January 15, 2016
Applications for Hosting Finnish 4H Members Due February 15
States’ 4-H International Exchange Programs has opportunities for hosting one-month exchanges for Kansas families. Finnish 4H members, ages 15-18 will be coming to the U.S. June 27 to July 24. After an initial orientation, they could arrive in Kansas June 29 and stay with one host family until they depart the U.S. Since selections are made at the national level and at least two must come to the state, applications should be submitted using the electronic link to the States’ 4-H International Exchange (States’ 4-H) on the Kansas 4-H web site: http://www.kansas4-h.org/events-activities/global-citizenship/host-family-information/index.html, by February 15. We will need to secure the references and arrange for in-home interviews for all new applicants before the March 1 States’ 4-H deadline. In order to host in Kansas, we need at least two host families so the Finnish 4H’ers can travel together. Refer interested families to the web site and Mary Kay Munson, State International Exchange Coordinator at 785-238-3631 or munson@ksbroadband.net. If a Finn is not place with a Kansas family, we can consider the family to host a Japanese, Korean or an IFYE without completing the application process again. Note: Costa Rica is listed on the application and promotional material, but States’ 4-H plans to send the Costa Ricans to a state nearer the arrival site to keep costs down for these youth.
Japanese and Koreans youths will be coming to Kansas July 21 and depart the state August 19. Families can apply to host now at the web site listed above. Rose Scott, State Japan Inbound Coordinator, will follow up and may be contacted at 785-388-2009 or sixtykid2@gmail.com. Information on the Kansas delegations from Labo and LEX should be available by March 1.