Sheboygan Welcomes Visitors from Sister City, Tsubame, Japan!
Mayor’s International Committee Seeks Host Families for Cultural Exchange
The Mayor’s International Committee (MIC) is thrilled to announce that a delegation from our beloved sister city, Tsubame, Japan, will be visiting this summer, bringing an exciting opportunity for Sheboygan families to participate in a meaningful cultural exchange.
From Thursday, July 31st to Wednesday, August 6th, 2025, Sheboygan will proudly host 9 students (ages 13–16) and 3–5 adult delegates from Tsubame, fostering friendships, strengthening our international ties, and sharing the warmth of our community. MIC is now seeking short-term host families (6 days) to welcome these guests into their homes and provide them with an unforgettable experience.
Why Host?
Hosting a guest from Tsubame is more than just an exchange—it’s a gateway to lifelong friendships, an opportunity to share American culture, and a chance to experience Japanese traditions firsthand.
Host families will:
✅ Build international friendships and create lasting memories.
✅ Receive full support from MIC for a smooth hosting experience.
✅ Connect with their guest before arrival to prepare for the visit.
What to Expect
While we especially encourage families with teens (ages 13–16) to apply, all interested families are welcome! This short-term hosting experience is an excellent way to introduce your household to another culture without the commitment of a long-term stay. Sheboygan’s relationship with Tsubame, Japan, is a cherished bond that has fostered decades of goodwill, cultural learning, and international friendship. We invite our community to play an active role in keeping this connection strong by opening their hearts and homes to our Tsubame guests.
For more information or to apply as a host family, please contact Veronica Valdez 920-459-3317 or Veronica.Valdez@sheboyganwi.gov.
The Mayor’s International Committee is composed of dedicated Sheboygan citizens who serve as ambassadors representing our city in international relations. As empowered representatives, the MIC members actively uphold Sheboygan’s commitment to understanding and friendship with our Sister Cities, primarily Esslingen, Germany, and Tsubame, Japan.
Each year, the MIC hosts a plethora of events for foreign exchange students visiting Sheboygan, allowing them to experience the warm hospitality and rich culture of our city. Additionally, the MIC conducts fundraisers to support various initiatives and trips that strengthen our international relationships. Notably, all the committee’s activities are funded through fundraisers and do not utilize taxpayer money.
Discover Tsubame, Japan – Our Beloved Sister City
Located in Niigata Prefecture, Japan, Tsubame (燕市, Tsubame-shi) is a vibrant city that has much to offer. As of July 2019, Tsubame had an estimated population of 77,382 residents spread across 29,406 households, with a population density of approximately 697 persons per square kilometer. The city covers an area of 110.96 square kilometers (42.84 square miles).
Interestingly, Tsubame is situated in the coastal plains of central Niigata Prefecture but does not have a coastline on the Sea of Japan. The city is traversed by the Shinano River, which has historically contributed to Tsubame’s development.
Tsubame’s history is deeply rooted, as the area has been settled since prehistoric times. During the Edo period, Tsubame was part of the holdings of Murakami Domain and flourished as a riverport town due to its strategic location on the Shinano River. Tsubame’s modern municipal system was established on April 1, 1889, and later, on March 31, 1954, it gained city status following a merger with neighboring villages of Koike, Konakagawa, and Matsunaga. Tsubame expanded further on March 20, 2006, when it absorbed the towns of Bunsui and Yoshida.
Tsubame’s rich history and unique geographical position make it a city of immense cultural and historical importance.
The Mayor’s International Committee is proud to connect Sheboygan with Tsubame through our Sister City partnership. Together, we cultivate a spirit of community and international understanding, fostering a bond that enriches both cities.
Join us as we continue to celebrate and deepen the relationship between Sheboygan and Tsubame through cultural exchange, collaboration, and friendship.
Discover Esslingen, Germany – Our Cherished Sister City
Located in the Stuttgart Region of Baden-Württemberg in southern Germany, Esslingen am Neckar, also known as Esslingen, is a vibrant city steeped in history. It is the seat of the District of Esslingen and the 11th largest city in Baden-Württemberg. Just 14 kilometers southeast of Stuttgart city center and situated on the river Neckar, Esslingen has been a hub of development for many centuries.
Today, the city boasts a population of 92,640 and is renowned for its historic architectural structures. The city’s medieval center, with its town walls and towers, and particularly the area around the Hafenmarkt, are home to the oldest row of half-timbered houses in Germany. Each of these landmarks, along with Esslingen’s surrounding vineyards, serve as a testament to the region’s enduring cultural and historical importance.
Evidence of Esslingen’s ancient roots can be traced back to prehistoric settlements and the era of the Roman Empire when the area was scattered with Roman villas. In the heart of the city, the vibrant Marktplatz houses both the old and new town halls. This bustling square is the venue for various annual festivals, most notably the Esslingen Christmas market which seamlessly combines traditional Advent celebrations with the charm of a medieval market.
The Mayor’s International Committee takes pride in bridging Sheboygan with Esslingen through our Sister City partnership. Together, we cultivate a spirit of community and international understanding, fostering a bond that enriches both cities.
Join us as we continue to celebrate and deepen the relationship between Sheboygan and Esslingen through cultural exchange, collaboration, and friendship.