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4-H Youth Catch the "Travel Bug"

California 4-H family hosts a Japanese exchange student (2005)

The Issue

Even though most people associate the 4-H Youth Development Program with agriculture and raising farm animals, many 4-H youth are preparing for a trip of a lifetime. 4-H has been sending youth beyond U.S. borders to teach many important life skills including communication, cultural awareness, cultural sensitivity, and issues related to living in a global society. All this is done to broaden the outlook of 4-H youth and to foster courage, independence, and maturity.

What has 4-H Done?

The 4-H International Exchange Program offers a one-month outbound exchange during even-numbered years to Japan, Australia, Finland and Costa Rica for 4-H youth and allows 4-H members and their families to host an exchange student from Japan, Finland or Costa Rica during the odd-numbered years. This is all made possible through partnerships with youth development organizations in these countries.

The Payoff

Over the years, the Exchange program has shaped the lives of many, if not all, of its participants. Many of the delegates have reported that they have grown as an individual and expanded their concern for others and accept differences. One delegate said that she felt like she “grew up” during her one-month exchange, and now talks and acts with more dignity and respect”.

Participants offer the following comments:

“My trip to Australia was a wonderful, once in a lifetime experience, and it has changed the way I look at the world.” 4-H member, Lake County

“This experience has meant a lot to me. I have matured during my stay and learned to accept other cultures with more ease. All I know is that I believe that this trip was perfect and I would have had it no other way.” 4-H member, Trinity County

“The Japanese Exchange Program has opened my eyes to a whole new world that until this point has not touched my life. I know this may sound cliché, but as I develop and learn, life enriching experiences like this one have the ability of reshaping me into someone more aware of the world around me.” 4-H member, Ventura County

“This was a wonderful experience for us. You grow in ways you didn’t know were even possible. Opening up your heart to a new person (from another country), makes everyone stretch, grow and increase love and happiness.” 4-H parent, Shasta County

Author: Paul Konicek, State 4-H Office Assistant
Posted April 2009
For more information, contact the State 4-H Office 4-H Office at 530-754-8518 or fourhstateofc@ucdavis.edu.

To submit a 4-H Delivers story, please contact the State 4-H Office at 530-754-8518 or fourhstateofc@ucdavis.edu.