Today, let us warmly welcome the Group Study Exchange Team of Brazil from RI District 4510 led by their team leader, PP Rubens Alberto Constantino of the Rotary Club of Pederneiras and team members; Rita, Mariza, Acacio and Marcelo. They arrived here in San Fernando last April 1 and were met by their respective host families at the Oasis Country Resort.


Perhaps some of us are not familiar with this program. To give a clear overview, the Group Study Exchange Program of the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International is a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for young business and professional men and women between the ages of 25 and 40 in the initial years of their professional life. The program provides travel grants for teams of young participants to exchange visits between paired areas in different countries. For four to six weeks, team members study the host country's institutions and ways of life, observe their own vocations as practiced abroad, develop personal and professional relationships, and exchange ideas. Individuals who participate in this valuable, once-in-a-lifetime experience will return home, not only with new perspectives and an enlarged vision, but with fresh ideas and an understanding of a nation's culture, commerce and government that can be invaluable to a country's, and a company's future. A Group Study Exchange offers the most unique and rewarding skills-building opportunity and personal growth experience available to young professionals as humanity steps forward to face the challenges of the 21st century.




Incidentally, I'd like to thank PDG Ces Mendoza, IPP Ferdinand Fernandez and PP Arsing Ignacio for hosting the GSE team . And to the Director on International Service Richard, GSE Chairman PP Canor, IP Jerome, VP Arnold, Rtn. Diego, Rtn. Elvie and PP Andy and to those in one way or the other contributed to the success and enjoyable stay of the GSE team, my heartfelt gratitude.