There’s something special about seeing your city through someone else’s eyes.

Recently, a newspaper in Agen, France ran a feature titled “Agen Reinforces Its Ties with Corpus Christi.” And what’s powerful isn’t just that Corpus Christi was mentioned — it’s how the story was told from their perspective.

How Agen Sees Corpus Christi

From Agen’s point of view, Corpus Christi isn’t just a partner city. We are:

• A long-standing cultural ally
• A trusted exchange partner
• A gateway to American life on the Gulf of Mexico
• A community of more than 350,000 residents offering students a true immersion experience

The article notes that since the Sister City relationship was formalized in 1999, dozens of Agen students have traveled to South Texas to experience life in Corpus Christi — living with host families, improving their English, and discovering American culture firsthand.

To them, this is not a passive relationship. It’s structured. It’s intentional. It’s deeply valued.

Their Local Leadership Is Invested

The story describes the Agen Sister City Committee recently meeting to review current projects and plan for the future. From their vantage point, this relationship requires:

• Local families willing to host
• Schools coordinating exchanges
• Financial commitments to support airfare
• Volunteers ensuring the experience is reciprocal

They describe the exchange as transformative for students — building language skills, independence, and cultural understanding.

In other words, Agen is proud of their partnership with Corpus Christi.

They’re Expanding the Partnership

From their perspective, this partnership is entering a new chapter.

The article highlights:

• A new school-to-school correspondence program connecting younger students in both cities
• A culinary exchange planned for 2026 that would bring a Corpus Christi culinary student to train in Agen’s restaurants

That means they see Corpus Christi not only as a cultural partner — but as a long-term collaborator in education, workforce development, and professional opportunity.

They are investing in the future of this relationship.

And We Are Too

While Agen is preparing its students and host families, we are doing the same here in Corpus Christi.

Applications are open for our upcoming student exchange cycle, and deadlines are approaching.

For local 10th and 11th graders, this is an opportunity to:

• Travel internationally
• Represent Corpus Christi abroad
• Experience daily life in southwest France
• Build lifelong friendships
• Develop confidence and global perspective

This program has been changing lives since 1999 — and it continues because both cities believe in it.

What This Means for Corpus Christi

When a French newspaper writes about strengthening ties with our city, it signals something important:

Corpus Christi is not isolated. We are internationally connected.

Through Sister City, we are building global citizens — students who return home with broadened horizons and new understanding of the world.

Agen is telling the story of partnership, growth, and opportunity.

Now it’s our turn to continue it.

If you know a student ready to take their future global, now is the moment. Applications are open, scholarships are available, and the next chapter of this international friendship is already being written — on both sides of the Atlantic. 🌍✨. For more info visit unitedcorpuschristi.org/sister-cities