Spokane, some people use that as a sign to hightail it to somewhere warm and sunny. But other people flock to places with good powder, looking for an adventure in the snow.

Our gem of a city just made the top ten list of best winter vacation destinations on Livability.com. According to the site, ideal winter hot spots have a "cold climate and the right conditions for skiing, sledding and ice skating, as well as great entertainment options such as restaurants, pubs, performance venues and recreation facilities. A city's overall appearance and accessibility were also factors." The site also looked for cities that don't cost a fortune to visit.

Spokane rolled in at number two on the list. Skiers, boarders, skaters and sledders can all find something to do. With five ski nearby mountains, an ice palace in the heart of the city and dozens of sledding hills filled with kids (and adults!), Spokane is one of America's Hottest Cold Cities.