Group Study Exchange Programme
Another aspect of International exchange is Rotary Foundation's Group Study Exchange (GSE).
This programme is a unique short-term cultural and vocational exchange programme between districts in different countries for non-Rotarian business and professional men and women between the ages of 25 and 40 who are in the early stages of their careers. The GSE programme is designed to develop skills among young adults, so that they can address the needs of their communities in an increasingly global workplace.
Rotary districts in different countries are paired and travel grants are provided for teams to exchange visits. For four to six weeks, a Rotarian team leader and 4-6 non-Rotarian 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 and free time with host families who are Rotarians in the local area.
The RI Brochure can be seen here.
At a District level the Club has always been active in the Group Study Exchange Programme and most years has acted as host for part of their visits. This has included teams from the USA, Australia, Japan and Canada and some of these have resulted in long term friendships developing.
The Club has also identified and nominated outgoing members of Irish Group Study Exchange Teams.
2011 Exchange
The Club was delighted to welcome September 1-4 the Group Study Exchange team from District 9630, Australia. District 9630 comprises of an area inland from Brisbane, as marked in blue on the map.
 |
 |
Led by Rotarian Louise Howden (far right), President Salisbury Rotary Club, the team comprised of Matthew Waters, Ashley Forbes, Ellen Heathwood and Kristina Whitehead.
They stayed with Club members and, again with thanks to members, a vocational day in their specialist areas was arranged for Friday 2 September. Due to the timing of their visit it was not possible for them to address a Monday Club Meeting but they attended the Thursday TABU Committee Meeting (Radisson Hotel) when they introduced themselves and met members afterwards during an informal meal. (see photos in album below)
President Adrian also hosted a fellowship evening at his offices on Friday night. The team members there gave a short ‘penpic’ of themselves and reported on their vocation day.
Team Leader Rotarian Louise Howden was born in Hobart, Tasmania but bred in Brisbane. Having been a Police Officer for 15 years she trained to be a veterinary nurse and joined the Rotary Club of Salisbury where she has is currently President and Newsletter Editor, having been Secretary. Next year she will be the first woman MC at District 9630 Conference. She now owns a successful business looking after pets while their owners are away and she spent an interesting day at a dog parlour in East Belfast.
Ashley Forbes, also from Brisbane, has been a Commercial Property Valuer on the Gold Coast for 10 years. An avid sportsman he particularly enjoys long-distance road cycling, scuba diving and sports cars. He found his vocational day very advantageous and will be bringing back lots of pointers and tips especially concerning how to boost the morale of the team in these difficult property times.
Ellen Heathwood grew up on a Brisbane farm and has Irish grandparents! She majored in counseling and is a Health Counselor in the multi-cultural region of Salisbury. She covers all community health issues but is particularly interested in mental health. She spent a very enjoyable and stimulating day with AwareDefeatDepression and with Club member Bill Halliday at Mindwise and found issues here to be very similar to those at home.
Kristina Whitehead, also from Brisbane, is the youngest at 25 and is a learning support and enrichment teacher helping people make the most of their lives and solving problem education issues. During her vocational day she learnt a lot about other practices in Ireland and was very grateful for the wealth of experience given to her in the Education Special Needs Department.
Matthew Waters, a solicitor, spent his day observing Club member Ken Nixon in action in the Laganside Courts. He enjoyed watching Ulster Rugby in action at Ravenhill that evening and was not present to give his report.
|
PP Gordon Millington presented Louise with a copy of the Club’s Centenary Book and who also presented President Adrian with a banner from the Rotary Club of Salisbury.  |
 |
Gallery
click on image to start slideshow
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Area of District 9630
