Pella Christian Students Travel to the Netherlands

As part of a reciprocal exchange program, students from Iowa visit their Dutch counterparts.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A group of 12 students from Pella Christian High School in Iowa have traveled to the Netherlands to stay with host families from Greijdanus High School in Zwolle as part of a reciprocal exchange program. The Pella Christian students will be in the Netherlands until March 27th, experiencing the local culture and cuisine.

Why it matters

The exchange program allows students from both schools to immerse themselves in a different culture, build international connections, and gain a broader perspective. Such programs help foster cross-cultural understanding and global awareness among the next generation.

The details

In October, 12 students from Greijdanus High School in Zwolle, Netherlands stayed with host families from Pella Christian High School in Iowa. Now, the 12 Pella Christian students are visiting their Dutch counterparts, staying with host families and experiencing Dutch culture firsthand. During their time abroad, the students will have the opportunity to enjoy different activities and try local foods that they've heard about from their previous exchange students.

  • The Pella Christian students traveled to the Netherlands on Thursday, March 13, 2026.
  • The Pella Christian students will be in the Netherlands until March 27, 2026.

The players

Pella Christian High School

A private Christian high school located in Pella, Iowa that is participating in the reciprocal exchange program with Greijdanus High School in the Netherlands.

Greijdanus High School

A high school located in Zwolle, a municipality in Overijssel, the Netherlands that is participating in the reciprocal exchange program with Pella Christian High School in Iowa.

Sydney Bruxvoort

A senior at Pella Christian High School who previously hosted a student from Greijdanus High School and is now looking forward to experiencing Dutch culture and cuisine during the exchange program.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm really excited to try all of the foods that she told me about, because every time I would show her something that we eat here, she would be like, 'Oh, this is what we have' or i took her to the Dutch bakeries, and she was like, 'Oh, this is kind of similar, but it tastes a little bit different from in the Netherlands'. So, I'm excited to go see the Dutch bakeries and just see what they eat on a regular day.”

— Sydney Bruxvoort, Senior, Pella Christian High School (kniakrls.com)

What’s next

The students from Pella Christian High School will return to Iowa on March 27, 2026 after completing the exchange program.

The takeaway

The reciprocal exchange program between Pella Christian High School and Greijdanus High School provides a valuable opportunity for students to immerse themselves in a different culture, build international connections, and gain a broader global perspective - skills that will serve them well in an increasingly interconnected world.