Welcome!

Friendship Force International (FFI) is a worldwide network of clubs (local chapters) and individuals that advance our mission of promoting global understanding across the barriers that separate people. We do this by connecting people from different countries at the personal level. When local hosts open their homes to visitors from other countries and cultures, true understanding can develop through the sharing of meals, conversation and the routines of daily life. Since its founding in 1977 FFI has brought together millions of people. In 2007 alone, 5767 friendship ambassadors traveled between 58 countries, with thousands more serving as hosts.

The organizational framework of Friendship Force International has evolved over the past 24 years from a few large back-to-back charters to 275 small, more flexible exchanges using scheduled airlines, carried out by a global network of clubs. For the past 15 years, these independent local Friendship Force Clubs, have been the backbone of Friendship Force International, providing volunteer leadership for the exchange program as well as a community focus for Friendship Force International between exchanges. They are supported by professional staff and trained volunteers. Membership is open to all in the community who share in the organization's goals. There are now more than 350 clubs in 56 countries and 41 U.S. States.

First, we truly want y'all* to come to our part of the world where you will find plenty of "Southern Hospitality."

Second, we think that location, location, location is not just important in the real estate market, but also to our Friendship Force. Florence's location at the intersection of two Interstates (I-20 and I-95) and being close to several small towns in the Pee Dee area** is great for exploring our area and other parts of our state. Using our location to our advantage, we travel to sites that will help you learn about our peoples, our cultures, our changing economic patterns, and our rich history (lists of related web sites are provided).

We know that we're not located in Italy or in the mountains or along the coast, but we do have a variety of experiences just waiting for you. Actually, there's so much to see and do in our "Pee Dee" region** and nearby areas that we "can't do it all."

Hewn timber cabin
photo courtesy of Francis Marion University

Brookgreen Gardens
photo courtesy of Georgetown County Visitors Bureau

Here are some of the opportunities we have to offer:

• Florence is "on the move" and the areas around I-20 and I-95 offer many business, shopping, and "dining out" opportunities to explore. Francis Marion University, located outside of Florence has two hand hewn slave cabins on its campus. The Florence Stockade was a large holding facility for northern soldiers during the War Between the States. Florena Budwin, who had disguised herself as a man to be with her husband, was a POW here and was the first woman to be buried in a National Cemetery. Florence is typical of a small city that is blending the old with the new.
• We’ll “show off” several of our nearby small towns such as: Bishopville, Darlington, Hartsville, and Mullins– each having unique qualities.
• It’s hard to come to Florence and not take that 2 ½ hour drive south on Interstate 95 (I-95) to Charleston, SC which is quite well known as being the most hospitable city in the United States.
• If you’re interested in going east (about 1 ½ hours) to the Atlantic Ocean and to our “Grand Strand,” beach area, you’ll see more than just sand and surf.***
  • Brookgreen Gardens is internationally acclaimed for its American sculpture, grand oak trees, and diverse garden styles.
  • Live entertainment is provided at professional shows where you’ll enjoy entertainers who sing, dance and provide real quality shows. You just might leave humming a tune and tapping your foot.
• What about visiting Columbia, our state capital, home to our SC State Museum and Riverbank Zoo? We only have to travel about 1 ½ hours on Interstate 20 (I 20) to arrive in this historical city.

Third, we plan most of our activities for the entire group and our members are actively involved during your stay with us. Now, you may be wondering if or when you will get some rest and just “stay at your host’s home?” Well, you just might not get too much rest, but we will provide “some” time just for you and your host(s).  

Fourth, we want you to mix and mingle with our members. You’ll get to meet us…a group of about 20 strong. We’re quite diversified in age, hometowns, and backgrounds. When you come to visit, you’ll hear some British, Northern and Southern accents, but we all know how to say “y’all come.”

* Y’all is the most Southern expression of all words. Correct pronunciation and spelling of y’all (short for” you all” or “all of you”) is a requirement for each incoming ambassador to perform before departing from our chapter.
** The Pee Dee Indians lived in this area, but much of their very early history went unrecorded. The Pee Dee Tribe of SC obtained official state recognition in 2005 and 2006. Florence and the surrounding area is commonly referred to as the “Pee Dee.“
*** Additional payment will be needed if overnight trips are taken to Charleston or Myrtle Beach. Participants will also need to pay for any personal tours taken. Estimated costs will be provided for the group, before your arrival, if you would like to take advantage of these opportunities!