4-H International Exchange Opportunities

The world is changing so rapidly that to keep up, we must learn to understand new cultures and languages and be willing to accept all people, along with their different cultures, customs and values. Through 4-H international exchanges, we hope to not only increase the friendship between people in Michigan and other countries, but also to help young people around the world develop an international outlook. Michigan 4-H Youth Development offers many opportunities for cross-cultural exchanges for Michigan young people and their families. 

Opportunities for Hosting International Visitors

Each year, staff from Michigan 4-H Youth Development recruit and train Michigan families to host international visitors from various countries including Japan, Norway, Finland, Belize, Poland and Australia. Host families typically include a young person of the same sex or general age group as the visitor. International visitors usually are with families from three to five weeks, with the exception of some year-long stays.

In addition to training and orientation opportunities, parents of host families are asked to participate in the MSU Extension Volunteer Selection Process, which is required of all 4-H volunteers and professional staff who spend significant amounts of time with young people aged 18 and under.

Opportunities for International Travel

Young people who participate in 4-H international travel opportunities:

• Learn more about other countries and cultures.
• Develop an appreciation of the social, economic, political and cultural contributions of all people.
• Better understand how culture influences values, beliefs and attitudes.
• Live with host families and actively participate in family life.
• Practice foreign language, verbal and nonverbal communication skills.
• Participate in an educational tour to acquire specific subject matter skills and knowledge.
• Prepare to share the international experience through presentations in their home community.

International Exchange Program Information and Forms for All 2009 Exchanges

• 2009 4-H Exchange Opportunities for Travel and Hosting (one-page, MS Word handout)
• Application information and forms for Michigan 4-H exchange participants, families and 4-H staff
• Promotional Material for International Travel and Hosting Opportunities (PDF format)

Educational Materials for Making Global Connections

The Michigan 4-H Youth Development offer a variety of publications and audiovisual resources for building global awareness and understanding. Contact your county MSU Extension office to see the complete listing of resources in the "Global Education" section of the Guide to Michigan 4-H Youth Development. You'll also want to check out these on-line resources for information on 4-H global awareness programs:

• Polish 4-H Connections: Building Connections Young Person to Young Person, Family to Family
  Share the stories of young people and families involved in Polish 4-H Exchanges and the story of the development of 4-H youth programs in Poland. This program is sponsored by the Michigan 4-H Foundation in cooperation with the newly formed Polish 4-H Foundation.

Learning Materials

More information on learning materials available to support these activities can be found in the Michigan Guide to 4-H or through the MSU Bulletin Office.

Training & Events

For upcoming training and events in this area, check the 4-H Volunteer Workshops web site, the MSU Extension Calendar and the 4-H Exploration Days web site.

Contact Information

For more information on how to get involved as a youth or volunteer, contact your county MSU Extension office or:

Renee Applegate
4-H Youth Development
Michigan State University
160 Agriculture Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824-1039
USA

Phone: 517-432-7624
Fax: 517-355-6748
Email: applega1@msu.edu

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Last Updated: January 19, 2009
Last Reviewed: January 4, 2008