Friendship Force

Friendship Force has a network of some 350 Friendship Force Clubs around the world. They aim, through homestays, to break down barriers to mutual understanding one friend at a time. It is their opinion that the best guides to the understanding of another culture are the people who live it, and who are prepared to invite others to live it with them for a while, sharing insights, experiences, fun, and friendships, many long lasting.  These are called “Homestays”.

On all exchanges inbound from elsewhere, “Ambassadors”, as they are called, live with their “Hosts”, and the Host Club provides a program for a typical 6 or 7 day sojourn.  Home hospitality is coupled with cultural exploration.  Many club members participate to support the hosts by hosting dinners, preparing programs and activities all while making new friends in the process.

Friendship Force Ottawa is the largest of the 18 Canadian clubs, and with about 180 members, one of the largest in the world, it normally hosts four “Inbound” exchanges each year and runs four “Outbound” exchanges. Exchange opportunities include visits to countries that embrace the French culture and language.

The Friendship Force was nominated in 1992 for the Nobel Peace Prize for its initiatives between the United States and the Soviet Union.