Spring Lake Welcomes Dutch Students for 3rd Annual Exchange

The Dutch Exchange Program is officially underway for its third consecutive year, offering students a unique opportunity to experience the world beyond their own borders. What began as a cultural connection has grown into a signature program that reflects Spring Lake Public Schools' commitment to empathy, global awareness, and meaningful learning.

This year, 30 students from Spring Lake and the Willem Blaeu School in Alkmaar, Netherlands, are participating in the international exchange. The Dutch students kicked off the experience with a weekend meet-up in Chicago before arriving in West Michigan, where they spent a week living with host families, attending classes, and immersing themselves in American life.

The program goes far beyond sightseeing. Through everyday moments—sharing meals, joining classroom discussions, and exploring local communities—students build genuine relationships that stretch far and wide. They begin to see the world from new perspectives and develop a deeper understanding of different ways of life.

In late June, the second leg of the exchange begins as Spring Lake students travel to the Netherlands, where they’ll experience life in Alkmaar and explore Dutch culture firsthand. The impact of the program is lasting: students return home not only with stamps in their passports, but also with broader minds and stronger connections. Students in the first two years of the program have put in additional miles, seeing their partners for stretches of spring breaks and summer breaks, alike.

Programs like this are possible thanks to the vision and effort of dedicated educators, welcoming host families, and students eager to learn from one another. As this year’s exchange unfolds, it stands as another proud example of how Spring Lake prepares its students to be not just graduates, but global citizens.