Rotary Friendship Exchange

Photo of Mt. Bachelor in the Fall near Bend, Oregon
district in pictures

Mt. Bachelor, Bend, OR

Photo by McKayla Crump

An RFE team photo at Butoolo Medical Clinic in Uganda.
An RFE team photo at Machu Picchu in Peru.

Travel the World Like a Local!

district program

Rotary Friendship Exchange offers Rotarians, Rotaractors, and their families and friends the opportunity to take turns visiting and hosting one another in their homes and clubs.

More About Rotary Friendship Exchange

Why Participate in Rotary Friendship Exchange

Participants experience cultural immersion in another country and develop greater international understanding. They often form lasting friendships and, in some cases, build connections with potential service partners. Rotary Friendship Exchange also allows professionals to enhance their vocational skills. Exchanges arranged through Rotary Friendship Exchange have certain characteristics:
  •  They involve at least two Rotary districts in two countries.
  •  They are reciprocal. That is, visits take place in both (or all) countries.
  •  They’re funded entirely by the participants and their Rotary districts.
  •  They’re open to Rotarians, Rotaractors, and their family members and friends.
  •  Each one has a specified purpose and goals.

Why Visit Oregon?

Visit the Travel Oregon website to learn more about what makes Oregon unique and all the things to do here. Rotary District 5110 also includes clubs in Northern California communities. Check our district map for an updated list.

Rotary Friendship Exchange Opportunities

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, 2027

District 5020 – Between NW Washington & Vancouver Island
Focus: Local scenery, culture, service
When:

  • Incoming team to Oregon: TBD 2027
  • Outgoing team: TBD 2027

International Exchanges

Brazil – District 4410 (Espirito Santo)
Focus: Nature, culture, and service projects

  • Outgoing to Brazil: May 15-29, 2027
  • Incoming from Brazil: August / September, 2027

Interested in Going?

APPLY NOW for Kentucky 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.

Interested in Club Leading Hosting Efforts?

Please tell a Board Member of your club and contact Paul Spain, Redmond, Patty Dempsey, Greater Bend, or Camille Ronzio, Eugene Southtowne.

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 Logo

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.

Traveler Information

Travelers(Required)
Name
Age
 
Click the + button to the right to add more.
Primary Traveler Address(Required)

Rotary Experience

List and explain any/all previous involvement with rotary exchange programs, such as Group Study, Youth Exchange, Travel Fellowship, and why you have interest in this specific RFE outbound team.
What experience have you had with rotary friendship exchanges? Be specific how you have helped incoming friendship exchanges and also what outgoing friendship experience you have had.

Personal Information

Rotary Friendship Exchanges may involve long days, extended periods of walking or standing, stairs, varied terrain, and frequent travel between locations. Do you have any mobility, accessibility, dietary, or other accommodation needs that may affect your participation in exchange activities? If yes, please describe any accommodations or assistance that would help you participate comfortably and safely. Please do not provide medical diagnoses or other private medical information.
Do you smoke?(Required)
Drop files here or
Max. file size: 50 MB, Max. files: 10.
    Please attach or insert one DIGITAL photograph (close-up if possible) of those wishing to join the outbound RFE team.