There arc two types of Friendship Exchanges. The first is the Visitor Program in which individual Rotarians, who may be accompanied by family members, spend a few days in the home of a Rotarian in another country. The second is a Team Program in which a number of couples, typically from four to six, visit several commu­nities in the host district for up to one month. The number of couples and/or length of stay is flexible, and is agreed upon by the districts involved. Both types of visits are coordinated by district Friendship Exchange committees and both are carried out at no expense to Rotary International. Also, districts are encouraged, where feasible, to consider arranging uni-vocational exchanges — exchanges where host and guest Rotarians are of the same occupation.

In the Visitor Program, Rotarians and their families, in­cluding children, are eligible for participation. In the Team Program, participation is limited to Rotarians and their spouses.

Participating districts will develop their own standards for the selection of participants. In all cases. Friendship Exchange must be undertaken with the consent of two thirds of the clubs in the participating districts; with the approval of the District Governors; and with the understanding that they involve no liability to Rotary International.

Generally, Friendship Exchanges may take place any time of the year that is agreeable to the clubs and districts involved. Reciprocal visits may take place during the same year, or in the following year.

You can go anywhere in the world where there are Rotary districts that want to share fellowship and homestay.

Rotarians who have participated as Friendship Exchange guests will be anxious to serve as hosts when Rotary visitors come to their home community.

In the Visitor Program (Rotarians or Rotary families), the length of stay is usually several days (probably no more than three or four). However, in each case it is up to the host club to determine the nature of the Friendship Exchange, the number of host families involved, and the length of each stay. Rotary district Friendship Exchange Teams, however, visit several communities in their host district, staying a few days with each individual family for a total period of up to four weeks (or a total period as agreed upon by the districts involved).

In all cases, guests are expected to pay their basic expenses. Variations from this standard are only at the host family's discretion and should not be expected.

For Rotary Friendship Teams, the host district chairman will provide the guest district chairman with an itinerary of host Rotary clubs along the visitation route and information on the length of stay with each. District chairmen and host club volunteers will mutually agree upon the itinerary and arrangements before the exchange is carried out.

Friendship Exchange is not simply a way to obtain friendly lodging during a business or vacation trip. The exchange of Rotary families and couples who are motivated by a sincere desire to learn about others and to share international fellowship can be an effective tool in promoting better human relations around the world.