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05/21/2007: "Group From Turkey Tour SJC"

(LtoR: Erdogan Utku, farmer and restauranteur; Leyla Osan, computers and governmental business; Solmaz Karabag, university researcher in business administration; Yonca Ozatkan, medical services administration and Ufuk Verdum, language school owner; and SJC Rotary President Tom Barrett)

By Mary Kalbert

Rotary International’s Group Study Exchange Team from Turkey was hosted this past week by local SJI Rotary families.

As a part of a month long exchange, the four member team and a Rotarian team leader spend time in a vocational and cultural tour of various communities within the Rotary district that extends from just south of Vancouver, B.C. to Everett.

Their time here included a tour and commentary on Skagit Valley Community College and Washington State University’s commitment to the educational needs of our island community. Technology, long-distance learning and English as a second language were topics covered.

Additionally they toured the Island Convalescent Center, the EMS facility, the Chamber of Commerce and Pelindaba Lavender Farm. Each team member got to spend time with local professionals who answered questions related to their respective vocational fields.

Approximately 500 such exchanges take place each year between Rotary districts. Four adults between the ages of 25 and 40; engaged in a profession for at least 4 years, are selected by an interview process to participate in this 4 or 5 week long exchange.

The length of the trip is determined by the country of the exchange. Applicants must not be Rotarians, nor related to Rotarians. The cost of the trip is borne by Rotarians in each district. For more information on this program go to http://www.rotary.org/. Information is available under The Rotary Foundation, educational exchanges.