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GRSP Scholar Updates
GRSP: An Experience of a Lifetime

by Sofia Erlandsson, Class of 2018-19, Sweden, North Georgia College - Sponsored by Alpharetta and Milton RC

I had never been abroad for a long period of time before. Despite that, I did not hesitate when I, almost a year ago, found out that I had been offered the Georgia Rotary Student Program scholarship. I was not completely sure what I was expecting from my year far away from home. I was certain I was going to miss my family, but I was also sure that this would be a one in a lifetime opportunity for me. I figured that I would experience a new culture and gain memories that would last me a lifetime. But despite getting on a plane with all these hopes and thoughts in my head, I was unprepared for what would really make my year in Georgia amazing; I had not taken into account the people I would meet.

Arriving in a new country and into a new culture is a very strange experience. The first morning I had trouble turning on the light, using the shower, and flushing the toilet. Everything was different from what I was used to back home, everything had a slightly different design which left my mind reeling. Orienting myself through everything that was new and strange was not an easy task, but without my host families it would have been even more so. From the first day, I felt safe knowing that in the midst of everything new and crazy I always had someone to turn to. Knowing that my host families were there to support me and answer any questions lifted an enormous weight off my back. They did not only take care of me but cared for me which made all the difference. Robin, Jim, Stacy and Tim, thank you for being the most amazing host parents I could have ever asked for.

Attending university in a small village, high up in the mountains, offered me a gorgeous view every morning. I found one of my best friends in my roommate and another of my best friends right down the hall. With the two of them, and many others, I discovered new states, went road tripping, skiing, tubing, and hiking parts of the Appalachian trail. Thanks to the endless stream of adventures there were barely a weekend where I did not have anything to do. And thanks to all of them, I felt like I was not only in the US but part of it.

I also found friends from all over the world in the other GRSP students. By meeting up during the GRSP weekends and taking part in all the amazing experiences they offered we got to know each other. Together we did everything from zip-lining to climbing a light house. Every new weekend was more fun than the last because we got to know one another better and better.

My GRSP year has been amazing so far and I already dread for it to end. I have made myself a new family here in the USA consisting of host parents and close friends. I would like to thank both of my host clubs as well as the GRSP administration for making this possible for me. For helping me out with the dozens of forms and documents needed to get me here. For quickly answering any questions I asked and for going out of their way to make this year one of the best years of my life. Because my year here has been filled with so much laughter, adventures, and friends. Because, truth be told, I have come to realize that to me, the GRSP is not only an experience that will last a year, but rather an experience that undoubtedly will last a lifetime.

Posted by Lynn Clarke
October 7, 2019

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