Rotary Friendship Exchange (RFE)

What is Rotary Friendship Exchange (RFE)?

RFE is a program that gives Rotarians and their families the opportunity to experience other cultures firsthand. This is done by participating in reciprocal visits with Rotarians from other countries and their families.
  • Its goal is to advance international understanding, goodwill, and peace through person‐to‐person contact across national boundaries. 
  • It is an exchange of people who are motivated by a sincere desire to learn about others and to share international fellowship. 
  • It is a fun and exciting opportunity that can be an effective tool in promoting better human relations around the world.
 

2025 District 6270 Rotary Friendship Exchange

 

Exciting News! Dates are now confirmed for our highly anticipated Rotary Friendship Exchange (RFE) with Peru! We are looking for enthusiastic Rotarians to participate in this incredible opportunity to experience a new culture, build lasting friendships, and embody the spirit of Rotary.

Inbound Trip (Hosting Peruvian Rotarians): August 2-11, 2025  

We need dedicated host families to welcome Peruvian Rotarians to our District from August 2nd to August 11th, 2025. Hosting is typically only for a few days, and is a rewarding experience that allows you to share our local culture, build international friendships, and showcase the best of what our community has to offer. This is a great way to participate in the exchange if traveling to Peru is not possible.

Outbound Trip (Peru): May 17-26, 2025 The Outbound Trip is full but you're welcome to contact Randy to get on the waiting list.  

Why Participate in the Rotary Friendship Exchange? Both inbound and outbound experiences offer...

  • Cultural Immersion: Experience a new culture firsthand and gain a deeper understanding of the world.
  • International Service: Embody the Rotary ideal of "Service Above Self" on a global scale.
  • Lifelong Friendships: Build lasting connections with Rotarians from another country.
  • Personal Growth: Step outside your comfort zone, broaden your horizons, and create unforgettable memories.
Ready to Join the Adventure?
The outbound trip is full. If you are interested in participating, we need volunteers as a host family for the inbound visit.
Please email District 6270's RFE Co-Chair Randy Helbach as soon as possible. 
Photos’ Credit, https://www.gettyimages.com/photos/peru
This information was last updated on 2/11/2025.
 

How YOU can get involved

OUTBOUND

Those interested in an outbound exchange experience should email our RFE Chair.
 
INBOUND
Express your interest by emailing our RFE Chair directly or through your Club President.
Your help is needed in hosting delegate(s) for a night or two or supporting our Rotary Friendship Exchange program through District 6270’s Foundation.
 
For more information, contact District 6270 RFE Chair
Randy Helbach (Heartland-Lake Country) randyhelbach@hotmail.com
 
This RFE webpage was last revised 202501289cmp

Past District 6270 Rotary Friendship Exchanges

Advantages

Lifelong friendships.
A deeper understanding of culture and traditions that the internet can’t provide.
Experiences you can’t get on a normal vacation.

Projects

It is common for Rotary projects to come out of the connections built during RFE. To name a few we've been part of,
In 2023, together D6270 completed a water project with Uganda that is helping 48,000 people get clean water.
In 2017-2018, with District 2982 the Dialysis Machines project was completed in Virddhachalam, India.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note: The 2024 outbound exchange to India was canceled. We've kept it here so you can see what might be planned when it gets on the calendar again.