A Friendship Force Ambassador, traveling to another country or U.S. domestic region, takes on three distinct roles: Guest, Ambassador, and Traveler.
GUEST: What makes travel with the Friendship Force unique is the opportunity to live for five to seven days with a local host family. The ambassador becomes part of the host family, sharing everyday responsibilities around the home while learning firsthand about the host culture. Living conditions vary around the world, and the ambassador should be physically able to meet the requirements of the host community. This may include walking to the market, traveling on public transportation and climbing stairs in the home. Lodging and meals in the home are provided by the host, and group activities, such as welcome parties and local sightseeing, are included in the host chapter’s program fee. Other expenses outside the home are the responsibility of the ambassador: local transportation (or a tank of gas), admission costs to local attractions, and meals outside the home. Sometimes ambassadors like to share their culture by preparing a meal in the home — purchasing the items required at the local market. Being a good guest also means expressing gratitude in appropriate ways. Taking the host out to dinner and sending a thank you note (not just a quick email) after the journey.
AMBASSADOR: Those who travel as Friendship Force ‘ambassadors’ go not just for their own personal goals, but also to represent their home community and their country. This means that in addition to learning about the host culture, they can share about their own. As they make friends in the host community, ambassadors provide a very personal and unique connection on behalf of their country. They should go prepared to be a true ambassador, reflecting the best of their country or region.
TRAVELER: A Friendship Force experience is a great way to experience the world from a new and unique perspective. With local citizens as guides, the ambassador is introduced to the best attractions of the region. Interested in particular off the beaten track opportunities? Just ask! Ambassadors are likely to find ample time for ‘exploring on their own’. Traveling as a FF ambassador is enjoyable and enriching, but it also requires special dedication and preparation. A spirit of adventure, flexibility, and being open to new experiences are all essentials for a successful ambassador experience.
If you are considering joining FFNEO on an international or domestic journey, remember…
FFNEO asks that you be an active FF member, in our club or any other. Reminder – FF International has more than 350 chapters in 60 countries and who is going where and when is summarized on FFI’s website. Do you see that another club is going somewhere you would like to go? Being a FF member gives you a better chance of being accepted to join in on their journey.
This is a cultural journey, not a vacation. Journey Coordinators (JC) for both clubs will work together to set arrival and departure dates and the host club, not the ambassadors, will set the general itinerary. Not to worry, as your hosts are likely to ask what you would like to do on ‘free’ days of the journey. They want you to have a MARVELOUS time! The host club will set journey fees which are non-negotiable and non-refundable (unless covered by travel insurance, which is recommended).
Generally, FFNEO ambassadors travel to and from a journey together and PRE or POST journey group travel may be optionally offered. FFNEO’s JC will communicate to you everything you need to know.
You are a guest in someone’s home, not a hotel or B&B. Hosts are NOT your maid service or room service but, need to have laundry done? Ask them!
Ambassadors should be prepared to follow a FFNEO tradition of taking token-of-appreciation-type gifts for their home hosts and dinner hosts, as well as taking their home hosts to dinner at a restaurant of their choice.
Respectfully ask your hosts about their lives, not just the sites they are taking you to. This is one of the best opportunities you will ever have to experience true CULTURAL EXCHANGE.
