The Rotary Foundation's Portuguese Group Study Exchange Team
Posted May 23, 2012
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).
