Members of Rotary District 3780 from Quezon City, Philippines discuss multiculturalism in the community and the classroom with USM Professor Barry Rodrigue while visiting USM’s Franco-American Collection. Pictured left to right are Rodrigue, Joanne Moreno, Michelle Cruz, Kathryn Soriano, Maria Atancio, and Edelina Navarrette.

April 2008

The University of Southern Maine’s Lewiston-Auburn College recently played host to visitors from the Philippines, part of The Rotary Foundations’ Group Study Exchange (GSE) program. This international program provides travel grants for teams to exchange visits between paired areas in different countries and is a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for young business and professional men and women between the ages of 25 and 40.

This visiting group was from Quezon City, Philippines, part of Rotary International District 3780. This was one of several visits they made throughout the New England area. While they were at USM LAC they met with Interim Dean Marvin Druker and other administrators, and learned about the programs offered on campus, including international programs. They also visited a class in Human Growth and Development. They completed their visit with a tour of USM’s Franco-American Collection, which included a discussion with USM Professor Barry Rodrigue about multiculturalism in the community and the classroom.

For four weeks team members experience the host country's institutions and ways of life, observe their own vocations as practiced abroad, develop personal and professional relationships, and exchange ideas. The group was accompanied by Tom Stypinski, President of Brunswick Coastal Rotary and GSE Team Leader Jose Baradi.