Ten Rotarians from District 6270 traveled to Argentina December 5 -14, 2025 as the outbound portion of the RFE with Argentina.
The Argentinians are inbound the last week of July, 2026.
Rotary Friendship Exchange (RFE)
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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.
District 6270 Rotary Friendship Exchange
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.
Resources
Ready to Join the Adventure?
If you are interested in participating, we need volunteers as a host family for the inbound visit. Contact …
District 6270's RFE Co-Chair Randy Helbach (Heartland-Lake Country)
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 updated 20260602 cmp
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 2025, two exchanges happened; Peru and Argentina
In May, delegates from District 6270 visited Peru. A donation was given to help with their clean water project in rural Peru. In addition, Rotary Club of Cedarburg-Grafton made a $2000 donation to provide a new medical facility set up with 10 baby scales. Check out this article submitted to RotaryServiceBlog.org by David Carter (Milwaukee North Sunrise Rotary Club) highlighting his experience with the Peruvian exchange.
Information about the Argentina exchange is not yet complete. Please check back.
Past projects included:
2024 a group of Rotarians from District 6270 exchanged experiences and ideas with fellow Vietnamese Rotarians.
2023, together D6270 completed a water project with Uganda that is helping 48,000 people get clean water.
2017-2018, with District 2982 the Dialysis Machines project was completed in Virddhachalam, India.
Rotary Friendship Exchange with Peru!
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.
What happens when Rotary friendships cross continents? In 2025, nine Rotarians from Wisconsin discovered the answer during a Rotary Friendship Exchange to Peru.
In January, one of the nine RFE members, David Carter (Milwaukee North Sunrise Rotary Club), submitted his thoughts in his article Bridges of friendship: A transformative Rotary Friendship Exchange between Peru and the United States. This story was featured in RotaryServiceBlog.orgFrom warm welcomes in Lima and Ica to shared meals and heartfelt home hospitality, the experience quickly became more than travel—it became connection. Members explored the beauty of Cusco and stood in awe at Machu Picchu, but the true highlight was the laughter around dinner tables and the deep conversations that bridged cultures. The exchange continued when Peruvian Rotarians visited southeast Wisconsin, experiencing Midwestern hospitality, local service projects, and a visit to Rotary International headquarters.
This unforgettable journey reminds us that Rotary Friendship Exchanges do more than showcase places—they build lasting relationships, strengthen global understanding, and turn acquaintances into lifelong friends.
Because when Rotary connects hearts across borders, the impact is truly transformational.
The article in its entirety was posted by The RotaryServiceBlog.org on January 22, 2026. It can be found HERE or you can download it from District 6270 as a PDF.
Visit District 6270's Rotary Friendship Exchange for more information on how you and your club can get involved through these life-changing experiences.
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.
