Rotary Friendship Exchange
A sunny day on the Willamette River in Eugene, OR
Photo by Heather M. Edwards
Travel the World Like a Local
district program
Want to explore a new country like a local? Rotary Friendship Exchange (RFE) pairs teams of people from two different countries with host families and unique cultural experiences that turn strangers into friends.
More About Rotary Friendship Exchange
This international exchange program for Rotary members and friends allows participants to take turns hosting one another in their homes and clubs.
Participants may travel as individuals, couples, families, or groups.
- 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
Friendship exchanges are organized around at least one of three themes: culture, service, and vocation.
You can 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.
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 with a vocational emphasis.
You can read people’s own RFE stories here.
