What is Group Study Exchange?
Rotary Group Study Exchange is a program funded by Rotary International to provide young professionals an opportunity to immerse themselves in another culture and to see how their profession is practiced in that culture. The exchange is organized between two Rotary districts in different Countries. Each district sends a team of four young professionals and a Rotary leader for a month long stay in the host district. The goal is to provide an opportunity for professional development through International experience and to promote International understanding and cooperation leading to a better world in which to live and work.

Where will our GSE team travel in the 2009 – 2010 Program Year?
New York’s Capital Region District 7190 will send its GSE Team to District 1730, Nice, France. District 1730 includes a large area in southern France and Monaco. At this time we expect the exchange to occur in May of 2010. The visits are typically organized into four one week segments in different locales within the host district with all transportation, lodging and meals provided by the host.

Who is eligible to apply?
Candidates for team membership must be non-Rotarians, not directly related to a Rotarian, between the ages of 25 and 40 and a citizen of the USA living or working in Rotary district 7190. (For a list of Rotary Club locations in district 7190 go to “Local Clubs” on this Web site) The candidate must have been actively employed in his or her profession for at least two years. Ability to speak French is preferred, however not required. Some language training will be provided by Rotary after team selection is complete.

How does the selection process work?
Applications will be received until September 30, 2010. Each applicant will then be interviewed by a selection committee comprised of the District Governor, the Past District Governor, the District Governor Elect and members of the GSE Committee, many of whom have led GSE teams before. Four primary team members and one or more alternate team members will be selected by the committee based on these interviews.

What are the arrangements in France?
Rotary international will provide airline tickets for Round trip travel between Albany, NY and the reception point designated by the host. The Team will be received by the host district and rest for one day in a local hotel arranged by the host. The team will then embark on four weeks of visitations throughout the district, living in the homes of Rotarian host families and enjoying a myriad of cultural experiences. Typically the host will arrange for five days of appointments specific to the individual team member’s profession. The team will be expected to make formal presentations about themselves and our region to Rotary meetings and at the host’s District Conference.

GSE History in District 7190
In previous years District 7190 has had Exchanges with the following countries:
- 2008-2009 Taiwan D3460 (hosted only)
- 2007-2008 Austria, Slovenia, Croatia and Bosnia/Herzegovina D1910
- 2006-2007 Brazil D4600
- 2005-2006 Brazil D4630
- 2000-2001 India Social Work
- 1999-2000 Korea Arts and Culture
- 1998-1999 West Africa Education

Group Study Exchange Subcommittee (GSE)
Ellen Schaefer, Chair - Shenendehowa

How does one apply for GSE Team Membership?
For further information and an application form contact any local Rotary Club from the “Local clubs” list on this site, or Ellen S. Schaefer at Shenendehowa Rotary.