I'm spending five exciting weeks (April 11- May 17, 2009) in Brazil through Rotary International's, Group Study Exchange program. I'll be visiting the inland region of Belo Horizonte, staying with families, interviewing professionals, and immersing myself in local Brazilian culture. Boa sorte!

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Last minute jitters!

So I've got just a matter of hours now before leaving, and as usual, I've left a little too much to do just before leaving (laundry, packing, emailing, blogging!). Ah, I always manage to do a good job at procrastinating, but secretly I think I kinda enjoy the rush of it and getting everything done right before, and then passing out on the 15+ hour flight ahead. That always makes the flight seem shorter... 

I'll be meeting the rest of the GSE (Group Study Exchange) Team at the airport tomorrow at SFO. From SFO to Chicago to Sao Paulo, and then onto a local plane directly to Belo Horizonte. 

Our program is very intense and we're traveling to many different places. I still haven't had a chance to digest the lengthy itinerary. Basically, we'll be moving to different cities/towns throughout the state of Minas Gerias, about every 3-4 days. 

I'll be making presentations IN PORTUGUESE (which I've been attempting to learn for the last 2 months!) to local Rotary Clubs. I will also be interviewing politicians, real estate developers, economists, community activists, and non-profit organizations. I have to admit, I'm nervous about it, but I think the most interesting experience will be getting to experience everyday family life in Brazil, something that few foreigners get to observe!

Anyways, I'll share more as the time goes by... I hope to have frequent access to the internet, and I hope there will be worthwhile posts to respond to! Haha!

If you're interested in learning more about the Group Study Exchange through Rotary International, you should ask your local Rotary Club for more information and checkout this site: 
www.rotary.org and search Group Study Exchange

Going abroad and participating in such programs doesn't have to end once you're out of school!! 



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