Group Study Exchange needs applicants!

The Rotary Foundation sponsors Group Study Exchanges each year. In March 2008, a team of young professionals, led by a Rotary Team Leader, will travel to the Philippines for a 4 - 6 week vocational and cultural tour. Rotary provides a round trip airline ticket, accommodations with host families, meals and group transportation while in the Philippines. Team members are required to pay only for incidental personal expenses. To be clear, this is not a vacation. Team members are busy from dawn till duskmeeting with locals in similar lines of work, touring and learning about the history and current capabilities of the cities they visit, and attending Rotary meetings to develop personal relationships with business leaders. It's a whirlwind of activity,physically and emotionally demanding, and a once in a lifetime opportunity for those selected.

All those who meet the following eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply:
- 25 to 40 years of age
- Willing to promote international goodwill
- Physically able to meet a rigorous travel schedule for up to 6 weeks
- Not a Rotarian or related to a Rotarian
- Willing to speak about their experiences when they return

What is the Group Study Exchange Team "Member" application process?

1. When can people apply to become a Team Member for the Philippines? Closing date for receiving applications this year has been extended to Sept 14th

2. When are the interview dates? The district committee will be interviewing on the weekend of September 22/23, maybe later.

3. What is the process? - Where/how do people apply? download application from www.rotary.org (go to web site, click on Foundation, then on Education and finally on GSE) fill it aplication, get sponsorship from a club, submit the application to the Outbound coordinator, attend an interview, get selected, attend several planning meetings, go to a foreign country, represent/be an ambassador for our district, our countries, their vocation, learn more about another culture, about their vocation in another country, forge new lifelong friendships and enjoy a life changing event.

4. What is the age requirement for Team Members? (25-40) What are at least two other requirements of Team Members? (professionals, healthy, able to take 4-6 weeks to travel to another district).

5. Can spouses or children of Rotarians apply to become a Team Members? No. Can Rotaract members apply? Yes.

6. How many Team Members form a Team? Typically 4 team members and one team leader, however on exception basis, 5 team members can be sent.

7. What is the length of the trip and where do the Team members stay? Members are home hosted with Rotarians. The trip runs 4-6 weeks.

8. How much does it cost the Team Member? Minimal, they must pay for their passport, insurance, hostess gifts and other miscellaneous items. How much does it cost the sponsoring Club? Sponsoring clubs are asked to pay $500.00 to their team member.