Rotary Seeking Two Teams of Young Professional People Interested in Month-Long Exchanges in India or France. And Rotary picks up the tab!

(Seattle) - Rotary Clubs the world over have worked towards advancing understanding, goodwill and peace since Rotary’s beginning in 1905. Local clubs are encouraging young business people to join these efforts by taking part in a month-long Group Study Exchange in Rotary District 1690 in southwest France from 28 March to 26 April, 2009, or in Rotary District 3201 in southwest India from 24 January to 23 February, 2009. Applications are currently being accepted by all clubs in the 5030 district. The exchange is open to Rotarians as team leaders per country leading a group of four non-Rotarians.

The exchange is designed to develop professional and leadership skills, and to better prepare participants to address the global needs of their own communities when they return. It’s a month-long program in which participants will travel throughout the district, engage in professional exchanges, and tour business and cultural facilities they would never see as a tourist.

Kelly O'Rourke, who took part in a recent exchange in Thailand, was surprised by her experience. “The program was described as an opportunity to experience a country through the 'back door' of Rotary. That is exactly what happened. Our team met people, saw sights and had experiences that would not be available to even the most well-seasoned, well-researched traveler.”

Julius Debro, chairman of the GSE committee, regards the program as an opportunity to dig beneath the surface of other cultures. “Not only do you see the sights, but you will live with people of each host country to learn the challenges they face every day.”

For more information on the GSE program, application forms and instructions, past team reports, and team selection schedules, visit the District's GSE website at www.gse.rotary5030.org

Since its inception in 1965, the Group Study Exchange (GSE) program has provided grants for countless teams of men and women in the early stages of their business and professional careers to travel abroad and share vocational information with the representatives of their respective professions in another country.

Team members spend four to six weeks studying the host country's institutions, economy and culture, while observing how their own professions are practiced abroad. More than 500 exchanges between paired Rotary districts occur each year, advancing the program's ultimate goal of promoting international understanding and goodwill.

Rotary districts select teams comprising of four non-Rotarians and one Rotarian leader, engaged in different business and professions. Each of two paired districts sends and receives a team for a four-week study program.

While visiting abroad, GSE team members follow a carefully planned itinerary, including visits to government and cultural institutions, schools, religious and historic sites and other points of interest. In addition, each member spends at least three days studying and observing the practice of his or her profession in the host district.

The foundation grant funds round-trip air transportation for each team member. Rotarians provide lodging in their homes, meals and group travel, allowing the opportunity for participants to become acquainted with the customs and culture of the people in their host districts.