Duluth Sister Cities Welcomes Exchange Students From Iraq

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Sister Cities is welcoming six high school students from Iraq to explore all things Minnesota.

The students are visiting from Ranya, Iraqi Kurdistan, and it’s part of the Duluth Sister Cities program.

This is the first time in 10 years that the program was able to bring in students from Iraq.

Over the course of a week, they will get to check out the North Shore, the Split Rock Lighthouse and even get on the ice to learn how to curl.

Being able to get the kids familiar with new cultures and environments is always exciting for the organizer.

“It was really fun. Yesterday when we went down to pick up the group, one of our board members came down to pick up the group. And he started a snowball fight. Which was incredibly fun,” Christy Rounds, Duluth Sister Cities Executive Director said. “So they got a good Minnesota welcome with a snowball fight in front of the state capitol building.”

For most of the kids, this is the first time they’ve visited the states, from the sounds of it, they’re looking forward to what’s in store.

“We appreciate it. Every one, every people wants to be here because America is a top country not just for the country, but for everything. We like this time, we love this week,” student Arvon Hawre said.

“I’m like their brother. Because we are together in the airports. It was like a long journey. We came from Ranya, we went to Jordan. We came here 14 hours in a plane. That was a long trip and, like brothers and sisters,” chaperone Hakar Kehoshinw said.

Coming up soon, The Duluth Sister Cities program will be holding a concert, and the proceeds will fund future exchanges.

You can check out their Facebook and website for more details.