What is GSE?

Just thought you might like to know what the Group Study Exchange actually is, so here is the Rotary Club website's explanition of it:

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.

In Uniform

I'm not typically a uniform-wearing kind of person, but it is a requirement for this trip, so I am (willingly) joining in.

Here's a picture of me in my "monkey-suit" (as Steve would call it) for your viewing pleasure.

Mission Accomplished

Well - I've completed all the required paperwork insofar as the travel insurance and health certificate go. Got my white button-down shirt, khakis and navy blazer. I have an outline for my presentation on Arts & culture, outdoor adventuring and complimentary healing arts of the Hudson Valley. I even had a friend graciously agree to cover for me in my office while I am away.

I've heard so many supportive and encouraging words from my family, friends and colleagues - it really warms my heart. Things are really being set in motion now and this is starting to feel real.

Countdown to New Zealand

And so it begins...

Found out less than a week ago that I am going to New Zealand for a month in 2007 thanks to Rotary International's Group Study Exchange. I'll be sort of a goodwill ambassador representing the Hudson Valley of New York as well as my profession, massage therapy, movement and bodywork.

For the month of March. 2007, I'll be traveling in and around the Wellington area, meeting Rotarians and their families in their homes, giving presentations about massage and the Hudson Valley, learning about how my profession is done in NZ via vocational pairings as well as sightseeing and touring.

So much to do in so little time - trying to get all my paperwork in order, get my uniform, insurance papers, I'll have to pay my taxes before I leave, create a presentation, get gifts for my hosts, figure out what to pack, video camera anyone? I'm sure there's a lot more to think about than I've already thought about, and that's a lot!