ROTARY FRIENDSHIP EXCHANGE WHAT IS RFE Rotary Friendship

ROTARY FRIENDSHIP EXCHANGE

WHAT IS RFE? Rotary Friendship Exchange is a program that was first introduced in 1984 It provides Rotarians and their partners the opportunity to experience other cultures firsthand by participating in reciprocal visits with Rotarians from other countries. RFE aims to advance international understanding, friendship and goodwill among Rotarians through the fun and adventure of shared travel experiences. An opportunity to make long-lasting friendships while exploring different areas of the world.

TYPES OF EXCHANGES There are two main types of Friendship Exchanges: The TEAM exchange provides the opportunity for a group of Rotarians (& partners) to travel to different communities in a host district for several weeks (typically 10 to 14 days). The VISITOR exchange gives individual Rotarians (& family members) the opportunity to spend a week (typically 4 to 7 days) in the home of a Rotarian in another country. Both are to be determined and agreed upon by the two districts involved. Rotary Friendship Exchanges are expected to be reciprocal.

THE HISTORY OF RFE IN DISTRICT 5580 2003 ~ VISITOR EXCHANGE to ENGLAND District 1110, central southern England. (A Rotarian couple from Fargo/Moorehead) (Post trip to Ireland). 2005 ~ TEAM EXCHANGE to Australia District 9790, Victoria and New South Wales. 2007 ~ TEAM EXCHANGE to New Zealand, the South Island. 2012 ~ TEAM EXCHANGE to Australia District 9780 (post trip to Sydney and Auckland).

RFE FUN DOWN UNDER

RFE FUN DOWN UNDER

RFE ~ TRAVEL EXPENSES What costs will I have to cover? • Airfare and travel insurance • Meals when dining out • Admission / Activity/ Event fees • Souvenirs • Pre or Post trip travel

RFE ~ What is covered? • Accommodation with Host Rotarians • Meals hosted by Rotarians • Most travel within the region provided by Host Rotarians Additional Benefits • Provides connection for lifelong friendship and goodwill • Opportunity to experience culture and insight into daily life • Insight into Rotary projects and possible partnerships

District 5580 RFE PLANS Potential TEAM EXCHANGES: 2015/2016 *Tamil Nadu & New Delhi India 2016/2017 *South Louisiana District 6200 *District 5520 New Mexico & West Texas TEAM EXCHANGES being explored with Italy, England, Poland, New Zealand Bulgaria.

RFE HOST FAMILES • Host Rotarians vital component of RFE experience • Great opportunity for fostering international friendships • Accommodation/meals/ planned events • Opportunity for reciprocal travel and adventure • Those who host have advantage on RFE application

INTERESTED IN INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL, FRIENDSHIP & ADVENTURE? HOW TO APPLY FOR A ROTARY FRIENDSHIP TEAM EXCHANGE. • The District RFE Committee is developing an application form for TEAM Exchange selection. • Preference in the selection process will be given to those Rotarians who have hosted Inbound RFE guests/or provided assistance with incoming teams. • Deposit to secure spot will be required • Fair/equitable process if there are more applicants than can be accommodated by the host district.

International Adventure Awaits! Join an Outbound RFE Team!

How to apply for an Individual Visitor RFE Identify a country and Rotary District. Investigate whether they are listed on the RFE Matching Board or have an RFE chair. Rotary Friendship Exchange (RFE) Matching Board https: //www. rotary. org/myrotary/en/document/rotaryfriendship-exchange-matching-board Rotary Friendship Exchange district chair directory https: //www. rotary. org/myrotary/en/document/146971 Contact the Chair of the District 5580 RFE Committee, Mike Cochran <r 0 wmaster@hotmail. com> and he will contact the Host District RFE chair to determine whether the Visitor RFE is possible.

QUESTIONS?