Gastonia Sister Cities is now accepting applications for the 2027 Sister Cities Exchange Program and will hold its annual interest meeting on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in City Hall.
Gaston County high school students interested in becoming ambassadors to the Sister Cities in Gotha, Germany or Santiago de Surco, Peru during summer 2027 are invited to apply. The application deadline is Friday, October 16, 2026.
Sister Cities International was established in 1956 to strengthen global cooperation at the local level, with the motto “think globally, thrive locally.” The Sister Cities Exchange program in Gastonia began more than 35 years ago when the relationship with Gotha, Germany was established. In 2004, Santiago de Surco, Peru became Gastonia’s second sister city.
To participate in the Sister Cities Exchange Program, students must complete the application and go through a selection process. Students selected for the program spend at least six months in preparation for the exchange, which includes taking classes. After completing their summer program, the students will have the reciprocal opportunity to share their homes with their host brothers and sisters in the fall for about two weeks.
While overseas, students experience day-to-day living with their host families, enjoying activities like sports, attending classes at their host’s school, meeting important community members, touring cultural sites like museums, cathedrals and other unique buildings, parks, and local cuisine.
Students interested in learning more about the program or getting involved with other international exchange opportunities or becoming a member should email Gastonia Sister Cities, or to apply, visit the Student Ambassador Exchange Program webpage.
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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.