Bali hosts student exchange

DENPASAR, Bali: The government has named Bali as the host for Canadian students who will study in Indonesia between September and November under a student exchange program.

"Bali was chosen for several reasons, including its success in conducting the program last year despite the fact that all but one of the Canadian students canceled their trip following the Sept. 11 tragedy," head of sports and youth affairs at the province's education agency Dewa Diarta Nidha told Antara on Friday.

He was referring to the terrorist attacks on the United States last September, which sparked a global wave of fear.

Diarta said the only Canadian student who turned up last year stayed in Sideman village, Karangasem regency, for three months and submitted a detailed report on his time there to his government.

"Based on the report, the Canadian government suggested that the program this year take place in Bali again." Diarta said.

The Bali government has named Madenan village in Buleleng regency and Penglipuran village in Bangli regency the joint hosts of this year's program. -- Antara