May 18, 2015
Opportunity to Host Young Adults this Summer
Kansas 4-H has committed to host three young farmers from Europe who in their 20's as part of Kansas International Exchange Programs (IFYE). At the time of this writing seven short-term host families are still needed. These young men would like to experience a variety of Kansas farms during their stay, so each family hosts for three weeks or less. They are placed as individuals and just do what the family is doing at the time of their stay. They enjoy helping with farm work, seeing agricultural practices and innovations, and discussing agricultural issues and practice decisions. There is no requirement that they attend specific events or expectation that they be entertained. They hope to become a member of your family. But we hope you will involve them in your local 4-H and county activities.
They also bring their culture and perspective to enrich your family. Young people and children gain an international perspective as well as learn about a specific country and its culture. There is no requirement that hosts have children or that children be a specific age, but families with teens and young adults often help provide social outlets and engage in contemporary discussions. Families often introduce them to 4-H members and neighbors during their stay. 4-H members are introduced to the opportunity to travel abroad by getting to know an inbound IFYE.
Kansas is seeking hosts for the period of June 21-September 11, when two of them go to Kansas State Fair. The third is on a shorter exchange July 7- August 11. Following is a brief description of the young men and the dates when they still need hosts:
| IFYE/COUNTRY | BACKGROUND/INTERESTS | DATES AVAILABLE |
| Mathias, Germany | Home 200 - Cow Dairy, 2200 AC. works on father's farm and has also worked on a cattle ranch. BS and MS Science and Agriculture Student, Interest in Ag Tech, economics, structure of big farms, likes soccer, would like to be on a cattle drive. | 6/21-7/11 7/11-8/1 |
| Ieuan, Wales | Home over 600 AC. Dairy, corn and vegetables. Works for Massey Ferguson dealer, interested in crops, livestock and learning to shear. Young Farmer's club officer and livestock judging. | 6/21-7/11 8/1-8/22 |
| Stefan, Austria | Family farm 125 AC. 20 dairy cows, corn and vegetables, grass, forest. Education in carpentry, agriculture and forestry. Currently farming. Interest in crops, forestry and dairy and milk processing. Enjoys cycling, swimming, mountain climbing, skiing and reading. | 7/23-8/11 |
Placements for other IFYE’s and dates not listed for these individuals are already committed to families. An updated chart and application for IFYE hosting is posted on the Exchange Host Family webpage. For more information or to apply as a host family, contact Mary Kay Munson, Kansas 4-H International Exchange Coordinator, 785-238-3631 or munson@ksbroadband.net. Since they will be leaving their homes soon, your response is needed today.