2012 Group Study Exchange Travels to Taiwan

Posted by James Runnfeldt

on Jun 12, 2011

The District 6440 GSE Committee is seeking applications for one Rotarian team leader and four non-Rotarian team members to travel to Rotary District 3480 in Taipei, Taiwan. The 2012 team will depart March 17 and return April 16, in time for our District Conference. Volunteers to help with the inbound team are also need (click "more" for more information).

Applicants for team leaders should be seasoned Rotarians with significant leadership experience, deep knowledge of Rotary and the District and be regular attendees and/or participants in District Conferences and Seminars. Applications are available here: Team Leader Team Member Employer Endorsement Form

Team member applicants must live or work within District 6440, be between 25 & 40 years of age, have been engaged in their profession / vocation for a minimum of 2 years and not related linearly to a Rotarian. All Applications are due by September 17, 2011.

About Group Study Exchange
The Rotary Foundation’s Group Study Exchange (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.

About District 3480
Located in the north of Taiwan, District 3480 encompasses the capital city Taipei, and has 85 clubs. You can get a feel for what's in store for the tam by visiting hte Facebook page of the District 1220 GSE team who visited Disstric 348 a few years ago. This trip is certain the provide the experience of a lifetime for the participants.

Help Needed Hosting Inbound Team
You can participate in this terrific program by helping host the ibound team from Taiwan. They will arrive April 16 (in time for our District Confernece) and depart May 14. There are many opportunities to participate:

Sector Chairs:       Responsible for Inbound Teams itinerary, host families, day chairs and transportation for 4-5 days.
Host Families:      Host a team member or members for a 4-5 day period while the team is in the sector.
Day Chairs:            Responsible for a single day's team activities, cultural, educational, entertainment, etc.
Vocational Chair: Arranges for the teams vocational/professional experience while in the sector.
Transportation:    Drivers required to transport the team while in the sector.

For additional information contact: Jim Runnfeldt, 312-259-7906 or Jswede@aol.com