Harford County Group

Welcome!

Discover what it means to be a host parent in our group!

The Global Friendships Program

Global Friendships is dedicated to fostering a better understanding among people of the world - one friendship at a time.

At Global Friendships, we provide an exciting international experience for both host families and foreign students and teachers. Our program is designed to immerse a foreign student into an American family, providing the incomparable opportunity to experience America through daily activities in the home and in the community. A series of activities and excursions are planned throughout the month they are here to broaden the student's exposure to American culture and to local history and interest.

Together, we can help a foreign student to discover "The American Way of Life." Global Friendships ensures that every student gets America's best—warmth, generosity and hospitality. In addition, we provide a unique opportunity to learn about the people and culture of another county.

How it works

Host families spend the month of July sharing their lifestyle and culture with a student from Spain. Whatever you usually do, the student can experience. We plan two local activities and one excursion per week for the students as well as optional activities that are planned more spontaneously by myself and families in the program. You and your children are welcome to participate in any or all of the activities. Expenses are covered for the exchange student and you and your family can get whatever group rate is offered. See the Activities Calendar for a layout of our month this year.

Testimonials

Student Testimonial

Host family kids Testimonial

Our family has hosted 6 times and each time has been great. Our daughters were 9 & 11 the first time we hosted and it has been really cool to see how the relationships with the Spanish students are different as they matured. While there were many fun group activities, some of the most fun we had was just doing stuff at home like board games, cooking and watching TV. We have also become friends with many of the host families. We were fortunate to be able to go to Spain this summer and visit with 4 of our former students and their families as well as one of the group leaders. Thanks to Global Friendships and Interway, we have priceless memories and forever friends.

Stephanie, Bel Air, MD

Hosting an exchange student not only deepens your family’s cultural competence, it builds friendships that promote mutual respect and cooperation among countries.

Amelia, Fallston, MD

Hosting a Spanish student for a month each summer has been an incredible experience for our family over the past seven years. We’ve built lifelong friendships, shared cultures, and made unforgettable memories. It’s a rewarding opportunity for families of all kinds—whether you have kids or not. I especially love that our family and/or older children can participate in the trips, making the experience even more special. The connections we’ve made go far beyond the summer, and we wouldn’t trade it for anything!

The Shriner Family, Bel Air, MD

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