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.
 

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.
Ready to Join the Adventure?
 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 (Heartland-Lake Country) randyhelbach@hotmail.com
 
 

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 20260213 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.
 
 
 
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.