Group Study Exchange: An Opportunity to Learn From Each Other

The  inbound Group Study Exchange team arrived from Argentina  on Friday, May 2. After a relaxing weekend at the home of GSE chair Chris Duncan, the five GSE members spent two busy days in Eugene, paired with a professional in their field.

Monday night, the team visited the beautiful new King Estate Winery and enjoyed a tour, tasting and dinner.

President-Elect-Elect Jeff Apland was on the GSE committee and spent time with the team as they got to know Eugene.

From Rotary’s Web site (about the GSE):

The Rotary Foundation’s Group Study Exchange (GSE) program is a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for businesspeople 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.

For more information or to apply visit Rotary’s Web site.