What is a Journey?

A journey is the process through which Friendship Force Clubs around the world meet and foster goodwill and develop lasting friendships.  Journeys take place between clubs.  Ambassadors travel with their home club and are hosted by clubs in other countries.  On an inward journey, our members host the ambassadors from the travelling club in our homes; and likewise on an outward journey, we stay in our hosts' homes.

Until recently journeys were referred to as exchanges.

 

Why was travel with Friendship Force called an exchange?

The word exchange comes from our organisation's early history when communities would actually exchange large delegations of citizen ambassadors.  In some cases there were several hundred people travelling in each direction.  We now use the word journey to emphasise the cultural journey that takes place when you become a temporary citizen for a few days, through our home hospitality programme.  We think this gets you straight to the heart of a country and its people.

Host families receive no payment for opening their homes to friendship ambassadors.  Ambassadors pay their own travel expenses plus an administration fee.

Inward Journeys

The host club, Kapiti Coast, is responsible for recruiting members who will open their homes to visiting ambassadors.  On an inward journey we can accommodate 15 visitors.  A programme is set up which will include local tours and group activities reflecting community life and local culture.

Outward Journeys

Ambassadors may be members of any club in New Zealand.  Kapiti Coast ambassadors may also apply to join any outward journey being conducted by another club, in any country.  Either before or after the journey, members may choose independent travel or arrange to return home.

Recent & Upcoming Journeys:

Click on the links in the menu to read about recent completed journeys, and to view details of upcoming inward and outward journeys.