Each year, thousands of people around the world take part in one of the many programs of The Rotary Foundation. These programs enrich the lives of participants and spread Rotary's vision of peace and world understanding. Their experiences foster international understanding through person-to-person contact, friendship, study, service, and cross-cultural exchange. Foundation program participants serve as goodwill ambassadors not just when they’re abroad, but also when they return to their home countries as alumni.

These groups have a connection to Rotary clubs around the world who sponsor and host their experience. Many Rotary Foundation alumni continue to stay connected and give back to Rotary in a variety of ways. Some eventually become Rotary club members themselves. The experience of living, learning, or serving in a land other than their own makes every Foundation alumnus an advocate for Rotary’s ideals.