The Foreign Student Friendship Foundation (presently known as the Friendship Foundation for International Students (FFIS)) began in 1950 under the leadership of Dr. David M. Dougherty, a University of Oregon professor of Romance Languages and Head of the Department of Foreign Languages from 1947 to 1964. He was inspired by the vision and perseverance of the late professor Raymond Watson Kirkbride, University of Delaware, whose "war experiences had convinced him of the great need for better understanding between nations," and was quoted as saying, "we must get to know each other in order to understand each other."

The core of FFIS, whose goals are to bring together individuals and organizations, are interested in providing UO international students and scholars with experiences that enhance their educational and cultural experiences in the United States; in promoting environments that enhance friendship; and in offering the community opportunities to know and appreciate international students and their countries and cultures of origin.

One of the main activities of the program was organizing excursions throughout Oregon for foreign students. The program would request sponsorship by other organizations, like a local chamber of commerce, to cover accommodations and other things in the cities and town they would travel to. In exchange, the UO students would speak at schools and local organizations about their home country and their experience at the University.

[Source: FFIS Newsletter, http://www.ffisoregon.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/FriendsNov2010.pdf]