57,000 have traveled abroad thanks to Rotary program
Since Rotary International initiated its Group Study Exchange Program (GSE) in 1965, more than 57,000 individuals in almost 12,000 teams from 100 countries have participated in the program at a cost of more than $92 million. Annual awards are made to paired Rotary districts to cover the cost of four- to six-week itineraries that focus on vocational, educational and cultural aspects of the host countries.
In Southwestern Pennsylvania, District 7330 covers Fayette, Westmoreland, Washington, Indiana, Somerset, Cambria and Greene counties. Like every Rotary district in the world, District 7330 sponsors annual opportunities for a GSE team of 4 members to visit a variety of countries for 4 to 6 weeks.
“Last year, we sent a group to Turkey and, in the past, have sent teams to far-flung places like Germany, Brazil and India,” said George Wood, foundation chair for District 7330 and owner of Woods Jewelry in Mount Pleasant. “The program gives local candidates between the ages of 25 and 40 an opportunity to taste a different culture and explore what their vocation or career is like in the host country.”
This year, District 7330 chose to pair up with Rotary International districts in Argentina, and area members as well as non-members interested in the program already hosted four team members from Argentina from April 14 to May 9. During their stay, the Argentineans visited 3 to 5 Rotary clubs each week and gave slide and/or PowerPoint presentations on their native countries. They also visited businesses and industries in our area to see how they function and relate to their professions.
This October, District 7330 will send another team of four to Alsace, France, and have tentative plans to work with Rotary districts in Italy in 2010 to sponsor a joint GSE. The program requirements are that applicants be between the age of 25 and 40, are outgoing and interested in finding out more about their career and profession in another country. However, they cannot be related to a Rotarian.
For more information or to apply for the October visit to Alsace, France, phone George Wood at 724-547-5742. The application deadline is June 14.