Seniors Enjoy The Friendship Force

On one of my recent tours at Taliesin West, I met a fellow who is very active with an organization called Friendship Force. I’d not heard of this organization. This gentleman had traveled the world and was eager to share Friendship Force International with this curious senior. I was impressed with what I learned.

There are more than 377 Friendship Force International (FFI) Chapters in 56 different countries, and over 15,000 members worldwide who enjoy the People to People, Heart to Heart travel.

Join the group and you will have opportunities to visit other countries and other parts of America that includes staying in the homes of FFI club members for four to seven days.

With these outbound exchanges you can see the world through the eyes of its citizens. This reminds me of the dozen or so student groups I have taken to France that included a week-long family stay and then a week exploring France.

Senior Travelers Enjoy a ‘Close-Up Experience’

 As an “Ambassador” to countries worldwide including the U.S., seniors can experience a culture up close, sharing family life of FFI club members, meeting folks just like yourself, engaging in their community and enjoying the sites of the region.

With volunteers on the ground in 70 countries, the programs bring diverse people together, into one another’s cultures and even homes, to share one-of-a-kind experiences not available to regular tourists. It is a super means to see the world through new eyes. This is what I call “a close-up experience” that is hard to match.

While the uniqueness of a country or place visited may fade with time, the friendships made are likely to remain forever. It is a rich and rewarding way to gain knowledge of places and people. Conversations across the table are highlights of your time together.

Bring The World To Your Doorstep

Upon your arrival in the country of your choice, you will be met by “Ambassadors” and attend a welcome dinner to meet FFI members. While lasting friendships develop, visits to historic and cultural sites become memory builders.

Seniors can bring the world to your doorstep by hosting international visitors to your home. You may even select a cultural program that focuses on specific interests of your’s such as hiking, gardening and wine-tasting for example.

Seniors can check out your own city to see if a FFI group exists locally. You will discover that every friendship formed across the barriers of nationality, language, religion or politics makes our world a better place to live. Enjoy the experience.

The International Headquarters are in Atlanta, Georgia. For additional information call: 404.522.9490. Enjoy the experience. -jeb