Clubs seek young professionals

Date: 7/13/2009

Local Rotary Clubs are seeking young professionals to participate in a cultural/professional exchange to Japan, March 13 through April 10, 2010.

Through this program, the team will explore Japan; during April/May 2010, a team from Japan will explore our local Rotary District. While in Japan, the team members engage in an exchange for four weeks, sharing personal knowledge of their profession and country's customs. They will experience the customs, vocations and lifestyles of the Japanese people. The team will be led by an experienced Rotarian from this area.

The purpose of the GSE Program is to promote international understanding and goodwill through person-to-person contact. While abroad, team members live with Rotarians and have the opportunity to meet their professional counterparts and learn about community and international Rotary projects. They will tour the Rotarian district of their hosts, which could include moving to a new location every few days.

The Rotary Foundation provides round-trip air travel, and local Rotarians in the host country provide meals, lodging and group travel within their district. Team members pay for personal and incidental expenses.

Requirements for applicants: People interested in applying should be U.S. citizens between the ages of 25 to 40, and employed full-time in a recognized business or profession for at least two years. Applicants must live and/or work within Rotary District 7890, which covers Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut.

In the past, District 7890 has had exchanges with many countries, including Thailand, Sweden, New Zealand, India, Brazil, Argentina and Italy.

For an application or further information, please contact your local Rotary Club or contact Alma Kruh, District 7890 GSE Chair, at alma_kruh@ml.com or call (860) 284-2226. Application deadline is Aug. 15.