4-H International Programs

“I pledge my HEAD to clearer thinking, my HEART to greater loyalty, my HANDS to larger service, and my HEALTH to better living, for my club, my community, my country, and my world”

The 4-H office is excited to announce the return of the International Exchange Program through States' 4-H this year.  This is a wonderful opportunity to open your home to a Japanese youth delegate and expand their horizons through cultural immersion.

We are currently looking for 10 loving families who would like to participate in this year’s program. 

Academic Year Programs (AYP) 

Host an international high school youth for 10 months and bring the richness of the world to your home! 

American families have the opportunity to host a high school student for one academic year (August-June). Students are enrolled in public high school and participate in school activities as members of their host families. States’ 4-H places students from Japan, South Korea and Eurasia/Africa through AYP. Our Eurasian and African students are scholarship recipients participating in either the Future Leaders Exchange Program (FLEX) or Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange & Study Program (YES), which are sponsored by the US Department of State, Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs. 

State coordinators and local representatives in the host community provide support services for host families and exchange students throughout the school year. 

HOST FAMILY REQUIREMENTS 

• You must have a child of the same gender who is within 4 years of the hosted youth (children aged 9+ are eligible to host) 
• Families without children of the appropriate age may host an adult chaperone 
• Host family must live in Arizona and can be from any county across the state
• Host parent(s) will need to complete DCC background check 
• Host family must attend welcoming orientation and a departing ceremony in Phoenix, AZ
• No special activities need to be planned since these youth want to experience American culture, make new friends, and improve their English by staying with your family 
• This is a voluntary program; no stipends will be provided

If you would like to attend next month’s info-session to receive more information about the program, please submit your contact info and the AZ exchange coordinator will contact you.