Since its inception in 1965, the Group Study Exchange program has provided grants for countless teams of men and women in the early stages of their business and professional careers to travel abroad and share vocational information with the representatives of their respective professions in another country. Team members spend four to six weeks studying the host country's institutions, economy, and culture, while observing how their own professions are practiced abroad. 

More than 500 exchanges between paired Rotary districts occur each year, advancing the program's ultimate goal of promoting international understanding and goodwill. Rotary District 7300 strongly supports Group Study Exchange, having sent teams overseas and hosted their counterparts for 19 consecutive years. 

Our District Group Study Exchange (GSE) Committee selects teams comprising of four non Rotarians and one Rotarian leader, engaged in different businesses and professions. The GSE selection process involves an application (you may locate this in the Rotary Download Center), and an interview. 

While visiting abroad, GSE team members follow a carefully planned itinerary, including visits to government and cultural institutions, schools, religious and historic sites and other points of interest. In addition, each member spends at least five days studying and observing the practice of his or her profession in the host district. 

The Rotary Foundation grant funds round-trip air transportation for each team member. Rotarians provide lodging in their homes, meals, and group travel, allowing the opportunity for participants to become acquainted with the customs and culture of the people in their host district. 

The Group Study Exchange this Rotary year is with Nigeria, District 9110.

Eligibility:

Applicants must be between the ages of 25 and 40 and employed full-time, with a minimum of two years experience, in a recognized business or profession. In addition, candidates should have some proficiency in the language of the country to which they intend to travel, must be exemplary in their business or professional conduct, enthusiastic about their vocations, and capable of deriving maximum educational value from the program. After their study abroad, participants are expected to speak about their experiences at Rotary meetings and other civic functions. Interested applicants should contact their local Rotary club for application materials and information regarding deadlines.;