GSE team commitment

Hello - I'm the Team Leader alternate for the GSE group travelling to South Korea. It has been an eye opening experience, especially getting a handle on the language. I feel fortunate to be a part of this team effort and commend my team members for all the hard work they are putting into being prepared for their month long visit to South Korea. The difficult part will be when they board the plane and I will be waving goodby; however, I feel good knowing that I have had a part in preparing them for their trip and as a Rotarian I have been able to give service above self assisting them where I can. - Kathy Stromvig

Let the Adventures Begin

Well- this is my first post. I'm excited to be able to share thoughts, pictures, stories with family and friends while we travel in Argentina. Really, the adventures have already begun.. with our presentation coming together.. Mr. Sushi, our resident fish pillow will accompany us on our trip. We've already taken a tour out in eastern Oregon with team member, Kelly. It's beautiful and apparently very snowy out there right now.. so Kelly, we hope you are faring well in the crazy weather. Make a snowperson for us in the rainy western side of the state. Looking forward to making more stories with y'all!!

Cheers,
Eecole aka...

What's in a GSE?

Every once in a while, a special opportunity comes to us in life. In this case, it's from Rotary and called Group Study Exchange. A handful of 25 to 40 year old business and professional people can travel as a team, with most expenses paid by Rotary, on a cultural and vocational exchange in another country for nearly a month. They are hosted in homes of Rotarians, and get to know them and their families, their values, concerns and daily lives. And they share their own.

These team members also meet with peers or occasionally mentors in their vocation, and learn new ways of thinking, new approaches to problems, new solutions ... and a whole new culture to boot! GSE was started in New Zealand in the 50's. Today, nearly 600 teams travel the world every year, building bridges of understanding between peoples. It's part of the educational and peace efforts of Rotary International.

In this blog, the District 5100 Group Study Exchange (GSE) team will post their thoughts on their selection, preparation, travels, people they meet, and places they see. And, we imagine, the Rotarians who have supported them in this unique experience. This is their blog ... so, here it is!

Stewart Martin, GSE Chair for District 5100 - Oregon and SW Washington, USA