FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the mission of Friendship Force International?
Do I have to be wealthy to join?
What does it cost to join The Friendship Force?
How do I go about traveling with Friendship Force?
How are journeys organized?
Do you travel to the host country as a group?
What is a Homestay?
What about travel costs?
What if I'm not a good traveler?
How can I participate in an Inbound Exchange if I work all day?
Does it matter if I can't speak a foreign language?
Isn't The Friendship Force just a travel club?
What are members really like?
How many clubs are there?
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What is the mission of Friendship Force International?
To promote global understanding across the barriers that separate people. Our slogan is “Experience Different Views. Discover Common Ground.” We explore countries and cultures through home visits, called journeys. Participants who are traveling are called ambassadors. Read all about FFI at their website: thefriendshipforce.org.
Do I have to be wealthy to join?
ABSOLUTELY NOT. When Friendship Force members travel to another club, they do so to meet the people and learn, not judge how they live. A Friendship Force Journey will cost you a little less than a package tour to the same location - the difference is that you will go home with so much more.
What does it cost to join The Friendship Force?
Current annual subscription for the Southwest Florida Club is $35.00 per person. Members of other Friendship Force clubs can join for $10 person.
How do I go about traveling with Friendship Force?
With Friendship Force, you have the opportunity to apply to travel on any of our domestic or international journeys. We typically have one international journey assigned to us each year by Friendship Force International, our non-profit parent organization based in Atlanta, Georgia. In addition, you can apply to join any of the journeys with openings offered by many other chapters throughout the world. There are over 360 chapters in 60 countries. So there are many opportunities to travel.
How are journeys organized?
Each year, clubs decide whereabouts in the world they would like to go to be hosted (Outbound Journeys), also where they would be prepared to accept clubs from as ambassadors (Inbound Journeys). This information goes to our international office in Atlanta where the staff do their best to match up the chapters. Journey Coordinators of the chapters pair hosts and ambassadors (trying to match up people of similar ages and interests if possible). Committees of chapter members will work to organize outings and entertainment for the ambassadors. The success of all visits depends on both chapters working together. Journeys may include visits to two or three different chapters (two or three one-week phases).
Do you travel to the host country as a group?
Yes and no. The group usually consists of 10 to 15 individuals, known as “Ambassadors.” Travel arrangements vary with some members making their own airline reservations and some people traveling together. We usually meet in the airport or at a specific location in the host city at a definite time. We are often met at the airport by our hosts who transport us to their homes. Some ambassadors may arrange private travel tours before or after the exchange. And many times, the Journey Coordinator puts together a private tour of the host country to be enjoyed before or after the trip.
What is a “Homestay”?
Simple - when you travel with the chapter to another country, you stay free of charge as a guest in the home of another Friendship Force member in that country. You share their life for a week and probably their friendship for the rest of your life.
What about travel costs?
When we go on an Outbound Journey, we pay our own travel costs plus a fee to the Friendship Force International (FFI) currently set at $165 per club visit. We also pay the home club a negotiated fee. Often it works out to ~$150 per club visit depending upon the planned activities. Each club member is responsible for their airplane, train, bus or car fare(s). Also, we highly recommend obtaining trip insurance, which is available through Friendship Force International on their web site. To help each member budget, the cost of each Friendship Force journey is estimated by the club's Journey Coordinator and made available to club membersprior to the trip.
What if I'm not a good traveler?
You don't ever have to travel if you don't want to. You can still be a member of the Friendship Force. Many members enjoy being either hosts, day hosts or dinner hosts. They offer homestays to incoming journeys and they meet other Friendship Force members that way.
How can I participate in an Inbound Journey if I work all day?
You could provide accommodation on a 'bed and breakfast' basis and let another chapter member assist you by Day Hosting. They look after your ambassador(s) during the day while you are at work. Alternatively you could contribute by inviting a couple of ambassadors to join you for a meal one evening, or just provide some food for the welcome or farewell party. There are many ways to be involved in an an international journey.
Does it matter if I can't speak a foreign language?
No, not at all. If you can smile, mime and point, you're going to do just fine. Even mundane events can sometimes become hilarious that way. Remember that everyone in The Friendship Force is a member because they WANT to communicate and learn. They will be trying as hard as you. Learning just a few words in the hosts language will guarantee a delighted smile, no matter how badly pronounced.
Isn't The Friendship Force just a travel club?
NO! The whole point of the club is Friendship - at home and abroad. Our motto is ”FACES, NOT PLACES.” A journey involves commitment and effort on your part. If you are just looking for a cheap holiday then the Friendship Force is NOT for you.
What are members really like?
They are just ordinary people of all ages who like to do something rather special. We have no religious or political associations, just a desire to learn more about other people in other places and be friends with them, no matter what their creed color or background.
How many clubs are there?
At the time of writing there are 360 chapters world wide.
CHANGING THE WAY YOU SEE THE WORLD
Click to visit Friendship Force International