PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
4-H International Foreign Exchange Program better prepares our youth for life in a global society.
Families can host youth in their homes through the inbound program or send teens abroad in the outbound program.
Inbound and Outbound Programs -
INBOUND HOSTING FOR YOUTH “Bring Home the World” by becoming a host family!
Host families receive youth from a foreign country with the summer “home stay” program or by receiving a high school age student for the calendar school year. It is a unique opportunity to broaden the understanding of cultures for both the families and the foreign youths. The teens arrive as strangers and leave as friends and have better understanding of each other’s cultures.
OUTBOUND TRAVEL FOR YOUTH
Teen youths have the opportunity to travel abroad to experience and learn about other cultures around the world. Groups have traveled to Japan and Mexico, and more countries will be added.
SCHOOL YEAR STUDENT PROGRAM
Families with teen youths have the opportunity to host a foreign exchange student for the calendar school year. The coordinators help the hosting family to apply with the school or school district receiving the student, since the application process can vary between districts.
QUESTIONS
The costs of hosting are minimal. Host families provide meals for their new family member who can share a room with their host brother or sister of the same gender. They bring their own spending money for souvenirs or special purchases, and have their own health insurance.
Yes, the kids will come with some ability to speak English. They are eager to learn American customs and practice their English. They will bring a dictionary or an electronic translator.
Yes, the coordinators help to match the youth’s interests, likes and dislikes, to that of your family’s so you have a rewarding experience. The families give this information in the application process, as well career or special family interests.
A support system includes county coordinators, a program director, and chaperone traveling with the youth. Each county has coordinators that are available to answer questions, talk, or be involved should the need arise. They will periodically check to see if you have any needs or questions. Also, the foreign youth’s chaperone traveling with them that is available, too.
Yes, the youth are eager to learn American customs, experience new surroundings, try different foods, and take part in your family’s daily life. In turn, they will be delighted to introduce and share their culture and way of life with your family and friends.
Yes, host homes are needed for the adult chaperones traveling with the group.
Yes, as a WSU Extension Program, this program is open to all families. Families will be interviewed and screened to ensure a safe and rewarding experience for all.
CHAPERONE HOSTING
A family or an individual that does not have children at home can participate by hosting a chaperone traveling with the youths.
TESTIMONIALS
The Stiller Family, King County
“We hosted, Hiroyui, a boy from Japan that was the same age as our son, John, in the Summer “Home Stay” Program for 3 weeks. John & Hiro had a great time together. It didn’t matter that John knew very little Japanese, they became good friends. Hiro was eager to learn about and experience everything.”
The Wright Family, Skamania County
They have hosted for the past six summers. “We learned the world is not so big after all.”
Carol Beckman, Program Director
“It’s an opportunity to enjoy a priceless educational experience that better prepares us for life in a global society.”
CONTACT INFORMATION
If you are interested in hosting a youth or participating, please contact the extension office, or:
Grace Stiller, 4-H King County or Elaine Dunn, Seattle Parks
425-228-7927, home 206-783-2109, home
206-795-5783, cell Elaine.dunn@seattle.gov