Do you want to experience more culture and sites in our world? If so, consider the Rotary Fellowship Exchange. In Pat Sutliff's Committee report, Pat tells us more about the benefits and expectations of getting involved in a Fellowship Exchange.
Friendship Exchange is one of the only International Exchange programs in Rotary that Rotarians can participate in. VTT is another one. Because of tax laws many exchanges and scholarships etc are not available to Rotarians or their families. However, in a Friendship Exchange a Rotarian and their spouse or friend are able to fully participate. The exchange consists of a team of 10 to 12 people traveling to another Rotary District around the world and touring there for about 2 weeks. During this time they are hosted in Rotarian homes, visit many Rotary meetings and projects, and see the country or area from the local's view. The team is taken to the things that the local people think are important and would like to share. It really gives you a chance to learn about the customs, foods, etc of the area. Things that you usually miss as a
regular tourist. On these exchanges you typically pay your transportation to and from the country and for small gifts that you bring for the hosting Rotarians. Then the district that is visited sends a team to the country that they just hosted and those who participated in the exchange are responsible for hosting that returning team. Hosting on either side means providing home stays, food in restaurants some times, paying for
entrance fees and providing transportation around the district. Some of these hosting duties may vary depending on the specifics of the particular exchange. Friendship Exchanges are an amazing way to make lasting friendships around the world. I also think that they are a great beginning to peace in our world as we learn more about each other, begin to understand other cultures and build lasting relationships.
In the 2023-24 Rotary year our district participated in an exchange with India District 3120. Our team traveled to India in October of 2023 and their team is coming to our district in July. I am trying to get some more exchanges for the 2024-25 Rotary year but it is really hard to contact other Friendship Exchange Chairs. If you have any ideas of contacts in other districts or countries you would like to visit please let me know.
The notice for Friendship Exchanges is sent to everyone in the district and every Rotarian is eligible to apply. An application is available on line and there is a $50 fee which is used to defray some of the local costs of the exchange. We try to send out teams with members from as many areas of District 5610 as possible and preference is given to those who have never been on a Friendship Exchange before and only one
couple per club.
regular tourist. On these exchanges you typically pay your transportation to and from the country and for small gifts that you bring for the hosting Rotarians. Then the district that is visited sends a team to the country that they just hosted and those who participated in the exchange are responsible for hosting that returning team. Hosting on either side means providing home stays, food in restaurants some times, paying for
entrance fees and providing transportation around the district. Some of these hosting duties may vary depending on the specifics of the particular exchange. Friendship Exchanges are an amazing way to make lasting friendships around the world. I also think that they are a great beginning to peace in our world as we learn more about each other, begin to understand other cultures and build lasting relationships.
In the 2023-24 Rotary year our district participated in an exchange with India District 3120. Our team traveled to India in October of 2023 and their team is coming to our district in July. I am trying to get some more exchanges for the 2024-25 Rotary year but it is really hard to contact other Friendship Exchange Chairs. If you have any ideas of contacts in other districts or countries you would like to visit please let me know.
The notice for Friendship Exchanges is sent to everyone in the district and every Rotarian is eligible to apply. An application is available on line and there is a $50 fee which is used to defray some of the local costs of the exchange. We try to send out teams with members from as many areas of District 5610 as possible and preference is given to those who have never been on a Friendship Exchange before and only one
couple per club.
I am always looking for contacts in other districts who might want to do a Friendship Exchange with our district. Any ideas that people have for places to go or contacts abroad who might be helpful are very much appreciated. Any questions please contact me, Pat Sutliff, District 5610 Friendship Exchange Chair <pmsutliff@gmail.com> or 605-593-2896