Group Study Exchange
Posted by Chris Martel
The Rotary Foundation's Group Study Exchange (GSE)
program is a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for
businesspeople and professionals between the ages of 25 and 40 who are
in the early stages of their careers.
The program provides travel grants for teams to
exchange visits in paired areas of different countries. For four to six
weeks, team members experience the host country's culture and
institutions, observe how their vocations are practiced abroad, develop
personal and professional relationships, and exchange ideas.
In a typical four-week tour, applicants participate in five full days of vocational visits, 15 to 20 club presentations, 10 to 15 formal visits and social events, two to three days at the district conference, three to four hours per day of cultural and site tours, and three to four hours per day of free time with host families.
For each team member, the Foundation provides the most economical round-trip airline ticket between the home and host countries. Rotarians in the host area provide for meals, lodging, and group travel within their district.