Friendship Force International

Friendship Force is a non-profit cultural organization focused on promoting understanding, cultural education and citizen diplomacy through homestay Journeys and personal friendships. They are based in more than 60 countries and in six continents, with 15,000 active members and over 300 Journeys taking place each year. Through these exciting personal encounters, strangers become friends – and they know that by experiencing different views, you can discover common ground. Their programs bring diverse people together into each other’s cultures and homes to share one-of-a-kind experiences not available to regular tourists. Friendship Force provides opportunities to explore new countries and cultures from the inside by bringing people together at the personal level. Through the signature program of home hospitality, local hosts welcome international visitors into their culture, sharing with them meals, conversation, and the best sights and experiences of their region. In a typical Friendship Force program, a local club (chapter) prepares an itinerary of cultural activities, inviting members from clubs in other countries to come and stay with them in their homes for up to a week. Their clubs consist of volunteers from all walks of life who are all dedicated to their mission of breaking down the barriers that separate people through a variety of activities, journeys and experiences. From small, family-based groups to large, 100-person networks, Friendship Force clubs are the heart of their organization. They are the true testament of the power of friendship and understanding – qualities so desperately needed in their world today. By joining one of their clubs, you open yourself to a world of opportunities to enrich your life by sharing your culture through traveling, hosting or volunteering.