Friendship Force members know that a homestay is more than just a place to stay; it offers a doorway into the soul of a country and her people. At the heart of the Mexican homestay experience is the opportunity to partake in everyday life: savoring homemade tortillas at the breakfast table, joining in traditional fiestas, and being embraced as family members.
One of the most cherished aspects of Mexican homestays is the culinary journey they offer. Mexican cuisine is renowned worldwide for its diverse flavors and colorful presentation, and there’s no better way to savor its authenticity than by sharing meals with local families. You never know, you might just master the art of mole sauce or learn the secrets to a perfect bowl of pozole!
Or maybe it’s the country’s rich artistic and cultural heritage that appeals to you, exploring centuries-old churches or learning traditional crafts from skilled artisans. How about a night dancing with your hosts to the rhythmic beats of traditional music? In every corner of Mexico, you can experience a sense of people’s cultural pride and artistic expression.
Friendship Force has a long history in Mexico and currently has programs in four main locations:
Xalapa is ringed by volcanoes and cloud forests and is home to two clubs. The Friendship Force of Xalapa in and around the city itself, with its cobblestone streets and colorful building facades, and The Friendship Force of Coatepec in the heart of lush coffee plantations.
The Friendship Force of Mexico City is in Mexico’s bustling capital, where modernity meets tradition with ancient ruins, colonial architecture, and contemporary culture. El Centro Histórico is the city’s beating heart while neighborhoods like Coyoacán, home of Frida Kahlo, and artsy San Angel offer their own charms.
There are two clubs in Tuxtla Gutierrez, which is a hub of indigenous culture, stunning nature, and vibrant markets. From here, you can explore the archaeological sites of Palenque and Yaxchilan, where ruins offer a glimpse into the glory of the Maya civilization. The clubs in this area are The Friendship Force of Mundo Maya de Tuxtla Gutierrez, and The Friendship Force of Tuxtla Gutierrez.
Puerto Vallarta, renowned for its stunning beaches and amazing nature and marine life, has not yet established a FF homestay program. However, in early 2025 the first immersive experience will take place, where you can engage with its beauty and culture in meaningful ways.
About Friendship Force International
Friendship Force International (FFI) is a cultural exchange organization that has brought people from all over the world of all ages, cultures, and nationalities together for almost 50 years. With a mission of promoting global understanding across the barriers that separate people, FFI has an extensive program of international exchanges many of which have a key homestay component that allows ambassadors to share a home, meals, conversation and everyday experiences. Through these unique experiences, people become friends, seeing beyond governments and borders into the heart of a country and its people. Almost one million people have participated in Friendship Force programs since the organization was founded in 1977 by Wayne Smith and introduced by U.S. President Jimmy Carter. Friendship Force has more than 300 chartered clubs and programs in more than 60 countries on six continents, with more than 18,000 members worldwide. For additional information, visit www.friendshipforce.org