Group Study Exchange - Brazil 2010
By: George MacBain
    
                          
The Rotary Foundation's Group Study Exchange (GSE) program is a cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for business people and professionals between the ages of 25 and 40 who are in the early stages of their careers. The program provides travel grants for teams to exchange visits in paired areas of different countries. For four weeks, team members experience the host country's culture and institutions, observe how their vocations are practiced abroad, develop personal and professional relationships, and exchange ideas.
 
In a typical four-week tour, applicants (one is a Rotarian and leads the team) participate in five full days of vocational visits, 15 to 20 club presentations, 10 to 15 formal visits and social events, two to three days at the district conference, three to four hours per day of cultural and site tours, and three to four hours per day of free time with host families. For each team member, the Foundation provides the most economical round-trip airline ticket between the home and host countries. Rotarians in the host area provide for meals, lodging, and group travel within their district.
 
Today we met 6 Brazilians that have spent the last 23 days in NC cities (Concord, Shelby, Jefferson, Monroe, Statesville and Charlotte) and are heading home this weekend after attending the district conference in Wilmington. Patrick Gray is our GSE Club Chair and he was represented today by Bill Bradley.
 
This team has been led by Dr. Alexandra Estevao of Teresopolis, Brazil a Rotarian from District 4750 in the state of Rio De Janeiro where they have 49 clubs and 1,100 members. Each guest shared with us a brief Bio on themselves that I have summarized here: 

•  Brenda Lea introduced Quincy Foil, Executive Director Services Corporation at Central Piedmont Community College. You can contact Quincy at quincy.foil@cpcc.edu. Welcome to Rotary!
    
• Jim Haney has fallen in the last day or so and has broken his wrist. He also had to have an emergency root canal! Not a good day for Jim; Pender McElroy contributed to a story that law firms are getting back on track during the recession; David Norman provided his expert advice on when to look for a new accountant; Patrick Gray is one of the thousands grounded by the volcanic ash, although, he is in Paris.
       
• Ten adult volunteers are needed for traffic control the evening of April 30 for the 5th Annual Waxhaw Town and Country Run. You will need to report for duty by 6pm. Contact Michael Litton, 980-721-8133 or Michael.litton@carolinapremierbank.com for additional details.
     
• Committee Assignments are going well. 168 have submitted a response and more of you need to do the same. Review the website for a listing of how many have signed up for a particular committee. Some are heavy - some need lots more. For instance, we need at least 13 to sign up for Head Table. We have 0 for World Community Service. Assignments will be made if committees are not properly staffed. To sign up: click on committee assignments, review the committees; type in your name; make the selection from the drop down box; submit. New Rotarians - if you are totally stumped on where to sign up - go to the Greeters.
   
• Roster Updates are needed by May 10th.
   
• THE ROTARY FOUNDATION APRIL CHALLENGE: Commit to $100 sustaining donation to The Foundation and the club will contribute 200 points; Commit to becoming a member of the Paul Harris Society (contributes $1000 annually) with a $500 donation and the club will contribute 500 points. Contact John Tabor or the Rotary Office for additional details.
   
• ROTARY DISTRICT CONFERENCE 2010 will be held in Wilmington April 23-25. All Rotarians and their families are invited to attend. Reservations can be booked at the Hilton Riverside, 910-763-5900. Prior to March 22, the rate will be $169 per night. Conference registration rates for Rotarians: $175 (by 2/23), $195 (by 3/22) or $225 (by 4/16). Guest registration: $155 (by 2/23), $175 (by 3/22), $195 (by 4/16). The registration covers 4 meals: Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast & dinner, and Sunday breakfast. Registration can be handled on the District database (www.dacdb.com) 
  
Remember to Wear Your Rotary Pin