Group Study Exchange - More information, please.

November 10, 2008 11:11 AM

Have you participated in the Rotary Club's Group Study Exchange program? What benefits did it provide you, and what should I know before going?

I was recently asked if I would be interested in going to Germany with a GSE program. I've read the official information on the Rotary website, but I can't find write-ups of anybody's personal experiences. What is the typical day like? What was the most rewarding part for you? Is there anything you wish you had known going in? They seem to emphasize the vocational aspect - how much opportunity is there for professional development?

Finally, I'm always suspicious of things that seem too good to be true. What kind of things can I expect to be asked in return? I just have to speak at a few meetings?

posted by Horselover Fat to travel & transportation (6 comments total)

Horselover Fat, I've got a friend who did this. MeMail me your contact info and I'll put you in contact with her.
posted by nax at 12:54 PM on November 10, 2008

I was in Rotaract (sort of a "junior Rotary"), and my father was a Rotarian, so I encountered (but did not go on) a handful of GSEs.

Each Rotary club has its own personality, and so the experience can be quite varied. When my dad's club hosted a group from Finland, the very adult (30-35 yo) participants were overseen by a man who should have been in the dictionary next to the word "dour", who was determined that they be all-business and no-fun the entire trip. That said, they were a nice enough bunch and seemed to have their eyes on the ball regardless.

A typical day is going to be probably one of: a) visiting a regional Rotary club and giving a brief presentation, b) visiting a particular Rotarian or group of Rotarians at a business location, c) some type of tourism but with a serious focus. For the most part they do try to match people up by industry so you will definitely have an opportunity to meet and talk with some or several people in your field. How close the match is depends on availability, of course. On the other hand, my judgement is that it is very much more about creating social links between Rotary Clubs and mentoring future Rotarians than it is any kind of serious vocational development.

I think if I had the opportunity to do this I would. It's international travel, you probably will have most of your expenses paid for, and you'll meet some interesting people. It isn't like going to a conference, and it isn't like going on a group tour, but it's somewhere in between. The value is probably in what you try to get out of it. See yourself as an ambassador, and bring a fantastic Powerpoint, and that will work for you. See yourself as an MBA, and take copious notes on everything, same thing.

I don't know if any of the GSEs would be more than coincidentally useful for developing actual business contacts, if that's a question.

I don't think it's too good to be true. If you just let yourself be bounced around passively you might not be really happy. If you do some research ahead of time and have good questions and good answers to questions, are open to meeting new people of different temperament, and generally approach it as a broadening experience, you'll probably not just enjoy yourself but look back on it fondly.
posted by dhartung at 2:59 PM on November 10, 2008

My sister went to Finland two years ago through the Rotary program and had a wonderul experience that she still talks about all the time. She had a fantastic, memorable trip. She is constantly encouraging me to particpate in the program. If you want me to put you in touch with her, send me a mefi mail.
posted by JennyJupiter at 5:25 PM on November 10, 2008

Former Rotarian here (third generation, too). Do it. Rotary is a truly international organization, and even the clubs I've visited in the tiniest of towns have been committed to hosting visitors and supporting RI's international goals and work.

Rotary clubs and districts sponsor exchanges at all ages: my dad's club was HUGE with high school exchanges, my former district supported collegians, and I know several people who've done GSE as they approach mid-career. Most of your fellow participants won't be Rotarians, but the people you meet will be delighted to share their workplaces and vocational experience and learn from you as well.

As dhartung* says, it's not professional development of the "earning certification PDUs" type, but you will learn a lot about your profession as it is practiced in Germany, and likely across the EU.
posted by catlet at 8:45 AM on November 11, 2008

Thanks for your responses, everybody. I guess the only question I have left is about the Rotary meetings I would be asked to speak at. What are they interested in hearing about? What puzzles me is that it's essentially a professional exchange, but is a roomful of Rotarians really interested in hearing about software engineering in the US?
posted by Horselover Fat at 7:22 PM on November 11, 2008

When you're at a GSE meeting or a professional site, talk your profession. When you're at the Rotary Club, talk about international fellowship. Pepper it with a few anecdotes of the "I never knew..." variety that you pick up along the trip and you'll be a star. If you can tease the club president or whomever from the club is your liaison, so much the better.
posted by dhartung at 11:00 PM on November 11, 2008