Thank you for your interest in being a part of the Rotary Friendship Exchange between District 4521 (Minas Gerais, Brazil) and District 5370.  Rotary Friendship Exchange is a great way to travel, learn about how the locals live in their land and make lifelong friendships while discovering cultures and communities in a unique way.  The Outbound Team normally consists of 8-14 individuals (either couples or single adults over 21 years of age).  Final numbers will be negotiated with District 4521.

Who May Apply?

Rotarians and their immediate families are eligible to participate in the Visitor (hosting) Program. Involvement is limited to Rotarians and their spouses in the Team (outbound) Program. The Rotarian family member must participate in the exchange for spouses and adult children (over 21) to be eligible.  To be fair, Rotarians who have hosted in the past and not gone on the outbound part of the exchange will be given preference over first-time applicants.  

How Long Does a Friendship Exchange Last?

The outbound portion of the exchange normally lasts 14 days.  If you are on the outbound team, you are required to stay with the program for the duration.  You are more than welcome to take extra time before or after the program to explore Brazil on your own.  While on exchange in Minas Gerais, you will attend Rotary Club meetings and be required to participate in a presentation about our District and your Rotary Club.  

Visiting Rotarians are hosted for 3-4 days in each city.  If you are selected for the outbound team, it is your responsibility to work with your Rotary Club President to arrange to host our guests for 3-4 days and arrange travel either to or from your city.  You will have a budget to work with to cover events, meals and transportation, and you will need to find Rotarians in your club willing to open their homes to host visitors.  

How Much Does it Cost?

You are responsible for paying the return airfare to the starting city of this exchange (Edmonton to Minas Gerais will cost between CA$1,300 to CA$1,800 - estimated, depending on departure dates).  You are also responsible for paying the per-person budget amount (to be determined) - this covers all your expenses (meals, scheduled events, Rotary meetings, housing with Rotarians) while on the Exchange (with the exception of alcohol). In addition, it is customary to bring a small token of thanks to each hosting family. Outbound team members will also be asked to contribute an amount (e.g. 25.00) towards group gifts presented at each of the different cities.  Previous budget amounts have ranged from CA$800 - CA$1,100.  (The per-person costs for this exchange have yet to be determined - amounts are presented for information only and when a final amount is negotiated with District 4521, it will be communicated to applicants.)

How are Outbound Team Members Selected?

We are looking for representation from different clubs in different parts of the District (ideally not a large group from one club).  The quality of the experience you are able to provide to our guests will be taken into consideration.  Preference will be given to Rotarians who have contributed in the past by opening their home to inbound Friendship Exchange guests.  Every attempt will be made to accommodate all applications however the reality is we will likely end up with more Rotarians who wish to go than we can send.  A small committee of past exchange participants will be asked to review applications and help to inform the final decisions made by the Friendship Exchange Chair.  

If you have any questions, please email sean@rotaryedmontonnortheast.org