Global Citizenship
Due to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, most Kansas 4-H International Exchange Programs for summer 2021 have been cancelled, including the Kansas 4-H Japan Exchange program traveling to Japan and delegates from Japan living with Kansas 4-H host families. In addition, all IFYE exchange programs both to-and-from the USA have been cancelled for summer and fall 2021.
There are still opportunities to host in the AYP or academic year program or high school exchange programs from August 2021 to June 2022.
It is anticipated that all States' 4-H International Exchange Programs and IFYE programs will operate in 2022.
Kansas 4-H Exchange Programs are truly "learn by doing" experiences in global citizenship. Kansas 4-H Exchange Programs are conducted by Kansas 4-H Youth Development and K-State Research and Extension. 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.
International 4-H Youth Programs (IFYE)
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. Learn more about IFYE programs by visiting our IFYE webpage.
States' 4-H International Exchange Program (S4-H)
Kansas 4-H also collaborates with States' 4-H International Exchange Programs (S4-H) for 4-H members aged 12-18. S4-H Representatives gain global perpective while living with a host family for 4-8 weeks. Learn more about S4-H Programs by visiting our S4-H webpage.
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.
