In 2011 and 2012 we will have a Group Study Exchange with District 3020. This district is on India's southeast coast, on the Bay of Bengal. District 3020 has over 3000 members in 70 clubs. They have just finished hosting a GSE team from Brazil that included two lawyers, a dentist, an engineer and a teacher. International President-Elect Ray Klinginsmith will visit their district in April 2010.
We will host their GSE team in April 2011, and send our team to India in January 2012, their most temperate weather month, when they hold their district convention.
We will finalize arrangements for our visitors in January 2011, including developing an itinerary and lining up host families. We need to furnish this information to District 3020 and Rotary International in advance of their visit. It helps them know what to expect and what kind of clothing to bring, gives us time to address any concerns, and meets Rotary International's latest GSE guidelines.
We will interview applicants for the team leader position in February 2011.
Applicants must be Rotary members. We look for team leaders who are highly organized and have instinctive people skills. Age doesn't matter but health does, because the experience/schedule can be both physically and mentally taxing.
We will begin accepting applications for our four-member team in March 2011. We will conduct interviews in May and continue until we have found four people we feel represent our district well and can function effectively and comfortably as a team. The team leader will participate in this selection process.
A Group Study Exchange is an education, not a vacation. In India many people live in Third World conditions, and making the trip is going to require an open mind and willingness to put up with inconveniences, including a series of immunizations. It's the opportunity of a lifetime to become intimately acquainted with people whose lives are far different from our own.
Team applicants must be between 25-40 years old and have been in their occupation/profession for at least two years. Rotarians and their immediate family members are not eligible.
Travel costs are covered by the Rotary Foundation, and food, housing and activities are covered by the participating Districts. There are only minor costs involved for the team leader and members, and these can be sponsored if necessary.
Contact me anytime through District 7550 website.
Greg Johnson, GSE Chair