Rotary district seeking five professionals to send on free trip to India in early 2018

Rotary District 6920 plans to send five young professionals on an all-expense paid trip to India from mid-January to mid-February 2018.

One selected Rotarian team leader will lead four people living in the Central-Southeast Georgia area on a Group Study Exchange to the Hyderabad, India region. Team members do not need to be Rotarians to be eligible.

All travel expenses will be paid, and members will stay with Rotarian host families during the trip.

According to the district’s website, the trip will consist of “a vigorous schedule of visits to Rotary clubs, Rotary humanitarian projects, cultural sites and professional match-ups.”

In addition to observing the impact of past Rotarian efforts in the area, members will have the opportunity to be involved in more assignments. The installation of water wells in nearby villages is a potential project for members to participate in.

Applicants must be 25-40 years of age. While there are no specific business qualifications needed to apply, applicants will be asked to discuss their academic and employment backgrounds, as well as what they hope to gain from the trip.

“We try to put together a diverse team ... so we have a real representation of our district,” said Andy Lohn, incoming group study chair. “We’re looking for well-rounded individuals who are looking for an adventure.”

The trip’s primary goal is for members to learn about a different culture in order to cultivate international understanding. It also allows professionals to take a break from their busy schedules.

Applicants will need their boss’s approval to take time off, although written confirmation is not needed until after being selected. Applicants should also be in good health and prepared for large amounts of physical activity.

The deadline to apply for a team leader position is Friday with the leader being selected by July 28.

The deadline for team members is Sept. 15, with the attendees being notified by Oct. 6.

Once selected, team members will be expected to attend six mandatory training meetings between October and January. The meetings will consist of team building exercises, getting to know one another in the group and learning more about the culture of the area they will visit.

This story was originally published June 30, 2017 at 5:10 PM with the headline "Rotary district seeking five professionals to send on free trip to India in early 2018."