Newsletters
364 views

GRSP Scholar Updates
Class of 2018-19 Alumni Share What GRSP Means to Them

From Gabriel Deller de Aguiar, Brazil Brazil - attended University of Georgia - sponsored by the Griffin Rotary Club

My experience in the United States through GRSP has been incredible. I attended the University of Georgia, a large and diverse university where I made friends from other countries and have the experience of living with an American student which increases my immersion in the culture. There I also learned a lot from my courses, especially because I can do different things besides my major in Brazil (in architecture and urbanism), these courses are increasing my ability to understand things from different 'optics' and adding to my curriculum. As a lover and student of buildings and cities, this year I had the opportunity to visit several places I never imagined visiting as well as meaningful buildings that I studied in Brazil like the Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles and the Kimbell Art Museum in Dallas, which has been an adventure and has taught me a lot.

What surprised me the most during this period was the receptiveness and affection of the Americans, especially those involved with Rotary and the GRSP program. My hosts, Skipper and Anna Burns from the Rotary Club of Griffin, made me feel part of their family. They are always interested in getting to know Brazil as well as introducing me to local customs. In December my parents came to see me and to know the Burns family. It was exciting to see how they received them so well and were so friendly. I'm sure I will remember these moments for all my life.

The program is very organized and the almost monthly meetings with the other GRSPs are always interesting because of the fun and the personal Improvement provided by the programs. For me the most valuable thing of this whole experience is to be able to meet and make friends from all regions of the world. My 'notion of the world' and its cultural diversity has increased significantly and that I will take with me back to Brazil.

From Alara Su Bilgez, Turkey- attended Kennesaw State University - hosted by the Roswell Rotary Club

My year as a GRSP student was more than what I expected even though I didn't know what to expect. I loved my school, the classes I took, my host family, other GRSP students, and everyone I met from Rotary. Every week, at the Roswell Rotary meetings, I got the chance to listen to some inspiring speakers and talk to other Rotarians. Everyone was very nice and helpful. My school schedule was not as busy as it was back in my country but I took the courses that I was interested in. Even though I knew that those credits won't count in my country, I tried to maintain a good GPA and had an academic year as I wanted.

When I was not at my dorm, I was at my host family's house. I'm not exaggerating when I say they are the most amazing people I have ever known. I love them with all my heart and I know that they do too. They never made me feel like I was a temporary student that they have to take care of. From day one, we were like a family. We went on a cross-country road trip together and we still like each other after that. I can't thank them enough. But they know that they have a family in Turkey now.

I had the chance to make some presentations about me and my country. I also talk to people and answer their questions about Turkey. The great thing about this scholarship program is that not only you have the chance to learn about the American culture but they get the chance to learn about your culture too. I’ve been watching American movies and TV shows since I was 12 and I thought I knew a lot about the American culture. It's amazing how there are a lot more than what we see on TV about the American culture. You have to come here and experience it yourself!

If it wasn't for this program, I wouldn't be able to go to the United States, see that many places, learn about the American culture, the south, and I wouldn't meet my host family and their dogs. You can't forget about the dogs. I am so grateful for everything that Rotary has done for me and I will always be. Thank you for everything.


Posted by Lynn Clarke
September 3, 2019

Comments

This Year’s Posts: