About GSE (Group Study Exchange)


The Group Study Exchange Program of The Rotary Foundation 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 grants for teams of young participants to exchange visits between paired areas in different countries. For four to six weeks, team members study the host country's institutions and ways of life, observe their own vocations as practiced abroad, develop personal and professional relationships and exchange ideas.

A GSE team consists of four non-Rotarian business or professional people and a Rotarian team leader. 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 district provide for meals, lodging and transportation in the district. Each team member is responsible for all personal and incidental expenses incurred before, during and after the study tour.

Individuals who participate in this valuable, once-in-a-lifetime experience will return home, not only with new perspectives and an enlarged vision, but with fresh ideas and 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 meet the challenges of the 21st century.

District 7810 has participated in the GSE Program since 1981 when the first exchange was made with a district in England. Since that time we have had two more exchanges with that country and also sent teams to Argentina, Australia, Brazil (twice), Chile, Denmark, France, India (twice), Japan, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand/Fiji, Norway, South Africa(twice), and Tasmania.

A recent program change made by the Trustees of the Rotary Foundation was that commencing with in the Rotary year 2002 the exchanges will be spread over two years rather that one year as has been the practice since 1987.

In 2009 we have arranged an exchange with District 4370 Aruba - Bonaire - Curacao & Venezuela, which will have our team visit them from March to May 2009. The return visit from District 4370 will have their team visiting our district from May - June 2009.

Applications must be made through a local Rotary Club, and be into the District Selection Committee by September 26, 2008. Other information can also be obtained from Janet Cooper, District 7810 GSE Subcommittee Chairperson at ecooplev@nbnet.nb.ca