4-H Exchange Program
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4-H WORLD CITIZENSHIP AND INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM
INBOUND HOST FAMILY OPPORTUNITIES!!
Would you like to host an exchange student from Costa Rica or Japan this summer? We need families like yours!
This summer Clatsop County families have the opportunity to host exchange students from Costa Rica or Japan. The students from Japan range from age 12 to 18 and the students from Costa Rica range from age 15 to 18.
The children have studied English but their speaking ability is as diverse as the kids themselves. They are very excited about having the chance to experience American family life as a part of a Clatsop County family. They do not come to America as tourists but to become a part of a local family.
The summer inbound homestay program is a part of a two-way exchange sponsored by 4-H. This is the seventh year Clatsop County has participated, six Clatsop County youth have traveled to Japan and Clatsop County families have hosted about sixty youth from Japan. The goal of the exchange program is to give young people from both countries the change to know each other on a person-to-person basis. The exchange youth become a part of the lives of their American families, sharing chores and daily activities with them. The program is open to all families living in Clatsop County with children in the twelve through eighteen age range. Families without children in that age range will be considered as hosts for the adult chaperones. Families DO NOT have to be involved in 4-H to host, just a willingness to share your home, culture, friendship, family and your world while at the same time learn about Japanese life. Host families have continued local support (before, during and after) from County Coordinators, Extension Staff, along with State and International Staff and Adult Exchange Chaperones are available throughout the month-long exchange. Written materials, CD, and host family orientation all help to prepare families for the exchange students’ arrival. Families and exchange students can begin writing each other months before their arrival so they already know each before they get here. While the homestay experience only lasts a month, the positive effects can last a lifetime for you and your family. Interested?
General information on the 4-H Exchange Program can be accessed here.
Exchange delegates will be matched with host families nationally. (There are a limited number of delegates coming from each country.) Inbound Host Family Application deadline is April 15, 2010. Completed Application MUST be to the county coordinator by this date. For Clatsop County requirements and questions: Contact Melissa Padgett at 325-9011 or email: wpadgett@pacifier.com or call the 4-H Extension Office at 325-8573.
OUTBOUND TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES FOR LOCAL YOUTH!!
4-H International Exchange Ambassador Programs are 3-8 week opportunities for young people ages 14 to 18 to experience living with host families in other countries. These programs enable young people from around the United States to increase their global understanding and to improve their leadership and communication skills. Some scholarships are available and all orientation materials included. Please check out the state website for more information.
Outbound Countries for 2010:
Australia
Costa Rica
Japan 4 week home stay
Japan 8 week Nihongo School and home stay
Norway
OUTBOUND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
In addition to having the opportunity to experience living with host families in other countries, older participants (age 15 and up) in 4-H International Exchange Youth Development Programs will work with the cooperating youth program in their host country. Depending on the host country, this work could include helping with camping programs, studying youth development issues or working with formation of 4-H type clubs in various settings around the host country.
Please check out the state website for more information.
Interested youth should apply for passport immediately to insure receipt before June. Outbound Delegate Application deadline is December 28, 2009. Completed Application MUST be to the county coordinator by this date. For additional Clatsop County requirements and questions: Contact Melissa Padgett at 325-9011 or email: wpadgett@pacifier.com or call the 4-H Extension Office at 325-8573.
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