The international aspect of “Seeking and Sharing” has been very important from almost the begging of the formation of the International Plant Propagators’ Society. With more and more regions forming around the world, this allows more ways to seek and share.

A number of years ago, the Eastern Region North America and the Scandinavian Region established a Propagator Exchange Program whereby a propagator from each region goes on an excursion to the other region and participates at their conference. Each region supported this economically.

Last year the International Board appointed me to a new job as International Exchange Facilitator. They asked me to look into how we could facilitate a further development of international exchange arrangements for the members.

Here is the procedure:

We now have a network of International Facilitators with one in each region, as given at the end of this write-up. I will continue as the International Facilitator.

If you are an IPPS member and desire to spend some time – weeks, months, or whatever, with an IPPS member in another region or country, you may directly contact one of the regional facilitators. S/he will then find a local IPPS member willing to work out an exchange program with you. You will then work directly with that member or whatever aspect you desire.

Different countries have different programs for such limited time study-programs, so be sure to investigate all the possibilities.

As we gather information, we will be helpful with suggestions on where to go to obtain all immigration, custom, work papers. As an example, the American Scandinavian Foundation has for many years arranged such exchange between the USA and the Scandinavian countries. Some of the major universities can also be helpful.

This is a great opportunity to get around the World of IPPS and learn at the same time.

It is important to keep in mind that you must do the work to get an exchange set up, and you must pay, or arrange for your own expenses. Any type or pay for work done is between you and your host and the local exchange organization. You will be helped as much as we possibly can.

We encourage you to contact the local regional exchange facilitator whenever possible, however, I am here, - with my Secretary – to help whenever needed.

Peter Orum
IPPS International Exchange Facilitator
Midwest Groundcovers, Inc.
P. O. Box 748
St. Charles, IL 60174
Office: 1-847-742-1790
Fax: 1-847-742-2655
Email: Petero@midwestgroundcovers.com