Team Leader

It is impossible to put into words just how amazing this GSE trip was. I was told before we left that it would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience and so it proved. Meeting and sharing the lives of so many generous and committed Rotarians had to be one of the highlights for me.

It was a privilege to lead such a superb team whose professionalism and enthusiasm shone through everywhere we went and in every situation we encountered. I want to say a huge "THANK YOU" to them, as well as to District 1020 for selecting me and to everyone in District 6990 who made us so welcome.

 Kate is a member of the Rotary Club of Linlithgow Grange.

Clare Malster

Community Engagement Officer

This was my first visit to the USA and I have to say I wasn’t disappointed. I found the American and Bahamian people to be very friendly, polite and hospitable. The way in which people opened their homes and lives to us was very humbling.

My vocational days were varied with no two being the same. I spent time with employees in both the voluntary and public sectors and saw some of the partnership working that is taking place both between the sectors and with local communities.

The mix of professional days, seeing the sights and the experiences that money really can’t buy meant the four weeks were over before they really seemed to have begun.

I really can’t thank Rotary enough for the chance to take part in such a fantastic adventure.

Clare was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Selkirk.

Gordon McGregor

Police Constable

Having returned from GSE 2006 to District 6990 I would say that this really was the trip of a lifetime.

 I spent four weeks living with Rotary International when staying with Rotary families. Although I had knowledge of Rotary prior to going I now realise what a dedicated worldwide family Rotary really is.

 I was fortunate to have Crash Investigation as a specialism, this is practised world wide therefore I certainly gained a wealth of knowledge from my vocational visits.

 To sum up, this overall experience has been life changing for me, I feel I am a better person for having had the experience and the memories will live with me forever. THANK YOU Rotary.

Gordon was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Lanark.

Jacqueline McIlwraith

Police Inspector

I found the GSE experience to be life changing in that I was immeasurably impressed by the warmth and genuine nature of the American and Bahamian people we met. It has altered my own perception of the countries and I will return. The value of the trip was in the people we met and the cultural lessons. It has made me take stock of my own life and examine where I am and where I wish to be. I will always be grateful to Rotary International for opening my eyes to the organisation and the work they do, and to the American and Bahamian people. Thank you.

Jacqueline was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Newton Stewart.

Martin Walker

Civil Servant

This GSE trip to District 6990 changed my life.

I have done a fair bit of traveling in the past (from luxury holidays to back packing), but nothing compares with living and working in a different culture in the way that GSE is structured.

My professional visits gave me the chance to see how my business is delivered in another culture, in what turned out to be a two way learning process.

The ‘behind the scenes’ tours gave me a real insight on how different organisations deliver their business.

The generosity of Rotarians in District 6990, seemed endless. Our team were treated like royalty. Nothing was ever too much trouble. My hosts were without exception, welcoming and attentive.

A trip of a lifetime.

 Martin was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Braids.