On 4 October 2025 in the scenic surroundings of Strečno near Žilina, last year’s Slovak exchange students met again. Beyond sharing memories, they officially revived Rotex Slovakia to continue working with Rotary clubs in youth exchange.

At the initiative of the District Youth Exchange Committee Slovakia, and with strong support from Rotaract members, last year’s Slovak exchange students met in the autumn. Those who wish to continue actively cooperating with Rotary clubs in youth exchange came together under the renewed youth association Rotex Slovakia, elected their representatives, and defined their tasks for the upcoming Rotary year.

It all began in the picturesque setting of Strečno near Žilina on 4 October 2025, with an exceptional gathering of young people who, a year earlier, had represented Slovakia as Rotary 2240 exchange students. After months spent in various corners of the world—from Thailand to Brazil—they met again in a nostalgic atmosphere, as if they had all returned to the time before their exchanges.

However, the meeting had another important goal beyond sharing experiences: the official establishment of Rotex Slovakia—a group bringing together former exchange students. The new Slovak Rotex will help future representatives prepare for their journeys abroad and support incoming students, who are already dreaming of discovering our country and sharing their own experiences. “Rotary gave us an incredible opportunity to discover the world and ourselves. Now we want to give something back,” said one of the participants.

In the end, everyone took away not only shared photos and memories, but also the feeling that Rotex Slovakia will be living proof that the Rotary exchange program does not end upon returning home—on the contrary, that is when the next chapter truly begins.

Text and photos:
Lucia Martanovičová, Vice President, Rotex SK