Source: Chuck Stamper, extension specialist for 4-H Youth Development 

For over 20 years, Kentucky 4-H has taken part in the States’ 4-H International Exchange Program, an educational experience that gives Kentucky families the opportunity to host a 4-Her from a different country. This summer, the program is seeking 40 families to open their Kentucky homes and their hearts as hosts for youth and chaperones from Japan, Taiwan and Korea. 

The mission of the States’ 4-H program is to enhance world understanding and global citizenship through high-quality 4-H international cultural immersion and exchange programs for 4-H aged youth. The program focuses on life skill development, including communication, tolerance, respect for others and engaged citizenship. 

Visiting students in the States' 4-H four-week summer program are matched with volunteer host families during their stay to ensure a culturally immersive experience. The youth travel in groups and are accompanied by an adult chaperone who stays in the state for the duration of the trip. This year, the exchange students and their chaperones will arrive in Kentucky in July and stay until August.  

By serving as hosts, Kentucky families get the chance to experience different cultures and customs and build lifelong international friendships while also representing the United States to other countries and giving an international youth a memorable experience. The Kentucky 4-H Program is focused on positive youth development, providing structured, engaging educational experiences that will help young people thrive as they grow into adults.  

Being a host family is an excellent way to give young people that opportunity. Serving as a host for an exchange student also offers an educational opportunity not just for the delegate, but also for the host family and their entire community. 

“We want to give our 4-Hers the opportunity to do more, see more, learn more, and experience more than just watching videos about different cultures,” said Chuck Stamper, extension 4-H specialist and Kentucky international exchange coordinator. “Being a host family allows our 4-Hers to share our American culture with youth from around the world while learning about the cultures and lifestyles of youths. It’s an awesome opportunity.” 

States’ 4-H accepts applications from interested host families year-round. If you are interested in learning more about the States’ 4-H International Exchange Program, contact Stamper at cstamper@uky.edu, or check the States’ 4-H International webpage at https://www.states4hexchange.org/. 

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