Planning a Group Study Exchange
Sending a GSE Team to Another Country
DeadlinesThe purpose of a Group Study Exchange is to promote international understanding and good will through person-to-person contact. Young working adults have the opportunity to share personal knowledge of their own country and experience the customs and lifestyles of another plus share vocational experiences.
While abroad, Team Members and the Leader stay in Rotarians’ homes and attend local Rotary Club meetings to share information about themselves and their country. The Rotary Foundation provides round-trip airfare and local Rotarians in the Host Country/District/Host Clubs provide meals, lodging and group travel within their District. Team Members and Leader pay only for their personal and incidental expenses.
Planning Group Study ExchangesEach year at the Rotary International Convention, District Governors from Rotary Districts around the world, discuss the possibilities of Group Study Exchanges with Districts in other countries. From this initial contact, the interested Districts work with Rotary International to set dates for the Exchanges etc.
Our District usually has one (1) Exchange each year, but in some cases, we might have two (2) thanks to a special endowment from now deceased Rotarian. The term “Exchange” is used when a GSE Team visits our District from another country and then we have a GSE Team visit their country……..hence, an “exchange”.
All GSE Exchanges customarily take place in late Spring and early Summer (April – June) and are announced by the GSE Chairman to the Clubs in the District as soon as the dates are officially confirmed by Rotary International.
Sending a GSE Team to another CountryIn preparation to send a GSE Team abroad, we must recruit applicants, interview and select; a Team Leader (1) and Team Members (4-5).
A GSE Team Leader is selected from among applicants. Applicants Must:
- Be a U.S. Citizen
- Be an experienced Rotarian, well informed on the USA and Rotary
It is the Leader’s duty to help the team prepare for a meaningful exchange. This is accomplished by meeting regularly with the Team (this is essential for building team spirit and self confidence), guiding them in preparing the visual program (Power Point) that will be presented at the Rotary meetings in their host country and acquaint them with Rotary International’s purpose and goals. The Leader needs to act as advisor/counselor when the need arises and act as liaison between the Team and the Host Clubs.
GSE Team Members are selected from among applicants. Applicants Must:
- Be a U.S. Citizen
- Age range between 25 and 40
- Be full time employed
- Live or work within District 6710
Cannot be a Rotarian or related to a Rotarian
Applications for Leader and Team Member can be found on the Rotary website.
Applications Deadline
All applications are due 7-8 months prior to the departure of the GSE Team and are to be sent to the District GSE Chairman.
Current District GSE Chairman:
Ed Kalmey
3105 Hall’s Hill Road
Crestwood, Ky. 40014
Email: ekalmey@aol.com
Phone: (502) 241-2837
After the application deadline has passed, all applicants are contacted to arrange a personal interview by the Selection Committee. Interviews are conducted on a Sunday in November (date/time/place to be determined). ALL APPLICANTS must be present for an interview on that date.
Team Leader and Team Members selection and notification will be completed within 48 hours after their interview session has ended.
This is a wonderful, unique opportunity! Surely you know someone who would make a good GSE Team Leader or Team Member and would benefit from the experience! START THINKING AND RECRUITING FOR GSE!!!!!!! Recruiting should be a year-round effort – never pass up the opportunity to share how being a part of GSE can broaden everyone’s horizons!
