What is Friendship Force?

Friendship Force International (FFI) is a nonprofit, cultural global exchange organization whose mission is to promote peace and goodwill by bringing people together through educational/ informational journeys. Through such educational programs, FFI sows the seeds of friendship across the physical and cultural barriers that divide us.

When Friendship Force was created by Jimmy Carter and Wayne Smith in 1977, Harrisburg was one of the first charters. There was a very successful exchange in 1978 that occurred between Harrisburg, PA and Mexico City. It was well publicized and highlighted by a visit from Roslyn Carter.

Many interesting exchanges and journeys followed including visits to South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia over the years from 1980 to the present day. Harrisburg has also played host to ambassadors from Germany, Italy, Colombia, Japan, The Netherlands, Israel, India, Moldova, Thailand, Ireland, Kyrgyzstan, Hungary, Russia, Ukraine, New Zealand, Australia, England, and Canada. In 2003 FFGH participated in a special peace-making trip to Jordan with FFI founder Wayne Smith. For Friendship Force, travel isn’t just about sightseeing—it’s about connection.

There are now close to 300 chartered Friendship Force Clubs on 6 continents (including FFGH, Friendship Force of Greater Harrisburg) whose members are committed to making friends, both at home and abroad. More detailed information about Friendship Force International can be found at www.friendshipforce.org. Click here for a short video about Friendship Force. Click here to check out the article in the November 2025 edition of the Burg, a local community publication, about Friendship Force of Greater Harrisburg.

EXPLORE

All Friendship Force journeys begin with curiosity and the desire to know more. Seeing a culture up close, through the eyes of local residents, takes you straight to the heart of a country and its people.

UNDERSTAND

Cultural differences can bring people together! Traveling or hosting with Friendship Force gets you off the tourist tract and straight into the lives of real people in different settings. If you are not able to travel, you can participate as a home host or dinner host. However you take part in club activities, you will gain friendships at home and abroad that can last a lifetime.

SERVE

Participation in Friendship Force is unique because once you travel to another country, you will never see its people in the same way again. Time spent together in conversation and sharing cultures created new opinions and opens your heart and mind. Friendship Force sponsors humanitarian exchanges and educational projects that allow you to have an even more rewarding cultural experience.

“Several months ago, I joined Friendship Force of Greater Harrisburg (FFGH). It is basically an adult foreign exchange program with over 400 chapters throughout the world. This past week we had 13 members of Birmingham, AL, here learning about the Amish, a buggy ride, our local government, PA Dutch foods, Amish customs, corn fields, cooler temperatures, and the generosity of people. They got to tour the Capitol building, Boiling Springs, City Island, Army War College, Pride of the Susquehanna paddle wheel, a Senators ball game, and meals with local hosts among other things! I hosted a lady and went to all of the above – am tired. Will be doing it again in November when folks from Perth, Australia arrive.”

– Laraine | FFGM Member

A World of Friends is a
World of Peace

FAQS

Is Friendship Force a travel/tourist organization?

NO. Ambassadors (members) may cover great distances and see many places during a journey, but the success of a journey is measured in handshakes, hugs and new friendships.

What exactly is a Friendship Force journey?

A Journey is a one-week intercultural learning and sharing experience which is assigned to the Club by the FFI organization. Ambassadors typically travel together to and from an assigned host country and spend the week in the homes of FF hosts. They are welcomed as treasured guests and soon become “one of the family.” Most friendships form over the course of an exchange and begin long-term relationships Both Host and Ambassador feel that they gain knowledge and have a new respect for the other’s country and its people.

What is a domestic journey?

Currently, FFI is assigning one international journey and one domestic journey each year to the local Clubs. A domestic journey assignment means the Harrisburg Club (FFGH) will visit another club within the contiguous United States. Domestic journeys have proven to be just as rewarding as foreign journeys. Each year FFGH makes a request to FFI for clubs, international and domestic, we would like to visit. Because we are close to other clubs in our region, FFGH may also arrange day trips or weekend trips to visit these regional clubs. Such trips are in addition to FFI assigned journeys..

Can anyone be an ambassador or host?

Traveling and hosting with FF provides a unique opportunity to experience a lifestyle different than your own. An FF ambassador needs to be flexible, have a compassion for people, a positive attitude, a good sense of humor, an adventurous spirit, and reasonably good physical stamina. Applicants are interviewed to insure they meet these criteria. Whether one travels as an ambassador or opens their home as a host, the results are usually the same. You will find that you have more in common with people from other countries than you have differences. Within one week, you truly make new friends.

Are there other ways to participate?

Not everyone has the space, time, or inclination to be a host or ambassador, but driving visitors to events, or just attending events are rewarding activities. Regional and international conferences, festivals and humanitarian trips are also available. Clubs are also in need of local members to participate as Board members, committee chairs or other organizational roles if traveling or hosting is not in your comfort zone.

What does it cost to participate in an exchange?

Annual club membership in FF Greater Harrisburg is $35 per person. The cost to travel as an ambassador varies based on the location. Because each Journey includes a home stay, the cost of a week-long journey is much less than traveling with a tour company. Travelers pay their own transportation costs. Club members from other clubs open their homes and hearts to their guests with warm hospitality. They receive no money from the organization. Ambassadors are welcome and indeed encouraged to give small host gifts, typically souvenirs from their country or region, to their home host. Usually at least one dinner out with the host, paid by the guest is part of the experience. There will be a fee paid to the home club to pay for the week-long Journey to cover entry fees, some lunches, etc. Usually that fee does not exceed $300 per journey but will vary depending on the events planned.

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