1. What is Group Study Exchange?
2. Why should I participate?
3. Who is eligible?
4. What is provided?
5. What is required of me?
6. How do I apply?

What is Group Study Exchange?

The Group Study Exchange of the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International is a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for young business and professional men and women between the ages of 25 and 40 in the initial years of their professional life. The program provides travel for teams of young participants to exchange visits between paired areas in different countries. For four to six weeks, team member's study the host countries institutions and ways of life, observe their own vocations as practiced abroad, develop personal and professional relationships, and exchange ideas. top

Why should I participate?

Individuals who participate in the valuable, once- in- a- lifetime experience will return home, not only with new perspectives and enlarged vision, but with fresh ideas and an understanding of a nation's culture, commerce and government that can be invaluable to a country's, and a company's, future. A Group Study Exchange offers the most unique and rewarding skills-building opportunity and personal growth experience available to young professionals as humanity steps forward to face the challenges of the 21st century. Top

Who is eligible?

A GSE team consists of four non-Rotarians or professional people and a Rotarian team leader. Applicants must:

• be between the ages of 25 and 40;
• be committed to remaining in the work force well after the exchange;
• be in the early stages of their career or professions;
• reside in or be employed in the sending Rotary district and
• also be a citizen of the country in which they reside;
• be proficient in the language of the country being visited;
• be personable, articulate, cooperative, exemplary in their work, and enthusiastic about their vocations; and
• Seek to gain a maximum educational value from the program, as well as be able to fulfill the rigorous demands of international travel and active participation in an extensive itinerary.top

What is provided?

For each team member, The Rotary Foundation provides the most economical round-trip air ticket between the home and host countries. Local Rotarians in the host area provide for meals, lodging, and group travel in their district. Each team member is responsible for all personal and incidental expenses incurred before, during and after the study tour. top

What is required of me?

Before leaving:

* Participate in any orientation sessions or group meetings and obtain necessary documents for traveling.

During the tour:

accept the decisions of the Rotarian tour leader;

fulfill any requirements to speak at host district gatherings;

remain with the group throughout the study tour except when individual activities are planned; and

maintain standards of behavior which will reflect positively of Rotary and the home country.

After the tour:

prepare and submit final reports of the tour as required by the sponsoring district and the Rotary Foundation: and

speak about your study experience to Rotary clubs and other groups. top

How do I apply?

Contact your local Rotary club. It can provide additional information about application materials, procedures and deadlines. Applications must be made through local Rotary clubs; Those sent directly to the Rotary Foundation will not be considered. top