November 15, 2022
Ring in the New Year by Offering a First-Hand Experience with Diversity
Experience shows that learning other ways of doing things helps us be successful in a diverse world. With the beginning of 2023 and the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions to world travel, now is an excellent for families to explore other cultures through hosting exchange programs. As 4-H families make plans for the new year, it’s the perfect time to apply to host a 4-H exchange youth or young adult. Kansas hopes to host junior high-aged youth from Japan and 15-18 year olds from Costa Rica and/or Norway for one month this summer through States’ 4-H International Exchange Programs (States’ 4-H). We will also host students for the school year from Japan and South Korea through States’ 4-H’s Academic Year Program (AYP). Young adults over 18 from throughout the world are hosted for 2-3 weeks between June and September. When you want to get more information or apply, check out the hosting section of the Kansas 4-H web site https://www.kansas4-h.org/, (Look under news and updates.) and contact the exchange coordinator: Pam Van Horn pvanhorn@ksu.edu for Japan Summer Inbound, Mary Kay Munson mkm2@ksu.edu for other States’ 4-H Summer Inbound and AYP hosting, and Chelsy Champlin chelsycoen@gmail.com for IFYE Hosting. Most of these exchanges will be making placements in January-February, the time when there is the greatest chance to find a good match for your family. Check it out today.