Rotary Friendship Exchange
Ayres Lake at Twilight, 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
Rotary Friendship Exchange Opportunities
In-Country Exchanges (U.S.)
District 6800 – Northern Mississippi / Southern Tennessee (Memphis area)
Focus: Music festivals, Southern culture, and fun
When: probably 2027
Western Kentucky
Focus: Blue grass music, pre-Kentucky Derby activities, bourbon tasting and more
When:
- Incoming team: October 1-15 2026
- Outgoing team: April 14-29, 2026
District 5020 – Between NW Washington & Vancouver Island
Focus: Local scenery, culture, service
When:
- Incoming team to Oregon: May 15-29, 2026
- Outgoing team: September 10-24, 2026
International Exchanges
Peru – District 4455 (Lima, Arequipa, Cusco)
Focus: Culture, heritage sites (like Machu Picchu!), and service
When:
- Incoming from Peru: June 29-July 12, 2026
- Outgoing to Peru: April 27–May 11, 2026
Brazil – District 4410 (Espirito Santo)
Focus: Nature, culture, and service projects
- Outgoing to Brazil: March / April, 2026
- Incoming from Brazil: August / September, 2026
Interested in Going?
APPLY NOW for Kentucky, Pero and Brazil
Fill out the online form below or download the Rotary Friendship Exchange PDF Form and email it to Camille Ronzio at ajr60@comcast.net and let her know which exchange you’re interested in. You can also complete an application available on DACdb under Files.
Interested in Club Leading Hosting Efforts?
Please tell a Board Member of your club and contact Camille Ronzio or Paul Spain or Patty Dempsey.
Let’s build peace and understanding—one friendship at a time.
Rotary Friendship Exchange Overview
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.
Rotary Friendship Exchange Online Form
Please fill out this form if you are interested in the Rotary Friendship Exchange and a RFE representative will get back with you as soon as possible.