Rotary International District 5170

The Group Study Exchange is a Rotary sponsored exchange program for business & professional men & women in the initial years of their professional life. Find out more about GSE.

• Want an all-expense paid trip to one of the world’s best beaches and resorts while sharing and exchanging your vocation abroad?
• Want a life-changing experience by learning other cultures and gaining vocational experience abroad?

District 5170 is looking for a Rotarian of any age with leadership and travel experience to lead our District’s 2008-2009 Group Study Exchange Team to the Philippines.

The Rotary Foundation’s Group Study Exchange (GSE) program is a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for a Rotarian, of any age, and four professionals between the ages of 25 and 40, who are in the early stages of their careers.

For four weeks, the team will experience Filipino culture, economy and institutions, observe how their vocations are practiced abroad, develop personal and professional relationships, exchange ideas, and experience Filipino way of life and customs while sharing information about their vocation and home in the Bay Area. Participants will return home with broadened cultural perspective and understanding of Filipino government, history, business and profession, and language.

During this four-week program participants will: Enjoy vocational visits where they have the opportunity to meet their professional counterparts; Give Rotary club presentations; Participate in social events and meeting with local dignitaries; Attend a Rotary District Conference; and, Experience cultural and site tours and free time with host families.

To help with your decision, here are some considerations. You will be expected to:

• Attend a minimum of 12 hours of pre-departure orientation.
• Be physically fit. This is a demanding schedule.
• Remain with your team at all times, except for scheduled free time.
• Give speeches and presentations in the host country and in our District.

Who is eligible?

• Reside or work within District 5170
• Be between the ages of 25-40
• Be employed full-time in a recognized profession
• Be sponsored by a District 5170 Rotary Club (we can help you make the right contact)
• Not be a Rotarian, honorary Rotarian, or employee of Rotary or the lineal descendant or spouse of a lineal descendant, a Rotarian, an honorary Rotarian, or an employee of Rotary
• Not be the spouse of another team member

Send Applications (PDF) to: GSE Chair, Richard Flanders, (925) 469-9155 or srednalf@pacbell.net