Empowering Youth. Connecting Cultures.
Building Global Citizens.
When you participate in States’ 4-H International Exchange Programs, you’re joining one of the most trusted networks in cultural exchange and youth development. With over 50 years of experience, our programs equip young people with the skills and mindset needed to find success in both their careers and personal lives. Building on the 4-H Beyond Ready initiative, our programs prepare youth with a global outlook, helping young people thrive by building confidence, communication skills, and global awareness through hands-on, real-world experiences.
4-H Focus on Youth Development
Sparks
- Our programs encourage youth to explore their interests in culture, language, and global citizenship.
- Opportunities like hosting international delegates, participating in exchange programs, or attending cultural workshops hosted by our international delegates or 4-H program allow youth to connect their personal passions (e.g., travel, language learning, leadership) with meaningful experiences.
- Youth often identify new sparks—such as intercultural communication or global service—through exposure to various perspectives.
Engagement
- Activities are hands-on and immersive, such as living with host families, participating in cultural exchange events, and engaging in service-learning projects.
- Youth are active contributors rather than passive observers, which promotes deeper learning and sustained interest.
- Reflection sessions with 4-H volunteers and professionals help youth process experiences and stay engaged beyond the program.
Relationships
- Our programs prioritize building strong, supportive relationships:
- Cross-cultural friendships with peers from other countries
- Mentorship from program coordinators, older youth, and adult volunteers
- Family connections through hosting or being hosted
- These relationships provide emotional support and broaden social networks globally.
Belonging
- Youth feel part of a global 4-H community, which reinforces skills they will need in work and life.
- Shared experiences–whether cultural celebrations or moments of collective learning–foster unity and spark a deep sense of awe and wonder.
- Our programs maintain a deep respect for global connections, empowering youth to feel valued for their unique backgrounds while cultivating genuine appreciation for others.
Proven Track Record
- We provide governance, oversight, international program development, consistency, sustainability, fiscal management, and consultation.
- We have over 50 years of organizational experience in the field of international exchange, helping nearly 60,000 delegates and their host families experience cultural exchange.
- We partner with well-established organizations who have a strong history of excellent program management and support for international education.
- We conduct impact evaluations annually of youth and host families that show the programs’ effectiveness. This data can fulfill your university’s desire for metrics and demonstrate the value of international programs. We’re happy to share our data with you—just ask!
Year-Round Dedicated Support Staff
- If you are a current 4-H family, States’ 4-H is the most efficient and effective way to get involved in international exchanges. Your state receives full administrative support from the national office headquartered in Bellevue, WA
- Additionally, local 4-H staff and volunteers will be available to prepare, assist, and support your family.
- There’s no need to reinvent the wheel. All educational and administrative materials are provided.
- On-call support around the clock while programs are in progress.
- With a dedicated support network in place, families and youth are never alone. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Risk Management and Liability
- All short-term programs have adult chaperones during the entire exchange program who not only travel internationally with the participants, but stay in country (with their own host families) to monitor delegates’ well-being and safety.
- Chaperones receive advance orientation and training on all program policies and procedures.
- State Coordinators receive ongoing training and support from States’ 4-H headquarters.
- Our thorough risk management practices include host family screening and chaperone training to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.
Opportunities for Younger Participants
States’ 4-H believes in the importance of getting youth involved at a young age to share their culture, customs, and heritage, and establish friendships between delegates from other countries and 4-H host families
These experiences will shape future life choices and have great potential to form long-term positive attitudes towards global understanding.
The Japan Outbound program accepts delegates as young as 12. There are many other exchange organizations but not many of them provide homestay opportunities for middle schoolers.
Minimum Financial Impact to States
- States’ 4-H is committed to making international exchange both affordable and sustainable.
- For Inbound Programs, States’ 4-H pays a management fee to the 4-H extension offices in partner states to help cover expenses involved with recruiting and vetting host families as well as planning and conducting orientations for host families and the international delegations.
- Our Outbound Programs are high quality and budget friendly. We believe that all youth should have the opportunity to travel and experience another culture and strive to keep our program fees at a manageable cost, often costing less than similar programs. We offer scholarships in addition to those provided at the state/local 4-H extension offices.
