States’ 4-H International’s mission is to enhance world understanding and global citizenship, which we believe can be achieved through living with a local host family and immersing oneself in another culture. Travel the world. Learn new languages. Meet new people. Appreciate new cultures. Summer exchange programs open up the world to young people. States’ 4-H Summer Outbound programs provide American 4-H youth with the opportunity to travel to foreign countries for a cultural immersion experience. Outbound delegates live with volunteer host families and engage in experiential learning about a new way of life. Delegates experience aspects of daily life that allow them to more deeply understand both their host culture and their own culture. Our network of like-minded international partners recruit host families and plan enrichment activities for the delegation.

Dates:

  • Outbound to Costa Rica: June 18 – July 17 (Ages 15-18)

  • Outbound to Japan: July 8 – August 6, 4 weeks (Ages 12-18)
  • Outbound to Japan: June 18 – August 6, 8 weeks (Ages 12-18)
  • Outbound to Norway: June 24 – July 24 (Ages 15-18)
  • Outbound to South Korea: July 15 – August 13 (Ages 12-18)
  • Outbound to Taiwan: June 28 – July 28 (Ages 12-18)
  • Outbound to Romania: June 24 – July 24 (Ages 15-18)

Timeline:

December 1, 2019: First deposit due with application for the following programs:

  • $2,000 for Japan 8-week
  • $1,500 for Japan 4-week, South Korea, Taiwan, Norway, Romania
  • $1,000 for Costa Rica

February 1, 2020: Second deposit due for the following programs:

  • $2,000 for Japan 8-Week
  • $1,500 for Japan 4-Week, South Korea, Taiwan, Norway, Romania
  • $1,000 for Costa Rica

March 1, 2020: Medical form and passport copy due to States’ 4-H Office

April 15, 2020: Remaining balance due for all programs

Information:

  • Adult chaperones accompany the group during international travel and remain in-country to provide support during the exchange.
  • States’ 4-H provides Program Handbooks that cover everything from packing lists to financial matters to cultural information.
  • States’ 4-H also has a group conference call in late spring and a National Departure Orientation the day before the international flight.
  • In addition, each state may conduct a spring orientation covering these topics.
  • No prior language study is required, but it certainly is helpful! Our international partners have English-speaking staff on hand to assist you in communication.