# States' 4-H Go Abroad Summer Programs

Summer homestay exchanges sending American youth ages 12-18 to Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Costa Rica, Argentina or Norway for four to eight weeks with a host family, run by the 4-H exchange network.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | States' 4-H International Exchange Programs |
| Category | other |
| Cost | Not listed |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 7–12 |
| Format | In person |
| Location | Multiple, International |
| Apply | https://states4h.org/go-abroad/short-term-programs/ |

## About this program

# 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.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who is eligible for States' 4-H Go Abroad Summer Programs?

States' 4-H Go Abroad Summer Programs is open to students in grades 7–12 (middle and high school). Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is States' 4-H Go Abroad Summer Programs online or in person?

States' 4-H Go Abroad Summer Programs is an in-person program based in Multiple, International.

### How do I apply to States' 4-H Go Abroad Summer Programs?

Apply directly through States' 4-H International Exchange Programs's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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