What is a GSE

The Group Study Exchange (GSE) program of The Rotary Foundation is a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for young business and professional men and women between the ages of 25 and 40 and in the early years of their professional lives. The program provides travel grants for teams to exchange visits between paired areas in different countries. For four to six weeks, team members experience the host country's institutions and ways of life, observe their own vocations as practiced abroad, develop personal and professional relationships, and exchange ideas.

For each team member, The Rotary Foundation provides the most economical round-trip air ticket between the home and host countries. Local Rotarians in the host area provide for meals, lodging, and group travel within their district

9930 District conference

We all attended the Rotary District Conference on the weekend in Thames. It was held at the Civic centre and very well attended. The program was very full and had some very thought provoking speakers.

Our team spoke on the Saturday morning. We were all a little nervous but I don’t think it showed. We were please to see those from South America nodding when we were talking in Spanish. It was a great experience and everyone we spoke to gave us very positive feedback.

We are all now working on our next speech to take with us to Argentina. This will be all in Spanish. It will be a challenge but worth the effort.

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Barrie tries the Mate

Here is Barrie trying the mate. If I didnt know better I would think that it was some type of illegal substance. We understand this is very popular drink where we are going. It had an interesting flavour similar to green tea.

Team all dressed up in their Uniform

Meeting the team from 4960

Well what a night meeting the inward team from district 4960. Cielo Pelayo (leader), Maria Engenia Cantallops, Fernanda Sarthou, Cecila Lijo and Gretel Maria Ramirez. It was great to talk with the team members and try out our Spanish. They seem to understand us which was great relief. They all spoke good English and were very excited to be in our country.

Meeting this team raised our level of anticipation of our trip. Karen also reminded us that its only 45 days till we go.

We were able to wear our team uniform thats to some help from Date Jake of Jacks Embroidery who got our jackets ready for the night.

We would like to say a special thanks to the Te Rapa club for inviting us to the night.

Having spoken with all the team I know them and their host families are going to have a very rewarding time