City of Gastonia is rolling out the welcome mat for visiting students from Germany and Peru this fall.
On September 24, ten students and two chaperones will arrive from Gotha, Germany, and four students and one chaperone from Santiago de Surco, Peru will arrive on September 29. Each student will live with a local host family for about two weeks, sharing meals, joining weekend activities, and getting a first-hand look at life in our community.
During the weekdays, the students will explore Gaston County landmarks, tour local towns, and meet with city leaders. On evenings and weekends, they’ll spend time with their host families — making memories, trying new foods, and practicing their English.
This exchange is part of Gastonia’s Sister Cities International program, which began here in 1993. More than 500 American, German and Peruvian students have already taken part. Sister Cities International started in 1956 when President Dwight D. Eisenhower launched the “People to People” initiative to build understanding between nations. Today it connects 240 U.S. cities with more than 2,800 partnerships across 140 countries.
“It’s about friendship, curiosity and learning from one another,” said Becca Hurd, Education Coordinator for Keep Gastonia Beautiful and Sister Cities. “Our students who travel abroad come back with a better understanding of the world — and hosting is just as powerful.”
Local students can get involved too. High schoolers in grades 9–11 who live in Gaston County and are in good academic and behavioral standing can apply now for the next exchange. Applications are due October 15, 2025. Cultural classes run through Spring 2026, with travel abroad in early June and return visits in the fall.
There are also plenty of ways for adults to help — from volunteering and chaperoning to serving on the Sister Cities Board of Directors. For more details or to apply, visit the Gastonia Sister Cities webpage or email Becca Hurd or call her at 704-869-1008.
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Gastonia, N.C., just minutes west of Charlotte, is one of the area’s best places to live and work with an ideal combination of location, size and livability. Gastonia is the largest of Gaston County’s 13 municipalities and one of the largest cities in the Charlotte metropolitan area. Selected as an All-America City three times, Gastonia’s desirable quality of life is the result of its beautiful natural surroundings, friendly neighborhoods, responsive government and vibrant business environment.