Rotary Friendship Exchange

What is Friendship Exchange?

Friendship Exchange is an international exchange program for Rotary members and friends that allows participants to take turns hosting one another in their homes and clubs.

Participants may travel as individuals, couples, families, or groups, and may be Rotary members or not.

Benefits of an exchange

• Broaden international understanding
• Explore a profession or job in a different context
• Build enduring friendships
• Gain opportunities for active project involvement and support
• Learn about a region’s people, food, languages, customs, and history
• Find partners for grants
• Establish a foundation for peace and service. This can be done virtually or in person in a way that builds peace. Find out more in this guide: Peacebuilding Through virtual and Hybrid Exchanges.

Choose a destination

Explore the Exchange Finder Map to view current exchange locations and the districts that serve them. Connect with the district’s Rotary Friendship Exchange chair for help finding potential international hosts and planning your itinerary.

Define your purpose

Friendship exchanges are organized around at least one of three themes: culture, service, and vocation.

Fund your exchange

All exchanges are paid for by the participants or their districts. Hosts are not expected to assume a significant financial burden. Club or district funds may be available to offset the costs of exchanges that have a vocational emphasis.

District 1070 Friendship Exchanges

Exchanges are arranged by District Organisers who in our district are members of the District International Committee, chaired by Rachael Ferry-Jones. Districts throughout the world may signal their interest in visiting another district and their willingness to host an incoming team. 

Visiting teams outbound and inbound normally comprise 6 Rotarian couples or the equivalent, staying in the host district for approximately 2 weeks as the guests of 4 different clubs. 

Each club involved provides host families for 3 or 4 nights and prepares a varied programme of sight seeing, entertainment and cultural visits etc., sometimes with the cooperation of neighbouring clubs. Information on age, background and interests of participants is communicated in advance and every effort is made to ensure compatibility of host and guests.