Chair: Mari-Lou Wong-Chong
(910) 842-6566 mlswc67@atmc.net
What is Friendship Exchange?
The idea of the Rotary Friendship Exchange Program is for several Rotarian couples to travel to another country. Later the hospitality is reversed when the visit is reciprocated. . The goal of the program is to advance international understanding, goodwill and peace through person-to-person contacts across national boundaries.
Types of Friendship Exchanges.
1. Visitor Program in which individual Rotarians, who may be accompanied by family members, spend a few days in the home of a Rotarian in another country.
2. Team Program in which a number of couples, typically from four to six, visit several commu¬nities in the host district for up to one month. The number of couples and/or length of stay are flexible, and are agreed upon by the districts involved.
Both types of visits are coordinated by district Friendship Exchange chairperson and both are carried out at no expense to Rotary International. Exchanges where host and guest Rotarians are of the same occupation where feasible are also encouraged.
Who May Apply?
In the Visitor Program, Rotarians and their families, in¬cluding children, are eligible for participation. In the Team Program, participation is limited to Rotarians and their spouses.
How Does a Rotarian Apply for Rotary Friendship Exchange?
For either type of exchange (visitor or team), Rotarians must apply through their club president. The district Friendship Exchange chairman’s job will be to coordinate the program through the use of a list of Rotary Friendship Exchange chairmen from around the world.The chairman is responsible for contacting other RFE chairmen and/or club presidents to find out which districts are interested in exchanges and arranging details such as location, length of stay, number of participants, means of application and requirements for participation.
When are Friendship Exchanges Available?
Friendship Exchanges may take place any time of the year that is agreeable to the clubs and districts involved. Reciprocal visits may take place during the same year, or in the following year.
Where Can You Go?
You can go anywhere in the world where there are Rotary districts that want to share fellowship .
How Can I be a Friendship Exchange Host?
A Rotarian should apply through the club president, who will contact the Rotary Friendship Exchange district chairman.
How Long Does a Friendship Exchange Last?
1. Visitor Program (Rotarians or Rotary families), usually several days (probably no more than three or four). In each case it is up to the host club to determine the nature of the Friendship Exchange, the number of host families involved, and the length of each stay
2. Friendship Exchange Teams visit several communities in their host district, staying a few days with each individual family for a total period of up to four weeks (or a total period as agreed upon by the districts involved).
Who Pays for Friendship Exchange?
Guests are expected to pay their basic expenses. Variations from this standard are only at the host family’s discretion and should not be expected.
What Constitutes Friendship Exchange?
The host club determines how it will handle Rotary Friendship Exchange and makes all arrangements accordingly. This could include housing (usually in the homes of Rotarians), meals, sightseeing — the same courtesies that would be extended to a friend. It is suggested that basic arrangements be agreed to in writing by the participating clubs.
For Rotary Friendship Teams, the host district chairman will provide the guest district chairman with an itinerary of host Rotary clubs along the visitation route and information on the length of stay with each. District chairmen and host club volunteers will mutually agree upon the itinerary and arrangements before the exchange is carried out.
How Important is Friendship Exchange as a Rotary Program?
The exchange of Rotary families and couples who are motivated by a sincere desire to learn about others and to share international fellowship can be an effective tool in promoting better human relations around the world. Be an ambassador of goodwill, international friendship and peace.