States' 4-H International Exchange Program
We live in an increasingly interconnected world.
The U.S. Department of Education states that to succeed in the 21st Century workplace, students must develop “knowledge and understanding of other countries, cultures, languages and perspectives.” Alaska 4-H offers global education experiences to youth and their families through international cultural exchange programs.
Alaskan youth have an opportunity to immerse themselves in another culture as a member of a family, rather than as a tourist. Alaskan families have an opportunity for a cultural experience by hosting a youth from overseas. Both programs provide a world view and friendships which last a lifetime. The exchange programs are coordinated and monitored by the States' 4-H International Exchange Program. Since 1972, this non-profit organization has provided youth and their families safe, educational opportunities to experience other cultures and customs and to build lasting friendships through international programs which place youth with host families in different countries.
The exchange programs are open to applications from any youth or family statewide; it is not necessary to be an active 4-H member to apply to any of the exchange programs. Upon participation, each youth automatically becomes a 4-H member and is eligible for 4-H activities. All kinds of families can participate and there is no foreign language requirement. Programs range from a few weeks to as long as a year.
The U.S. Department of Education states that to succeed in the 21st Century workplace, students must develop “knowledge and understanding of other countries, cultures, languages and perspectives.” Alaska 4-H offers global education experiences to youth and their families through international cultural exchange programs.
Alaskan youth have an opportunity to immerse themselves in another culture as a member of a family, rather than as a tourist. Alaskan families have an opportunity for a cultural experience by hosting a youth from overseas. Both programs provide a world view and friendships which last a lifetime. The exchange programs are coordinated and monitored by the States' 4-H International Exchange Program. Since 1972, this non-profit organization has provided youth and their families safe, educational opportunities to experience other cultures and customs and to build lasting friendships through international programs which place youth with host families in different countries.
The exchange programs are open to applications from any youth or family statewide; it is not necessary to be an active 4-H member to apply to any of the exchange programs. Upon participation, each youth automatically becomes a 4-H member and is eligible for 4-H activities. All kinds of families can participate and there is no foreign language requirement. Programs range from a few weeks to as long as a year.
For more information:
Leanne Haltom Alaska States’ 4-H International Exchange State Coordinator Leannehaltom@yahoo.com (907)726-0313 |
The goals of the Alaska 4-H Exchange program are to provide Alaskan youth with opportunities for international friendship and to develop a global perspective.
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Summer 2023The 2022-2023 4-H States' Exchange Program has seven academic year students from Japan and South Korea in Alaska this year. One on Kodiak, two in Nikiski, two in Eagle River, and two in Chugiak. There is a chance we might need to place one more student, who is currently placed in a different state.
Next summer (2023) the program has committed to place 20 short term exhange students and two chaperones. For that to happen, the program coordinator needs help recruiting for the program. Please see the flyer below! |