Group Study Exchange

The Group Study Exchange (GSE) program provides Rotarians and Non-Rotarians the opportunity to travel to other countries for an intensive cultural, business and fellowship exchange with professional peers and Rotarians in the host country.

The Torrington Rotary club has a long history of sending and receiving GSE teams. Recently, Torrington has hosted teams from Italy, India, Argentina, Brazil, Netherlands, New Zealand and Nigeria. In turn, we have sponsored individuals from our district to visit these countries as members or leaders of the outgoing GSE teams.

The program is designed so that one Rotarian (the Team Leader) escorts 4 Non-Rotarians to the host country. A typical itinerary is listed below. A great deal of work is involved, but there is time for fun and fellowship with the host families. The teams stay in Rotarians' homes, not hotels. It is safe to say that long term relationships have developed because of these exchange visits.

In a typical four-week tour:

• five full days of vocational visits
• 15 to 20 presentations to Rotary clubs in the hosting district
• 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
• three to four hours per day of free time with host families

The Torrington Rotary Club is now known world-wide for our ability to educate and entertain GSE teams from around the world! On average, about every two years, a GSE team visits the Torrington area.

 

GSE Team Photos

View 2007 GSE Photo Slideshow