Service & Fellowship Programs

 
What is Rotary Friendship Exchange? 

Friendship Exchange is Rotary's exchange program for Rotarians and their families. Friendship Exchanges allow Rotarians the opportunity to experience another culture firsthand in the homes of Rotarians in other countries. The exchanges are intended to be reciprocal. The program was started in 1984.  

How does the program work? 

There are two types of exchanges. The first is a club-to-club visitor program in which individual Rotarians, who may be accompanied by family members, spend a few days in the home of a Rotarian in another country. It is expected that guests who participate in this type of exchange will reciprocate by serving as hosts for later exchanges. The second program is a district-to-district team program in which four to six Rotary couples visit several communities in a host district for a period of up to one month. The following year, the guest district hosts a team from the host district. 

How can Rotarians become involved in the program? 

All Friendship Exchanges are arranged through district Rotary Friendship Exchange chairpersons. Funding is entirely by the individuals who participate. The RFE chairperson has a list of all Friendship Exchange chairpersons, with their addresses, phone numbers, and, in many cases, email addresses. 
Although this program has not been active in District 7190, it has the potential to very effectively encourage involvement with one of the Rotary Avenues of Service-International Service. 
I would be most happy to discuss possible exchanges with any member of District 7190, and the materials I have received from Rotary International are always available.