Pre-Departure Prep

Our GSE team was selected in mid-December 2011.  Since then, much has occurred to prepare us for departure.

Collectively, orientation,  meetings, emails, phone calls, dinner and team building exercises have occurred to learn more about each other and the best way to handle this unique and potentially overwhelming experience. 

Individually, members have researched the Korean culture and language, acquired travel documents, received recommended immunizations.

Here's a brief recap of some of the more memorable team experiences:

• January 6-7th - GSE Orientation in Greensboro, North Carolina.  GSE and Ambassadorial Scholors from many districts gathered to learn many things about the upcoming experience including what to expect, best practices and how to make effective presentations. This was the first time our team met in person. 
• February 4th - Team meeting at the Shady Grove YMCA.  We watched a presentation about successfully integrating oneself in a foreign culture and then completed the ropes course as a team building exercise.

 

• February 21st - Dinner with Rotarians Jim and Suki Pierce at Kyung Sung in Williamsburg.  Mrs. Pierce was raised in South Korea and provided us with great insights about the culture.  Both Mr. and Mrs. Pierce have traveled to South Korea for Rotary business and gave our team tips regarding what to expect both culturally and from Rotary overall.  Both the dinner and company were fabulous.  We were joined by team members from District 7610 whose group will be traveling to another part of South Korea two weeks after us.  Bill Pollard and District Governor Jim Bynum also joined us for dinner.

• March 10th - The final team meeting were last minute assignments were divided up.  Our team discussed host gifts, uniforms, brochures, Power Point presentation, business cards and brochures. 

Our departure date is quickly approaching and final preparations are underway!  In 24 short days, we will be in South Korea and our adventure will begin!