This is a brief history of how GSE evolved into the current scheme we operate today.

The GSE program began in 1955 as the idea of a New Zealand district. Originally known as the Rotary Overseas Travel Award (ROTA), it was adopted by the Trustees as an official educational program in 1965.

As of the end of the 1999-2000 Rotary year, 8,063 teams had traveled, with another 587 scheduled for 2000-01. Through 1999-2000, 42,209 participants had taken advantage of the program, with 2,935 more alumni presumed for 2000-01. For 2001-02, more than 590 teams were paired, adding nearly 3,000 more participants to the total.

Expenditures through 1999-2000 were more than US$73 million. In 1999-2000 alone, the Foundation spent US$3,825,111.81 for the program.

GSE is the only free Foundation program for which all districts in good standing may apply.

Staff is composed of one supervisor, one senior coordinator, two coordinators, and a secretary. Languages spoken are French, German, Spanish, and Italian, and staff has experience living in France, India, Austria, Spain, Mexico, Croatia, the USA, and Canada. Staff can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ; telephone: 847-866-3330; fax: 847-866-0934.