International Coffee with JB Kicks Off a New Rotary Year

On Friday, August 7, Rotarians from around the world gathered online for the first International Coffee with JB of the new Rotary year. These informal one-hour Zoom sessions, held on the first Friday of every month, provide an opportunity for Rotarians to share international experiences, learn from one another, and build friendships that span the globe.

More than 30 participants joined this month's session, which featured an engaging interview with Rotarians who recently participated in a Rotary Friendship Exchange between South Africa and Nova Scotia. Through an interactive question-and-answer format, both travelers and host families shared personal stories, memorable experiences, and the lasting friendships that resulted from the exchange. We were also joined by several Central European Rotarians, whose participation added an even broader international perspective and reinforced the truly global reach of Rotary.

The discussion highlighted what makes a Rotary Friendship Exchange so unique. Rather than simply visiting another country as tourists, participants experience life through the eyes of local Rotarians—often staying in members' homes, visiting service projects, and learning firsthand about local customs and communities. The program fosters cultural immersion, Rotary fellowship, international service learning, personal growth, and friendships that frequently last a lifetime.

Speakers emphasized that Friendship Exchanges are ideal for Rotarians of every experience level, including first-time international travelers, longtime Rotarians, couples, individual members, and even Rotary friends and family members. Participants consistently discover that while languages and traditions may differ, people everywhere share the same values of friendship, family, service, and goodwill.

Many participants remarked that they expected to return home with wonderful travel memories but instead came away with lifelong friends, expanded Rotary networks, invitations for future visits, and new opportunities for international service.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this month's discussion. If you've ever been curious about Rotary's international programs—or simply enjoy hearing inspiring stories from fellow Rotarians—we invite you to join us for the next International Coffee with JB on the first Friday of every month at 8:30 a.m. Eastern. We look forward to seeing you there!

Join Zoom Meeting

Zoom Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88423560494?pwd=vB3qxek1ajK8k47skmHlwJRImiua0Y.1

Meeting ID: 884 2356 0494
Passcode: 9350