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. Out district does not require language proficiency to qualify for the team.
Want more information? Please check out some of the team reports and photos available on the Recent Teams portion of this web site. Click here for a list of past team leaders who would be willing to answer your questions.
GSE
information brochure
(language proficiency not required)