The exchange program, which is designed for young people of age 14 to 21, takes place in a biannual interval. This means that during the first year, the teenagers will host a foreign guest. During the following summer, the teenagers will then travel as delegates to the country of their choosing. In all countries, the young people are accomodated in host families.
The program takes place between the middle of June and the end of August, depending on the scheduling due to the timing of the respective county's/state's summer holidays. The exchanges between European Countries and the individual chapters in the US usually last for 19 days. Within Europe, the general duration of the exchanges is around 14 days.
All OF groups are doing their best to provide a program rich in variety, with fun and culture perfectly combined.
Taking part in Operation Friendship means:
- free time activities
- visiting interesting sights
- making new friends
- staying with host families
During the exchange, both at home and abroad, the rules of Operation Friendship have to be respected. These rules are defined by Operation Friendship's Code of Practice.