Final Report!

Here is the documents I submitted as my final Rotary report - all very factual! Hope you find it somewhat interesting and yes, I'm still planning on getting a last video up before I fly to the Southern Hemisphere!

Claire-Elizabeth Ramson

2009/2010 Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar from District 9930, New Zealand to District 1150, Wales.

I have now been in the United Kingdom for almost 13 months, and I still find myself loving every minute. As my time here comes to an end, I reflect on just how quickly it seems to have passed, and how much I have truly gained.

Academic Achievements

As of last week, I have submitted a 35,600 word thesis towards a Masters of Philosophy at Swansea University, majoring in Materials Engineering. I will spend next week preparing for a viva, when two examiners will inform me of all the grammatical errors I’ve made and all the structural changes they want, then I will frantically make the alterations and publish my confirmed document. This experience has been invaluable to my career: I now not only have a research degree that will help me get better jobs, but also an indepth knowledge of the chemistry behind weathering and degradation of biopolymers, and experience with a range of laboratory techniques and analytic programmes. The skills I have learnt have also increased my professional confidence, which has held me back in the past.

Outlook

The whole experience has changed how I think about both New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Having to present my culture to others has meant I have had to define it to myself, and this was not something that happened instantly. My pride of being a Kiwi intensified as I thought about what NZ means to me, and I became even more convinced that NZ is “the best country in the world” as I learnt about other cultures and places. The world is huge, and NZ is just a speck – but a developed speck with technology, facilities, talent, and people that can definitely hold their own globally. Obviously we’re not perfect, but we’ve managed to deal with a lot of things much better than some other countries, such as racism and corruption. It may be our small size or perhaps our youth; either way I am glad New Zealand is where I call home.

Unfortunately, I have now seen how little our country values science, technology, and engineering – areas where our small nation has previously been leading the world, but currently does not pay much attention to. Wales is focussing on economic growth with Government schemes, funding, and opportunities for small businesses and innovations, and this has amplified my feelings of lack of support from NZ. Before I left NZ I contacted a number of businesses and many branches of the Government for support, financial or otherwise, to no avail. I will be spending a large portion of my career abroad until I gain skills that are appreciated in New Zealand, such as management.

Prior to my year here, my view of the UK was limited to a large country housing the Spice Girls, the Rolling Stones, and the Queen. Now I see it is four distinct countries, each with beautiful scenery, cultures, and people. Northern Ireland made an impression with its comedians, rural-ness, and troubled history; Scotland for its brutal stories, serene countryside, and enthusiastic youth; it was difficult to follow the goings on with politics and royalists in England, but the history of such is found all around in castles and cities to explore; and Wales, my second home. I did not realize that I would become emotionally attached and somewhat patriotic of Wales, especially as our rugby teams clash so.

I am now much more understanding of other cultures, and much more likely to encourage others to travel so that they may learn like I have. I have realised that my previous lack of interest to travel to Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and South America was really fear, brought about by a lack of knowledge of the differences I would find in those places. As I’ve learnt more about the Middle East and other places I have added Mongolia, Kenya, Rwanda, Croatia, Russia, Japan, Palestine and several more to my “must visit” list. I can never hope to understand or see everything in the world, but my mind has been opened up to a whole lot more, and hopefully with this attitude I will not only get more out of life but will give more to the people around me.

Goodwill Ambassador

I’m not sure of specific examples of when I’ve been an ambassador of goodwill, as I believe my attitude should reflect this at all times. I have spent a lot of time with Arabic people, and have consequently learnt about the political, religious, historical and cultural issues various countries in that part of the world face, as well as hearing traditional legends and customs. I have then shared this with my Welsh and English friends, and encouraged them to take an interest in it.

During my presentations, I have tried to give an accurate overall view of what New Zealand culture is like, and what is important to me as a Kiwi. I hoped that people would see my passion, see the similarities between my culture and the Welsh culture, and consequently be inspired to look into their own history and identity. I would hope I had a positive effect on someone’s life here, but of course I do not know.

I wouldn’t say it changed my life, but I do remember one moment where I realised my life was changing. At the Scholar’s conference in Leicester in late 2009, I was invited by my billet family to dress in traditional costume to attend an Indian dance festival. After being convinced to learn a dance and perform with the crowds on the dance floor, we stood looking over the dancers. As I looked down and saw my costume, it hit me that I was on the other side of the world, having barely thought twice about doing something I would never have considered doing a few weeks before. I haven’t looked back!

Rotary

I have taken the opportunity to explain Rotary to many people this year, and have shortened it to “a worldwide service organisation that has community and national projects... like curing polio globally, or fundraising for a special needs school... they meet once a week and often have interesting speakers... and they sponsored me to study overseas”. I can then elaborate on the different types of clubs, projects, people involved, ways to get involved, and why someone would get involved. The Ambassadorial Scholarship is not about taking someone from poverty and saving their life – in that respect, I see it more as an investment for Rotary, supporting people that will come on board with Rotary in the future. It is about putting people in a position where they can learn about the world, and making connections so the knowledge is transferred throughout a great network. I would hope there are a lot more people in Wales that know about the New Zealand culture now than there was 13 months ago!

Resources

To be honest, I actually think the Ambassadorial Scholarship scheme could be run more effectively. The information provided by the sponsor district and Foundation is too lengthy, and sometimes inaccurate. There is a huge amount of inconsistency throughout the world on how the scholarship programme progresses and the information from Foundation (both online and hard copy) just complicate the situation. Please see the attached document with details of how I think the scheme could be improved – noting this is just my experiences.

