Every year, around the last weekend in March, the South Georgia city of Pelham’s population of 3,600 enjoys a bump thanks to the city’s decades-long participation in the Georgia Rotary Student Program (GRSP). Students from all over the world come to study at Georgia universities for one-year terms to broaden not only their horizons, but also those of Georgia residents.
The program, believed to be the only one of its kind in the world, began after World War II to foster peace via cultural exchange, explains Pelham Mayor James Eubanks. Sixty years ago, organizers realized the international students were “stuck” on deserted campuses during spring break.
“The next year, Rotarians drove in their big station wagons to the college campuses all over Georgia and brought them back to Pelham,” Mayor Eubanks said. “This became a huge part of the cultural exchange that we were truing to do to promote peace.”
These days, the students are picked up by charter buses starting as far north as Rome, Ga., and shuttled down to Pelham. Upon arrival, they are treated to a full itinerary of education and entertainment designed to enlighten them about life in a rural, agricultural-based community.
Nearly the entire community, including local government and the school system, gets involved each year. “A part of why this is noteworthy is that we are a town of 3,600 people and a Rotary of 18 members, able to host 38 people,” Mayor Eubanks said. “It takes a lot of planning to pull it off, but we really do love it.”
A Jam-Packed Weekend
The 2025 spring break itinerary began on Thursday, when 38 international students boarded buses and later arrived in Pelham. Families all over Pelham and neighboring Camilla hosted students in guest bedrooms. Max Raitt, a student from Scotland, noted that the Pelham community members “are the most welcoming, considerate, and kind people I have encountered, definitely showing off their Southern hospitality!”
On Friday, the group toured Pelham High School, where they also played basketball in the gym and interacted with the high schoolers. This was Swedish student Filippa Stenberg’s favorite part of the weekend. “I thought it was really interesting to meet the students and to ask them questions, and for them to ask questions to us international students.”
Manuela Velez of Colombia concurred. “The high school visit offered me a better understanding of the American school system, broadened my perspective, and allowed me to connect with some wonderful students.”
After that, the students visited local spots including Pebble Hill Plantation, a hunting preserve in nearby Thomasville, and Gentian Creek Preserve, where they learned about the ecology of the area, toured labs and viewed a bald eagle nest. Next, they stopped by an agricultural manufacturer and learned how the local industry is impacted by agriculture. “I believe that the Pelham weekend is an imperative aspect to the cultural exchange program. As almost 40 percent of the Georgia workforce is in agriculture, then it only seems appropriate to experience and educate the students as to what it is like to work in agriculture in the U.S.,” Raitt said.
The busy Friday finished with a cookout for all the host families and students. Saturday’s itinerary included two local service projects, one of which was the erection of a “Peace Pole,” many of which have gone up around the state this year. “It’s a small obelisk and it has a message of peace written on all four sides in different languages,” Mayor Eubanks said.
Next, the group enjoyed downtime with lunch and recreational activities at a local farm. João Victor Verçosa Vilela, of Brazil particularly enjoyed these agenda items. “I love volunteering, and everyone was so excited to work together for a beautiful goal,” he said. “The lake and pool party after the work was just perfect!”
Later, a banquet honored the students and everyone involved in coordinating the weekend’s events. Locals were treated to entertainment provided by the international students, during which they showcased their cultures in the form of dance, music and other talents. On Sunday, the students bid farewell before heading back to their respective universities.
Benefits like enhanced tolerance and cultural appreciation are enjoyed by everyone involved in the weekend. “Hopefully, the international students take back the ideals of peach and are a good influence for their communities,” Mayor Eubanks said. “But it’s also critical for the culture of our community because there are many students at the high school who may never leave Georgia or travel internationally.” The opportunity to meet and interact with international students from a range of cultures is an incredible experience, he said. Indeed, it’s one that they won’t soon forget.
