States' 4-H Go Abroad Summer Programs

# States' 4-H Go Abroad Summer Programs States' 4-H International Exchange Programs runs the outbound side of 4-H's long-standing homestay exchange network. Summer "Go Abroad" delegates travel as individuals, not tour groups: each is matched with a host family in the destination country and lives their daily life - meals, chores, school or community events, festivals - for four to eight weeks. Recent summer destinations include Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Costa Rica and Argentina, with the Norway program set to resume in summer 2027. ## What You'll Do - Live with a screened host family, usually one with a child close to your own age - Use the host country's language daily in an ordinary family setting rather than a classroom - Take part in host-community life: school visits, local festivals, family travel and chores - Attend pre-departure orientation with your state 4-H international coordinator - Choose a four-week or eight-week length in countries where both are offered ## Who Should Apply American youth ages 12-18, with the exact age band set by destination - Korea accepts ages 12-18, while Costa Rica requires 15-18. 4-H membership is coordinated through your state's 4-H international exchange office. Program fees vary by country and are quoted plus airfare. ## Outcomes Delegates come back with real conversational footing in the host language, a host family they typically stay in contact with, and eligibility for follow-on 4-H exchanges - including the academic-year program in Japan, which requires prior completion of a States' 4-H four- or eight-week summer program.