PROGRAMS OF ROTARIANS - Rotary Down Under

ROTARY FRIENDSHIP
EXCHANGE
Rotary Friendship Exchange is a visitation program for Rotarians and their families. The program
allows Rotarians the opportunity to experience another culture at first-hand in the homes of
Rotarians in other countries. Exchanges are reciprocal and last any time from a few days to
several weeks.
Its purpose is the advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace through
people-to-people contact across national boundaries.
There are two types of Friendship Exchange. The first is club to club in which individual
Rotarians, accompanied by family members, spend a few days in the home of a Rotarian in
another country. The second is a district-to-district program in which four to six Rotary couples
visit several communities in the host District for up to one month. Rotary International
encourages Districts to consider arranging uni-vocational exchanges where feasible. These
takes place when host and guest Rotarians are of the same vocation and offers many
opportunities for interchanges of ideas and interests across the professional domain.
Friendship exchanges are co-ordinated by a District Friendship Exchange committee and both
types of programs are financed by the Rotarians themselves.
A District chairman is responsible for initiating and co-ordinating both the out-going and
incoming teams. A listing of all district chairmen across the Rotary world is available to facilitate
the setting up of programs. There is no mandatory method of planning an exchange itinerary.
It is suggested that a balance of tourist activities, social gatherings. Rotary events, time with
hosts and free time, all be considered at pre-trip planning meetings.
Prior to leaving home visiting teams should be sent an orientation package of information
covering such things as maps, tour planning, hosting information, special events, weather
conditions and suggestions for appropriate clothing. Travel mode and costs while in the host
country should be agreed upon before departure. Exchanges of this type lend themselves well
to publicity both within the Rotary world and beyond.
On return, participants should make themselves available to address club meetings and be
available to advise others on the advantages of this valuable program.
Australia Contact: District Governor
NZ Contact: All districts via www.rotarysouthpacific.org
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