Members of a national exchange student program have brought talented youngsters from around the world to the Tulip City for a year in the country.

Cecilia McCloud is part of a division of the Education First High School Exchange Year, which looks for overseas students to place with host families.

“We bring students over from thirteen countries right now,” she says. “They come over to improve their English, to learn about living in American family, and just American culture.”

The McClouds work not only to welcome international kids, but they help other households host children as well. They have been hosting Norwegian student Frida Holmen, who tells KNIA/KRLS News she’s enjoyed her time in the United States and Pella community.

“I really like the people, because people are really outgoing and I love to talk, so that’s really nice,” Holmen says. “I really like that school spirit is a big thing here, and I don’t know, I just like the experience itself.”

Hear more about the Education First exchange program on In Depth with Dr. Bob Leonard.