Our Outbound GSE Team Leaves for Brazil

After a few bumps in the road, red tape, and delay in issuing visas, our Outbound GSE Team is finally on their way to Brazil as of 4:00 PM on June 1.

Initially the GSE team was denied their visas by the Brazilian government because of a misunderstanding of the program. When every other effort failed, team leader Pat Stein and other team members made a last ditch effort to save the trip by traveling to Washington D.C. and meeting personally with the Brazilian Consulate.

This team has already faced more challenges than most, Team Leader Pat Stein stated, “I don't think you will find a team that has bonded as well as we for a long time."

"Everyone has worked together, kept each others spirits up, gone through many disappointments and now triumph. I don't suggest that this is really necessary for a good team, but we are more than a good team. We are a great team!!!"

Through the Rotary Foundation, Rotary District 6600 is sending this team of young professionals led by Rotarian Pat Stein. They will travel to Rio de Janeiro District 4570 for a month.

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.

Team Leader - Rotarian Pat Stein

Representing Outbound District 6600 GSE Team Brazil 2010 is Team leader and Rotarian Pat Stein, President Elect of the Vermilion Rotary Club. Pat is a former teacher and is currently a professional organizer.

Team Members

Josh

Joshua Evans, a Spanish Instructor and Faculty Adviser with Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio. Joshua holds a Masters degree in Spanish and a Bachelors degree in International Studies. He is sponsored by the Bowling Green Rotary Club.

Theresa

Theresa Jones, a Physician Assistant employed by Toledo Hospital/Toledo Children's Hospital. Theresa holds a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Studies from the Medical University of Ohio and a Bachelor of General Studies from the University of Dayton. She is sponsored by the Toledo Rotary Club.

Mike

Michael Smithback, an Associate Professor of Chemistry at Terra Community College in Fremont, Ohio. Michael holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Wyoming and a bachelors of Science from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Chemistry. He is Sponsored by the Fremont Rotary Club.

Adrienne

Adrienne Moyer, an Early Learning Center Coordinator and Adjunct Faculty member with Terra Community College in Fremont, Ohio. Adrienne holds a Masters in Education from Siena Heights University in Adrian, Michigan and a Bachelors in Education from Adrian College. She is Sponsored by the Fremont Rotary Club.