By Amrit Pal Singh Dhiman, Rotary Friendship Exchange Chair for District 3080 (India)
Ever dreamed experiencing a new culture while creating a positive difference in yourself and in others? A Rotary Friendship Exchange might be just what you’re looking for! These are reciprocal international exchanges coordinated by the district Rotary Friendship Exchange chairs to reflect the interests of participants. By staying with host families abroad, participants gain unique insights into local customs, traditions, and societal norms, promoting a deeper appreciation of cultural diversity. Whether it is culture, service, or skills development-focused, all exchanges foster lasting friendships, global understanding and personal growth. Often, the trusted friendships built during these exchanges result in collaborations on international service projects and lay the foundation for peacebuilding through greater understanding and tolerance.
My experience with a Rotary Friendship Exchange
I led a very exciting Rotary Friendship Exchange between my club, the Rotary Club Chandigarh in India, and the Rotary Club Istanbul Findikli in Türkiye. Ten members from Istanbul first visited Chandigarh in January 2024 and stayed with us for six days. During their stay, we arranged their visits to the spiritual city of Rishikesh, next to river Ganges. They visited the popular hill station of Kasauli. We took them to see the famous museum on Sikhism ’Virasat-e-Khalsa’ at Anandpur Sahib in Punjab. Guests found the visits to our heritage complex, including Assembly Complex, the Open Hand Monument, and the Tower of Shadows, very interesting. They visited our club meeting and two of our club projects: the Peace Monument and the Blood Bank Society Resource Center. Bonds developed between the hosts and guests during this time. The visiting team leader spoke warmly of the team’s experience in Chandigarh. As a symbol of friendship and peace, the visiting team members planted a tree.
Six months after being the host club, we organized an equally memorable seven-day visit to Istanbul with eleven members of our club. We were warmly welcomed by our hosts and explored Istanbul’s major tourist attractions, including Taksim Square, Dolmabahçe Palace, The Blue Mosque, The Hippodrome of Constantinople, The Grand Bazaar, The Egyptian Market, and the Hodgapasha Cultural Center. A highlight was our private Bosphorus cruise aboard a Rotarian’s boat. We also participated in local Rotary activities, attending a club meeting and visiting their community project site. One of our Rotarian hosts is a coordinator in Türkiye for the Otto and Fran Walter Rotary Peace Center at Bahçeşehir University, urged everyone to continue participating in in-person friendship exchanges as they promote peace. As a token of our appreciation, we presented a coffee table book of our club’s 60 years history to the club president.
Benefits of our Friendship Exchange
Lifelong friendships. Our exchange participants have developed friendships for life. We have become one big extended family across borders. On a personal level, participants gained new confidence and improved communication skills.
Partnership between clubs. Our clubs signed a Twin Club agreement to work together on projects and to share ideas and initiatives.
Global grant project. One of our team members has committed USD $25,000 for a global grant project, hosted by the Rotary Club Istanbul Findikli. The club is planning a Digital Peace Library at the newest Rotary Peace Center in Istanbul.
New peace initiatives. One of the members of my host club in Türkiye introduced me to the Rotary Action Group for Peace (RAGFP). After learning about their work, I joined the RAGFP booth at the 2024 Rotary Convention and learnt more about the group’s initiatives. Back home, as District Peace Chair, I proposed creating Peacebuilder Clubs in my district, and we now have 20. We’re planning peace summits and initiatives for Interactors and Rotaractors. I’m also working to start a Peace School program in India and have recently joined the RAGFP India Chapter Board.
More Friendship Exchanges. Inspired by the visit, this time I’m planning a district-to- district Friendship Exchange in the near future. This will open new possibilities for sure. Thus, the chain continues.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion. Rising above nationalities, religion, gender, caste, creed, and politics, we experienced Rotary’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion firsthand. We treated each other with love, affection, and gratitude. Navigating a new cultural environment and interacting with people from diverse backgrounds builds resilience and adaptability and helps develop traits valuable in both personal and professional spheres. The exchange experience enriches participants’ perspectives, fostering open-mindedness and empathy—qualities essential for effective global citizenship.
Rotary Friendship Exchanges not only enhance individual lives but also contribute to a more interconnected and harmonious world, advancing Rotary’s mission to serve humanity and advance world understanding. Visit the Rotary Friendship Exchange website to learn more about the program and view current exchange locations.
Editor’s Note: Rotary Friendship Exchange is an example of how one program can help clubs and districts engage members and participants, increase the positive change they make in communities around the world, reach new and diverse audiences, and serve as an option for trying something new- all the things that support Rotary’s Action Plan.
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