FRIENDSHIP FORCE INTERNATIONAL

Founded in 1977, Friendship Force International (FFI) is a worldwide organization whose Mission is to promote world peace and understanding by creating an environment where individual friendships can be established across the barriers that separate people.  FFI is a non-profit organization dedicated to the principle that each person can make a contribution to global goodwill. Home hospitality - the heart of a Friendship Force exchange- provides the opportunity for people of different countries and cultures to connect at a personal level. More than half a million participants have experienced the personal enrichment and cross-cultural understanding that results from a Friendship Force exchange. 

There are currently 360 Friendship Force Clubs in 53 countries.  In the US there are 120 clubs in 39 different states.

EXCHANGES

Friendship Force members travel as Ambassadors from their home country to another country and in our case to other clubs within the United States.  Local Hosts welcome them into their homes, providing activities that reflect community life and local culture.  After sharing experiences of friendship, differences of language or politics become less important.

Anyone who shares the principles of The Friendship Force is welcomed as a member. Ambassadors pay for their own travel plus a fee to the host clubs for group expenses to participate in an exchange. Hosts provide hospitality without reimbursement. To be an Ambassador or Host requires a strong commitment, and those interested are chosen by each participating club.

The host club establishes a schedule for the week that includes examples of their culture and local areas of interest.  It will usually include group activities and also time with the home hosts and other members of the host club. 

HOSTING

As a Friendship Force host, you will engage in one of the most exciting experiences of your life.  You will share the Friendship Force experience of giving of yourself, receiving in exchange the friendship of people from another country and culture, and helping spread international peace and understanding between countries.

Hosting provides an opportunity to learn about differences and similarities in life styles that cross cultural divides. Your guest Ambassador will live in your home and participate in your daily routine, and meet your family and friends.

Your responsibility as a Friendship Force host is to spread goodwill, be understanding, kind, and friendly.   The goal is an experience that will be meaningful, comfortable and rewarding as you share your days with new friends from another country.