1. THE GEORGIA ROTARY STUDENT PROGRAMME
ONE OF ROTARY INTERNATIONAL’S BEST KEPT SECRETS

2. 4 young people sponsored Programme gained momentum
The Historical ‘bit’
Started in 1946
$1 per Rotarian
4 young people sponsored
Programme gained momentum
2500+ young people – 80 countries – 70+ places/year

3. GRSP Facts Not an exchange programme
Focus is on promoting international understanding and peace (not just academical attainment)
Candidates aged – character, intelligence, adaptability, personality
Ability to function well away from home for a year
Fitting ambassadors for family, Club, District and Country

4. Who can apply and how Any young person aged 18-25
Need to be of average intelligence
Almost uniquely, can be related to a Rotarian
Club identifies individual – pupil/graduate
District supports – paperwork / info. Meeting / D1020 GRSP Coordinator – PDG Alistair Marquis
Complete application form
Be sponsored by a Rotary Club
Sit Student Aptitude Test (SAT)

5. GRSP Website / Support
– address for GRSP HQ in Georgia
Website – use a search engine – loads of information available
D1020 GRSP Co-ordinator (Alistair Marquis) – available to offer guidance -
Rotary Host Family in Georgia
Conclaves

6. The GRSP story in District 1020
80+ D1020 GRSP scholars since 1975
Currently 5 scholars from 1020 out in Georgia – 9 in
Presently awaiting applications for placement in Autumn 2019
NOW is the time to be considering identification of likely candidates for Autumn 2019 (application deadline – 30 Sept 2018)

7. What is the Club’s involvement/commitment?
Agree that the Club wants to be involved and will sponsor GRSP placement
Agree what financial support might be given
Identify possible avenues to get candidate(s) – schools / Rotarians / youth organisations?
Information letter for young people(S5 year best) /parents/schools etc (nb website)
District 1020 meeting in 2018 for applicants/parents/Club representatives
Application form completed
On-going support from 1020 GRSP Co-ordinator
SAT application (via internet)

8. Possible financial contribution
GRSP covers all costs for academic study for 1 year, all books and equipment, food and accommodation
GRSP also provides a nominal sum to cover basic living costs
Individual scholar/family/Club needs to fund flights and health insurance
Basically, GRSP can cost a Club nothing!

9. What Next?
Decide as a Club if you want to be part of GRSP –Appoint a member to oversee the process and to act as a direct link for applicant(s)
Get going by contacting local secondary schools and with identifying an applicant or applicants
Keep parents/carers ‘on board’
Use 1020 GRSP Co-ordinator for support
Get application form ready in draft form
Attend District GRSP meeting in May/June 2018
Get SAT placement signed up –

10. The waiting game
Between September to February, following application, nothing much happens!
Once placements announced Feb/March then everything moves at speed
Lots of forms, Visa etc to be seen to
UCAS – deferred entry
Confirm travel arrangements/insurance
Contact with University in Georgia, host family
Gifts / continuing & regular Club contact

11. Convinced?
Will your Rotary Club be considering a candidate for Autumn 2019 and the academic year ?
If so then the work begins NOW but at a sensible pace
This ensures pupils get to hear of what’s on offer before SQA prelims and national examinations
Good luck – don’t miss out

12. GRSP
TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE
BUT
BELIEVE IT
THERE ARE NO
HIDDEN CATCHES!