2008 Year in Review

Group Study Exchange Program Seeking Team to go to Brazil

Sterling attorney Tim Zollinger says Rotary Group Study Exchange (GSE) is a “truly unique way of experiencing life in a different country, sharing culture and conversation on a truly personal level.” Zollinger was part of a five-person Rotary District 6420 GSE team that traveled extensively in England during February 2008.

District 6420 is again seeking applicants interested in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. In April 2009, the district will be sending a five-person team to Rotary District 4770 in Brazil. The team will participate in a number of cultural and professional activities over a four-week period designed to educate and develop new bonds and friendships.

Zollinger added, “Through the GSE experience I had the opportunity to gain a better understanding of not only English culture and people, but of myself and my own country. It was truly a life-changing adventure that impacted my life in many positive ways.“

The team will include young professionals 25-40 years of age who are not Rotary members, and a team leader who is a Rotary member. In addition to the exchange, District 6420 will provide a series of orientation sessions, as well as language training.

During the exchange, team members will stay in the homes of host Rotary members and will move to a different community every four to five days. This enables team members the opportunity to meet a wide variety of people, visit numerous communities and cultural sites and learn first-hand how colleagues in similar professions go about their jobs.

Rotary believes exchange programs build international understanding and goodwill and thus picks up most of the costs, including airfare, meals, lodging and transportation during the exchange. Team members are responsible for purchasing gifts, souvenirs and other incidentals.

Application forms are available from District 6420 GSE Cochairs Nancy Peltz, 1504 Sunflower Dr, South Sycamore, IL, 60178, npeltz@royal-travel.com, or P. Carter Newton, P.O. Box 319, Galena, IL 61036-0319, cnewton@galgazette.com. Applications may also be downloaded from the Rotary International website. Send your application to one of the district GSE co-chairs. Once applications are processed, an interview date and time will be set. Application deadline is November 26. Candidates will be interviewed on Saturday, December 6. Departure date is scheduled for May 1, 2009 and leaving Brazil on May 31. District 4770 will be sending a team to District 6420 on April 1 and returning May 1. To learn more about Rotary International. To learn more about Rotary District 6420, or call Vicki Wiebenga, President of the Morrison Rotary Club at 815-772-2159.

by  Editor, theCity1.com
October 26, 2008