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De Pere students describe cultural exchange with Umeå, Sweden
Summary
Six De Pere and West De Pere students who traveled to Umeå, Sweden, described host‑family experiences, classroom differences such as "fika," and new international friendships; the trip was supported by the Sister Cities program and city budget support plus local fundraising.
Six students who participated in a cultural and educational exchange to Umeå, Sweden, shared highlights and lessons with the De Pere Common Council on April 21.
Representatives from Sister Cities De Pere explained the program — supported by a mix of city support and fundraising — and introduced the students. Students described host‑family experiences, shared meals, and school visits that included long breaks for socializing (a practice students identified as "fika"), language learning opportunities and sustained contact with host friends.
Student comments included: "I made homemade Wisconsin mac and cheese for them and they made Swedish cinnamon buns," and reflections that Swedish students were unusually curious about U.S. politics and geography. The council praised the students for representing De Pere and encouraged continued exchanges; the presenters said the partnership reaches its 20th year in 2027.
