The Rotary Foundation’s Group Study Exchange (GSE) program is a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for business people and professionals between the ages of 25 and 40 who are in the early stages of their careers. The program provides travel grants for teams to exchange visits in paired areas of different countries. For four to six weeks, team members experience the host country's culture and institutions, observe how their vocations are practiced abroad, develop personal and professional relationships, and exchange ideas. In a typical four-week tour, applicants participate in five full days of vocational visits, 15 to 20 club presentations, 10 to 15 formal visits and social events, two to three days at the district conference, three to four hours per day of cultural and site tours, and three to four hours per day of free time with host families.

For each team member, the Foundation provides the most economical round-trip airline ticket between the home and host countries. Rotarians in the host area provide for meals, lodging, and group travel within their district. In the spring of 2010, we will have an exchange with District 2340 which is in Central Sweden, featuring cities such as Vasteras, Orebro, Karlstad, and Hallstahammar, home of DG Barbro Sonesson. Specifics will be published shortly and interviews will be held later this fall. Please visit www.rotary.org/en/serviceandfellowship/fellowship/GroupStudyexchange/Pages/ridefault.aspx for more information and a district application. Our co-chairs this year are Cindy Lanier of the Ozark RC and Robin Roberts of the Mobile West RC.

For more information email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or contact Cindy Lanier at 618 Andrews Avenue, Ozark, AL 36360.

• Meet the 2010 Inbound GSE Team from Sweden
• Meet the 2010 Outbound GSE Team from Alabama
• Get to know program alumni