States’ 4-H Summer Outbound programs provide 4-H youth with the opportunity to travel to foreign countries for a cultural immersion experience. Outbound delegates live with volunteer host families and participate in daily life as a local resident.
Program Overview
Participants experience aspects of daily life that allow them to more deeply understand both their host culture and their own culture. Our network of global 4-H and youth development organizations recruit host families and plan enrichment activities for the delegation.
- All States’ 4-H Outbound delegates participate in pre-departure orientations held in the US.
- Delegations are accompanied on the international flights by adult chaperones who remain in-country to provide support during the exchange.
- Delegates attend an in-country orientation upon arrival and prior to departing for their host families.
- Some programs include a summer camp or language learning activities
To learn more about our current programs, please click on the country-specific pages below or contact the 4-H program contact in your state. Questions? Email ob@states4h.org
Current Short-Term Global Exchange Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
All delegates must be between the ages of 12 - 18. Specific age requirements vary by program; please visit the Outbound Program Pages for more details. You may not be enrolled as a current college student at the time of the exchange but you can participate in a States' 4-H exchange between the time you graduate from high school and begin college.
No prior language study is required, but it certainly is helpful! Our international partners have English-speaking staff on hand to assist you in communication.
The program fees includes in-country transportation, lodging, meals, National Departure Orientation, Arrival Orientation, Accident & Sickness Insurance, camp (if offered), program materials. The program fees do not include airfare, airline Unaccompanied Minor Fees, travel agent booking fees, and spending money for souvenirs and entertainment. The exact program fee varies by country and by foreign exchange rates. Please contact your State Coordinator for more information for program fee estimates.
With States’ 4-H programs, you will be fully immersed in your host culture. You won’t spend your days on tour buses or sleep in hotels. You will be welcomed as a member of your host family, and you’ll participate in their daily life. It’s possible that you won’t see other Americans very often during the month. Depending on the country you choose, you could be helping your host family with their dairy farm, visiting your host sibling’s school, or joining in international family club activities. You will also be matched with a host sibling of similar age.
Chaperones must be at least 21 years old, have experience chaperoning groups of youth, have experience traveling internationally, and be interested in other cultures. Speaking the language of the country you wish travel to is a plus, but not required. For further details, please reach out to the State Coordinator in your state.
States' 4-H offers limited scholarships for both delegates and chaperones. Scholarship applications are separate from the program application. Additionally, your state may have funds to support your participation. Contact your State Coordinator for more details and to discuss other fundraising ideas.
You do not need to be a 4-H member to apply for the program. However, if you are accepted, some states may require that you become a member by the time your program departs. Contact your State Coordinator for your state’s requirements.
Questions?
To learn more about our current programs, please visit the country-specific pages above or contact the 4-H program contact in your state. Questions? Email ob@states4h.org