Jasper Rotary Club hosts German Group Study Exchange

Jasper— 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.

On April 25, the Rotary Club of Jasper will meet and host the GSE team from Germany for three days. This German GSE team includes one Rotarian, two Information Systems Technologists, a physician who specializes in Gynecology, and a Mechanical Engineer. While in the Jasper area, the team will visit Lincoln National Park, West Baden Springs and French Lick Springs Hotels, some area businesses, and local medical facilities.

The Jasper Rotary Club membership represents a cross-section of our communities’ business and professional men and women. The Rotary club meets weekly on Thursdays at 11:45 a.m. at the Days Inn Conference Room. Those interested in being a part of the Jasper Rotary Club may call Nick Schnarr, membership chair, at 812-630-0760 or Tonya Heim, President, at 812-630-5124.