Rotary International
Group Study Exchange, Vietnam 2003
Abstract
The Rotary International Group Study Exchange (GSE) 2003 - Vietnam trip was
a unique cultural and vocational exchange sponsored by Rotary International.
Twenty hand-selected Rotary International Ambassadors, divided into 4 teams
(High-Tech & Business, Doctors, Water Experts, and Cross-cultural communications
experts), ventured to Vietnam for a month of cultural and vocational studies.
The GSE 2003 Trip to Vietnam was an important milestone for Rotary, with many
firsts: first Rotary GSE team to a non-Rotary country, first time for four Rotary
districts to coordinate the sending of their GSE teams, and the first time for
these districts to sponsor four inbound Vietnamese teams. In this talk, I share
the the experiences and learnings of the "High-Tech and Business"
GSE Team, of which I was a member. I highlight our adventures with travel and
food, our interchange with the Vietnamese people as well as amongst ourselves,
our exposure to the nascent technology & business services industry that
is blossoming in Vietnam, and give a first-hand look at the power of the humanitarian
act. I also reach back to the past and bring it to the present. This was an
experience which has left indelible impressions on the lives of those involved,
and reinforces the power of Rotary's mission to foster "Peace, Goodwill,
and Understanding" throughout the world through "Service Above Self.".