Archive for November, 2010

What is GSE?

Good question. GSE stands for Group Study Exchange, and it’s an international experience Rotarians have incorporated into their tapestry of programs for 43+ years. The premise is for a small group (four to six) of younger professionals aged 25-40 to voyage to another country in order that they may acquire cultural and vocational knowledge. Two countries decide to partner – in this case, France and Rotary District 5740 in Colorado – and literally exchange groups of talented, working professionals for a four to six week immersion stay in country. Each day is packed with meetings, presentations, parties, and sightseeing. The group is led by a seasoned Rotarian and who organizes and conducts the training and preparation beforehand as well as makes sure things run smoothly during the trip.

After returning from their excursion, the team members report back to Rotary clubs within the District regarding their findings, adventures, and transformations. The team members are encouraged to positively impact their communities and workplaces with this fresh experience.

Each GSE candidate is extremely excited to be considered for this opportunity and can’t wait until the final team is chosen in the middle of December!

Learning French

The team is feverishly trying to absorb every French phrase, verb conjugation, and quip in preparation for their month long excursion spanning the end of March through the end of April 2011. As an advocate for the team’s success, please recommend any language learning programs you have personally experienced or witnessed. Thanks for your help!

March 26 Can’t Come Soon Enough!

Here marks the first ever blog post commemorating the anxiously awaited trip four young professionals will embark on from March 26 – April 23, 2011. The photo below was taken during the first training in Montrose, CO on November 7, 2010. Top row from left to right: David Owens, Amanda Hayes, Steve Berg, Amy McBride, Roger Ptolemy, and Jessie Williams. Bottom row from left to right: Samantha Bruner, Margeaux Candlin, Debra Lehl, and Claudine Bogart.

GSE Team Photo

I hope this blog becomes a regular virtual stop for the friends, family, and colleagues of this team as it will contain the adventures and maybe a few misadventures (if you’re lucky) as they peruse the beautiful wine country in France known as Alsace. Come back and see us soon!