Do you like to travel? Do you like to learn about different cultures? What would you like to see in the World? In this project area learn about different cultures and places you would like to visit.

Download the Spark Sheet

English Spanish
Exploring 4-H

Exploring 4-H Passport to the World

Spark Activity: Where in the World?

Pick a country to study, then look up which one of the fifty U.S. states has a similar population to that country.

Create a presentation documenting the similarities and differences between the identified country and the state based on the following topics:

  1. Climate and weather
  2. Culture and traditions
  3. Food and cuisine
  4. Language

Share what you learn through a display, a written report or on an infographic or other digital format.

Once you’ve completed your first country, choose a second one, but this time from a different continent. How many different countries can you explore?

4-H Project Levels and Goals
Beginner
  • Learn what the climate is like in the Country of Study and compare that to the climate where you live
  • Learn to say “hello” in the Country of Study 
  • Learn a game or sport that they play in the Country of Study
  • Learn about the traditional dress
  • Learn about music and dance from the Country of Study
  • Make a dish from your Country of Study
Intermediate
  • Write a letter to a 4-H member in the Country of Study
  • See what products are made in the Country of Study and what is imported into the United States
  • Learn about the government of the Country of Study
  • Make a travel plan of things you would like to see in another country
Advanced

Plan a fictional business trip to a country of interest and learn the cultural customs and expectations

  • Learn about career opportunities in the Country of Study
  • Help plan a county 4-H International Night
  • Identify a town/city in the Country of Study with a similar size to your town, and create a simple map of the Country of Study, comparing its size and characteristics to your state or town’s
Put Your Project Into Action

Show Your Skills

  • Complete the Illinois 4-H “Passport to The World” project manual
  • Build a display about a country

Service and Leadership

  • Write to a 4-H pen pal from another country
  • Help plan an International Night
  • Teach younger members in your club about a country

Entrepreneurship

  • Bake sale with international foods 
  • Learn a language and teach people to speak that language

Technology Connection

  • Virtual tours or live cameras from around the world

Connecting with a Mentor

  • Contact area colleges or the University of Illinois Office of International Programs
  • Friend or family member
  • 4-H club leader

Events

  • 4-H International Night
  • College international events (taste of cultures, cultural festivals, etc.)
  • Community cultural events
  • Contact a U.S. based cultural organization or religious group associated with a country of interest

Project Manuals & Exhibit Requirements

  • 4-H Passport to the World

We are currently waiting for the revised version of this curriculum to be posted on the Shop Illinois 4-H Store. Until it is available, youth may use the previous version, which can be downloaded in the resources section below.

View exhibit requirements and scoresheets on the Illinois State Fair page.

Careers
start a convo
  • International Business
  • Diplomatic Service
  • Government Social
  • Research Officer
  • International Aid Worker
  • Intelligence Analyst
  • Travel Agent
  • Tour Guide
  • Museum Guide
  • Photographer
Start a Conversation
  • How can you use what you learned to make a contribution to your community?
  • How can your interest in this country help you pick a career?
  • How can you help other people to learn about international study?

 

Credits

Jane Chapman IAHCE State Board President

University of Illinois Extension staff that contributed to this resource include Rhonda Shubert.

4-H Spark Sheets are a collaborative effort of 4-H staff, volunteers, alumni and teens from across Illinois. A big thanks to the many contributors and reviewers!

Resources
Passport to the World Manual