The Rotary Foundation's Portuguese Group Study Exchange Team

Posted May 23, 2012

Portuguese Group Study Exchange Team

All three local Rotary Clubs – Auburn, Opelika and Lee County Sunrise – were part of hosting the final leg of the five-person Portuguese Group Study Exchange team’s visit to south Alabama. The Rotary Foundation’s 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. Pictured with the GSE team members is Auburn Rotary Club president David Reaves (left) and Lee County Sunrise Rotary Club President Gary Kiteley (right).


Back to articles

Rotary Community Grants

Since 2013, the Auburn Rotary Club has awarded over $260,000 in grants back to the community.

Find out about that program.

The Auburn, Alabama Rotary Club meets each Wednesday at noon in the banquet room of the Saugahatchee Country Club:

3800 Bent Creek Rd
Opelika, AL 36804
Phone: 334-749-3441

Committed to Humanitarian Service, High Ethical Standars in All Vocations, Peace & Goodwill