Advice for Future Scholars

Be humble: Of both Rotary and of the new experiences. Keep an open mind and realise you are insignificant, observe all you can without letting your judgments and prejudices get in the way. Have no expectations: You won’t know what it is like at all – prepare to be surprised at every turn, and you’ll find that you don’t notice when there’s no hot water, or when the way of saying goodbye would be rude in your country, or when the food is not what you are used to. Lean on your Rotary Club: Rotary is an amazing organisation, let them be your family in your new country. Not all people involved with you will know what the scheme is about, or what they should be doing to help you, but there will be someone you click with. Don’t be afraid to ask – ask if there is someone who can explain a Rotary meeting to you, who can explain how you will get your presentations done, tell them if you are feeling homesick, if you are worrying about University, and so on. Get involved: Remember why you are there. Rotary chose you – they could have chosen someone else, someone with higher grades, more community service hours, a better degree area, or a hundred other reasons, but they chose to believe in you. Don’t prove them wrong. Rotary is about service above self, and you should be making Rotary, and your club, a priority in your life. It is not a huge commitment – you go one evening/lunch/breakfast a week, get a free meal, and turn up to help out at a couple of events every few weeks.

Future Involvement

For the next few months I will be giving presentations in New Zealand, hopefully to a few Rotaract and Interact clubs as well as Rotary clubs. After that I will probably move back to the UK, where I will become a member of Swansea Bay Rotary Club (my host club) or start/join Rotaract if I am in another area. Either way, I want to work on raising the profile of Interact and Rotaract, as well as continuing service as a member. I’m very passionate about this untapped promotional force of Ambassadorial Scholars – all young and able to effectively sell Rotary to the younger generations, and yet not actively encouraged to do so. As well as this, I would really like to work with Foundation on making sensible changes to the Scholarship schemes – I realise changes have been made in the last few years, but I think there is still a way to go before both Rotary and Scholars are getting the best from the arrangement.

ATTACHED DOCUMENT:

Claire-Elizabeth Ramson

2009/2010 Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar from District 9930, New Zealand to District 1150, Wales.

PROPOSED OUTLINE OF AMBASSADORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS

Selection

· Consistency throughout districts, worldwide.

· Scholars not sent if not up to par, even if the district has the money – it reflects badly on Rotary to send an inadequate scholar out, and the money can be better used elsewhere

· Candidates not chosen solely on volunteer work, degree, grades, or “community project” proposal. Instead chosen as who would best represent Rotary, considering maturity (to travel, to present culture, to study), and attitude – MUST realise that Rotary is entrusting them as an ambassador, not just giving them the money.

· Candidates briefed on what their responsibilities would be if they were successful, and what the point of the scholarship is – furthering international understanding and goodwill.

· Sponsor counsellor chosen, responsibilities clearly outlined to them, and also to the candidate so they know what they can and cannot expect from the counsellor

· Changed details about having to have a “sponsor” club on the application form – candidates don’t know what that means or how that works and it may put them off

Preparation to Travel

· The appendix of the Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship handbook is about all that is relevant. It shows the forms needed before, during, and after the scholarship period.

· Scholar should be required to meet with sponsor club and discuss their expectations for the year

· If a scholar conference is available, then scholars should be encouraged to attend. The following information should be discussed either there or at another time (possibly by the sponsor counsellor)

o You’re going away for about a year. You’ll have a host club and a host counsellor in your city.

o You should be invited to join your club for a meal once a week, you can go or not, we suggest that you do because it keeps you involved with your club.

o You basically serve as a member of that club for the year, helping out with fundraising, service projects, etc. You can also develop your own projects if you see an opportunity to do so.

o You will be giving 20-40minute presentations about your country to other Rotary clubs and organisations – you need to do about 10-15 of these and they should aim to further international understanding. We suggest you introduce yourself and your career, and then talk about your culture. Statistics like population and land area are good to slip in to give perspective, but the main point is conveying what your country is about.

o There will also be other events like conferences, official dinners, and interclub competitions that you are encouraged to attend

o Rotaract is Rotary for 18-30year olds, Interact for 12-18 year olds. You are encouraged to try and get involved with these groups as well.

§ I think Scholars should actually be required to learn about these clubs and then do at least one presentation to people of those age groups as a publicity/membership event

o When you return to your country, you will need to give presentations on your year and the foreign culture. Remember the purpose of the scholarship and observe accordingly throughout your year so you are prepared to present.

· Basically, if the scholar has been chosen correctly then they will be passionate about getting involved in Rotary and helping out where they can

· The sponsor club needs to give the Scholar a few banners, and also suggest that he/she make business cards

· If the objectives are stated clearly, the Scholar will be much more able to prepare themselves for their year abroad.

During the Year

· Scholar made to feel welcome at host club

· Open contact with sponsor district throughout the year

· Host counsellor there to answer any Rotary questions, and also any cultural questions. Also to check progress of presentations etc.

After the Scholarship

· Sponsor counsellor takes over responsibility to ensure presentations are done

· If the scholar was chosen properly, and the year has gone to plan, you should then have a lifelong member of Rotary.

Miscellaneous

“It is an honour when you receive the Ambassadorial Scholarship. Rotary has chosen you to represent them for a whole year, and all you have to do is be yourself.” Rotary needs to choose people that feel this way, because they are the ones that will get the most from the scheme, and Rotary will also gain maximum benefit. I know the scheme has changed my life, and I believe I have been an excellent investment for Rotary, and will continue to be.