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Summer exchange program sends high schoolers to Germany and Peru

How does spending time next summer in Germany or Peru sound?  It’s an exciting opportunity that is made possible for high school students (grades 9-11) in Gaston County Schools through the City of Gastonia’s Sister Cities program. 

The popular summer exchange experience gives high schoolers an opportunity to visit Gotha, Germany or Santiago de Surco, Peru, both of which are sister cities to Gastonia.  Becca Hurd, the education coordinator for Gastonia Sister Cities and Keep Gastonia Beautiful, says the opportunity is a way to “connect students to the world.” 

“The trips immerse students in a new culture, language, and daily life, helping them grow in independence, adaptability, and global awareness,” explains Hurd.  “The program is about more than travel.  It builds lifelong friendships, strengthens cross-cultural understanding, and prepares young people to become leaders in an increasingly interconnected world.” 

Students who are currently in grades 9-11 may apply; up to 20 students are chosen.  The application deadline is October 16.  More information and the application are available on the City of Gastonia website, or you can call the Gastonia Sister Cities office at (704) 869-1008.  There is a cost for students to participate (approximately $2,000 for the Germany trip and $3,000 for the Peru trip); some scholarship assistance is available. 

Students are chosen through a selection process.  Ahead of the trip, they spend six months preparing for the experience by participating in cultural classes, and then they spend two weeks in the summer in either Germany or Peru.  In the fall, the students host a student from Germany or Peru in their home in Gaston County for two weeks. 

The City of Gastonia has offered the student exchange program since 1993 with an annual trip to Germany; the trip to Peru was added in 2004.  More than 500 students, teachers, and chaperones have participated over the years.  Those involved in the program gain new insight, respect for other cultures, and a curiosity about what the world beyond Gaston County is like and has to offer. 

Click here for a slideshow video featuring the 2026 Gastonia Sister Cities student ambassadors to Germany and Peru.