Global Citizenship

All States' 4-H International Exchange Programs are operating in 2025.

Kansas 4-H Exchange Programs are truly "learn by doing" experiences in global citizenship, and offer young people the opportunity to engage in cultural exchange by traveling abroad or hosting international delegates. Participants can immerse themselves in different cultures, build lasting international friendships, and gain valuable life skills while becoming more engaged and responsible citizens.

Kansas 4-H Exchange Programs began in Kansas with the International Farm Youth Exchange, then later named the International 4-H Youth Exchange (IFYE) Program, when 17 Americans traveled to European countries in 1948 to fulfill a dream of striving for world peace through understanding. Kansas 4-H Exchange Programs are conducted by Kansas 4-H Youth Development and K-State Research and Extension.

Learn more about each of our unique program opportunities by clicking on the drop-down menus below.

Kansas 4-H International Exchange Coordinators

Kansas 4-H has several state exchange coordinators who give leadership and direction to Kansas 4-H exchange programs.

States' 4-H Academic Year Program

High school exchange from August to June annually
Allison Lecklider, allisonlecklider@yahoo.com; 785-822-5125

States' 4-H Outbound Programs

For those 4-H youth who travel to countries in the summer time; and IFYE Outbound Program for those 4-H alumni who travel to countries in summer/fall
Mary Kay Munson, mkm2@ksu.edu; 785-375-3189

Kansas 4-H Japan Exchange

Hosting late July to mid August for three weeks
Pam Van Horn, pvanhorn@ksu.edu; 785-826-8917

Kansas IFYE Inbound Coordinator

Host summer/fall annually for three weeks
Open. Kansas may be looking to fill this coordinator position for summer 2025 exchange programs
Contact: Deryl E. Waldren, dwaldren@ksu.edu; 303-349-7403 for details

Kansas 4-H International Exchange Programs Liaison

Deryl E. Waldren, dwaldren@ksu.edu; 303-349-7403

International 4-H Youth Exchange Programs (IFYE)

Tanner Koch of Chase County Kansas catching a fish on the west coast of Norway

Program Will Have a Limited Presence in 2025.

Kansas 4-H partners with the International 4-H Youth Exchange (IFYE) to provide international exchange opportunities for 4-H alumni from 19-25 years old. IFYE Representatives spend three to six months living with host families in countries all over the world. Most participants leave in mid-June and return in mid-September or early December. While full details are not known at this time, the IFYE program will operate in 2025 sending and receiving a limited number of participants. Learn more about IFYE Programs by visiting our Kansas IFYE webpage.

States' 4-H International Exchange Program (S4-H)

Host Family Opportunities

From June through September each year, 4-H families are needed to host exchange delegates for 3-4 weeks or 2-3 months. Exchange delegates represent their country's partner organization and vary in age, but are generally 12-25 years old.

Kansas also participates in the S4-H Academic Year Program (AYP) where high school students from Eurasia, Eastern Europe, Japan, and South Korea spend 10 1/2 months living with a Kansas family and attend high school from August to June and hosts are needed.