Duluth’s Sister Cities welcomes students from Japan to the Northland

The Duluth Sister Cities organization welcomed students from Japan this week.

As a part of a 30 year tradition promoting world peace, students from Duluth visit one of Duluth’s Sister Cities. Duluth has a total of six sister cities just in Japan.

The program works as so, students here in Duluth go to Japan and stay with a host family. In this year’s case, only two months later and its their turn to come visit.

Chaperone Kevin Chederquist says this is a way to positively impact our global community one student at a time.

Many students told us that during the time where they were away from their host family, they still kept in touch. They use app like, Line, Instagram and Whatsapp to avoid oversea calling charges.

Chederquists son, Jack told us that his favorite part of visiting Japan was being fully immersed in the culture. Another student, Angela Elliott says she’s grateful the experience. She says, “I feel like a changed person. I’m more open, less shy and I know how to handle certain situations better.”

The program stems back all the way to end of World War II. Chederquist mentions that the peace bell at Enger Tower is a replica of the actual peace bell in Ohara, Isumi City. More history on the peace bell, here.

Of course, we cannot forget the fun. Japanese student, Narita says that he’s most excited to go camping. Camping, a Twins game, a helicopter ride over Duluth are just a few activities that the group has planned. Elliot said her favorite part of being in Japan was the food.

There is always a next year, if you’d like more information for your student to partake in the program there is information at the Sister Cities Duluth website.