Rotary Friendship Exchange

The Rotary Friendship Exchange (RFE) is about fellowship and sharing.  It is Rotary's international exchange program for Rotarians and their families. Participants experience other cultures and build friendships by staying in the homes of Rotary club members in another country. This program advances international understanding and peace through personal contact across borders while developing inter-club relationships that lead to fellowship and service projects. 

Currently, our District participates in the Team program which sees Rotarian couples (typically four to five) or equivalent individuals visiting several communities in a host district for 12 to 15 days. The two Districts reciprocate in either the same year or successive years as negotiated between the District Chairs. 

As Rotary members and Rotary clubs, you should be aware of two opportunities. Firstly, there is a great opportunity for Rotarians to travel abroad and these Exchanges should be promoted at the club level. Consider discussing the Exchange with previous participants and hear their stories. Secondly, to make the Program successful, Rotary Clubs are required to host the inbound Districts. Typically 4 or 5 clubs are required for each inbound Exchange. This is a great opportunity to have International Rotarians in your midst for three or four days. From time to time club Presidents will receive a request to have your club host. Consider it seriously.  
 
How Outbound Exchanges work: 

The District Chair will canvass all Rotarians through Club Runner 

• All Rotarians in good standing are eligible. 

• Participation in the team program is limited to Rotarians and their partners. 

• Exchange participants stay with Rotary couples, usually three/four days in each of three or four Rotary Clubs/Communities in the hosting District. 

• Must pay all costs excepting the billeting provided by host Rotarians. Group transportation may be one of the shared expenses. 

• Participants must be team players as the group will travel together for the duration of the exchange. 

• Must be a good ambassador for Rotary and Canada. 

• Must be prepared to complete the full exchange. 

• Travel is booked individually (not as a group) so your plans can include pre and/or post Exchange travel. 

• Must be in reasonable physical condition as the exchange will involve tourism activities that may require some moderate walking. 

• The Rotarian must be part of the traveling group. 

• Preference is given to those who have been involved in hosting past RFE participants from other countries.