By Barbara Scott
Staff Writer
A five-member Rotary Group Study Exchange Team from District 4110 in Mexico were guests of the Caribou Rotary from April 26 through April 29.
The Rotary Foundation’s Group Study Exchange (GSE) program is a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for businesspeople and professionals between the ages of 25 and 40 who are in the early stages of their careers. For four to six weeks, team members experience the host country’s culture and institutions, observe how their vocations are practiced abroad, develop personal and professional relationships, and exchange ideas.
Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott
Members of the Rotary Foundation’s Group Study Exchange Team from District 4110 in Mexico were recent guests of the Caribou Rotary Club. From April 26-29, the visitors experienced northern Maine sights and culture as well as job-shadowing at a number of Caribou and Presque Isle locations, observing how their respective vocations are practiced in the United States. Members of the Exchange Team are, from left: Diana Acosta, Sandra Soto, Luz Angelica Fernandez, team leader Jaime Armendariz; and Louis Gonzalez Azco.
Jaime Armendariz, 52, team leader of the exchange group, from northern Mexico owns a gas station. Interested in visiting local hydro-ponic nurseries, he job-shadowed at the Maine School of Science and Math in Limestone learning about the hydroponic program, guided by Luke Shorty, MSSM education instructor. Armendariz aslo spent time with George McLaughlin, agricultural engineer with the Maine Potato Board.
Luz Angelica Fernandex, 26, a professional in the marketing of civil organizations, focusing on event coordination, publicity, logistics, cultural/artistic programs and decoration, spent time with Natalie St. Pierre, event and education coordinator at the Northern Maine Community College.
Diana Acosta, 26, works as an administrator and tour guide who wished to learn more about the administration and processes used in travel agencies, tour guide associations and government as related tourism, restaurants, museums, hotels and B&Bs, historical sites, galleries, gastronomic tour festivals and traditional markets. Ms. Acosta met with Leslie Jackson, regional tourism developer at the Northern Maine Development Commission and other NMCC team members.
Sandra Sota, 27, hold a bachelor’s degree in publishing and marketing and a master’s in publishing and communication. Working in advertising and marketing for three years, focusing on imaging, products, customer service and internal communication, the Rotary visitor requested a chance to develop professional relationships and learn of different types of communication while in the area. Mark Putnam, editor at Northeast Publishing was Ms. Sota’s guide as she toured a TV studio, radio station and printing plant.
Luis Gonzalez Asco, 28, a civil engineer in highway construction and aggregates production; his responsibilities include the production of aggregates, asphalt and equipment manager. The exchange team member was paired with Dave Ouellette, director of the Caribou Public Works Department who provided a tour of facilities at Lane Construction and those of Trombly Construction.
As guests of the Caribou Rotary Club the exchange team members were also provided a tour of the JM Huber site in Easton; enjoyed lunch at Smoldering Lake Outfitters in Bridgewater; experienced Bradbury Maple Sugar Facility in Bridgewater; met with local photographer Paul Cyr who talked about taking wildlife pictures.
Rotary members had a great evening dinner at the Limestone Country Club, with the Rotary Clubs of Limestone, Fort Fairfield, Presque Isle and Mars Hill members attending with Caribou club members. Other sightseeing events included a trip to the 10th Division Mountain Division at Fort Kent and were able to partake in some shooting at the Biathlon range; lunch at the Lakeview Restaurant in St. Agatha, and a dinner at Caribou Rotary member Katherine Anderson’s camp at Madawaska Lake with the Caribou Rotary Club.
In a typical four-week tour, team members participate in five full days of vocational visits, 15 to 20 club presentations, 10 to 15 formal visits and social events, two to three days at the district conference, three to four hours per day of cultural and site tours, and three to four hours per day of free time with host families.
For each team member, the Foundation provides the most economical round-trip airline ticket between the home and host countries. Rotarians in the host area provide for meals, lodging, and group travel within their district.
