Germans visit Cape as part of Rotary program

The Rotary Foundation's Group Study Exchange program is a cultural and vocational exchange program for professionals 25 to 40 years of age in the early stages of their careers.

From April 29 to Friday, Cape West Rotary members were visited by west German GSE team District 1850. Cape West is part Rotary Club District 6060 which spans from Hannibal, Mo., to the Bootheel and has 62 clubs. In exchange for the group study in this district, District 6060 GSE members visited Germany. Both teams met before District 6060 group study exchange members departed for Germany.

The GSE program provides travel grants for teams to exchange visits in paired areas of different countries. 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.

Team leaders are Rotarians but the four GSE team members are not. Hartmut Spieker, a retired German Navy captain, is the German District 1850 team leader.

Linda Puchbauer, Cape West Rotary District 6060 region coordinator, said she was on a GSE in England and became a Rotarian afterward. GSE members cannot be Rotarians or have family members who are Rotarians. "We hope they join Rotary when they get back," she said.

Building international peace and fellowship are Rotarian goals implemented in the exchange through the sharing of knowledge, hospitality and friendship.

Markus Hulsen visited the Southeast Missourian for vocational day because of interest in newspaper, printing and advertising. Back home Hulsen is a salesman and customer representative at SKN Publishing in northwest Germany. He said, "Bigger everything," was his first impression of America. Equivalent in size to the state of Montana, "You can hide Germany in the U.S.," he said.

Hulsen was also surprised not to see any bicycles here. "Most Germans have only one car and gas prices are between $7 and $7.50 a gallon."

Some of the new foods Hulsen tried were baked beans and pork ribs, and although they have Burger Kings in Germany, there are no Steak 'n Shakes. "They should come to Germany. They have the best burgers I've ever had," he said.

Cape Girardeau was Hulsen's fourth stop since arriving in the U.S.

American hospitality impressed him. "Everyone seems to want to do everything they can for us," he said. "They always want to feed us."

Puchbauer has been working on the group's itinerary since January. "When joining Rotary you're placed in a classification according to profession," she said. Choices are made not only on vocation but requests made by those on the team.

Spieker's request to play golf was met; Bjoern Ossenkop visited an aircraft factory and the National Guard; Elke Kroner visited the Cape Girardeau Police Department and went horseback riding; Hulsen will "take part in a real American barbecue," at the home of his host, Brigitte Bollerslev; Katrin Klein was hosted by Dr. Danna Cotner, where her interests in orthodontia and dentistry were satisfied.

In a typical four-week tour, applicants 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 of daily cultural and site tours and 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.

The District 1850 group will end its trip with a three-day visit to Washington, D.C.

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133