Eight countries, thousands of miles, and friendships that know no borders!

One of the most rewarding parts of my recent European adventure wasn’t the incredible scenery, historic cities, or famous landmarks. It was reconnecting with former Georgia Rotary Student Program (GRSP) students and friends whose lives have intersected with ours through Rotary.

My journey included some truly special reunions.

• London, England: Even a stop at the airport became a meaningful reunion when I had the opportunity to catch up with Paisley, an Australian former GRSP student who was in London. What a wonderful reminder of just how international our GRSP family has become!
• Stockholm, Sweden: We brought together nearly 20 former GRSP students and friends for a fantastic reunion at Urban Deli. Seeing everyone reconnect, sharing stories, and hearing about their lives since Georgia was an unforgettable experience.
• Karlstad, Sweden: Another special stop to reconnect with Helena and celebrate the friendships that have continued long after the students returned home. One of the unexpected highlights of my entire trip was the opportunity to speak with a classroom of Swedish students at a local high school in Karlstad! What an exciting experience to connect with these young people, exchange perspectives, and experience firsthand the value of international dialogue. Moments like these remind me why building bridges between cultures and generations is so important.
• Oslo, Norway: I had the pleasure of spending time with Hannah, another reminder that these relationships don’t end when the GRSP year concludes.
• Copenhagen, Denmark: This was another highlight! I enjoyed a wonderful personal visit with Agnes, followed by an incredible GRSP reunion at Bootleggers that brought together approximately 22 people. The laughter, conversations, and shared memories made it feel like a family reunion.
• Berlin, Germany: I also had the opportunity to reconnect with Luise, including a memorable visit near Berlin’s iconic TV Tower.

What makes GRSP so extraordinary is that it is much more than a scholarship program.

Each year, international students come to Georgia to study, experience American life, and become part of Rotary families and communities. But the real impact extends far beyond that single year. These students return home as lifelong friends and ambassadors of goodwill, creating connections that span countries, cultures, and generations.

Having recently joined the GRSP Foundation Board, these reunions have taken on even greater meaning for me. I’ve witnessed firsthand the lasting impact of this remarkable program, and I’m excited to help support its future. 

And now, fellow Rotarians can help make these life-changing experiences possible for future generations! Through donations to the GRSP Foundation, Rotarians can help sustain this extraordinary tradition of international education, friendship, and goodwill.

I encourage my fellow Rotarians and friends to consider making a contribution. Your generosity can help create the next generation of lifelong international friendships.

❤️ Support the GRSP Foundation: https://www.grsp.org/donate/

GRSP isn’t just about the year students spend in Georgia. It’s about the friendships that last a lifetime.

And that’s Rotary at its very best!