Rotarians host international guests

By Matthew Bernat
Turley Publications Staff Writer

STURBRIDGE -Following their creed “service above self,” local Rotarians opened their homes to five South Korean guests recently.
The four young professionals and their team leader enjoyed a three-day visit to Sturbridge and surrounding towns two weekends ago. Saturday, May 22 marked the mid-point of their visit and saw the group enjoying the company of members of the Sturbridge club during a small party.
The visit is part of the Rotary Club International’s Group Study Exchange, an annual program that has brought many other international visitors, including last year’s group from the Philippines. In turn, a local team is sent abroad.
Dick Vaughan, a Rotary Club member, said the exchange fosters goodwill between the citizens of both countries and visiting teams often leave with a better understanding of the United States.
“It’s an intriguing program,” Vaughan said. “When cultures meet it tends to make the world a little smaller.”
There is a strong educational component to the program too. With careers in their own countries, participants took a one-month leave to crisscross the state and tour various businesses. Lessons learned on American industry will become part of lectures and presentations given back home.
It’s not all business though. Earlier in the day the group received golf lessons. On Sunday a brunch was planned at Old Sturbridge Village followed by a tour of the living history museum.
The schedule makes for a whirlwind month.
“It can be pretty stressful. The group is booked solid for an entire month,” said Past District Governor of Rotary District 7910, Klaus Hachfeld. He noted the various Rotary Clubs throughout the state host the group for three to four day stretches and in that time try to show their visitors as much as they can. Locally, various groups have visited manufacturers, radio stations and advertising agencies among other institutions.
The team consists of two men, two women and team leader Eui Ju, Kim, a retired medical doctor who joined Rotary in 1972 and has traveled to the United States before.
One guest, In Sun, Noh, 31, has a career where she handles general management hosting national and international events. She said she was “excited” to be learning about life here.
Ki-Hong, Park, a public official working in a South Korean city hall, said he was grateful to be here and welcomed the opportunity to see America first hand.
Rotarian Beverly Gray hosted Park during his stay. Gray is familiar with South Korean culture as her son was stationed there for military service and her daughter in-law is of South Korean descent.
“It’s been a wonderful opportunity to host,” she said.