Test Your Skills... Folding the Flag Capital Idea Quiz Animal Sciences Citizenship Communications and Expressive Arts Natural Resources and Environmental Education Family Sciences Foods, Nutrition, and Health Careers and Economic Education Leadership Plants, Soils, and Entomology Science and Technology		4-H/Japanese Exchange Program Since 1972, over 30,000 4-H families across the nation have participated in the 4-H/Japanese Exchange Program by hosting a Japanese teenager for one month during the summer. The 4-H Japanese Exchange is one of the largest youth exchange programs worldwide involving North American and Japanese Youth. This program, part of two way, exchange, provides a wonderful opportunity to further global friendships. There are many ways to experience a foreign country. The premise of this exchange is that children gain the most from an overseas experience by living with a family as a famity member, rather than by travelling as a tourist. The homestays only last a month during summer vacation but the effects last a lifetime! You can truly make a difference in the future of our young people by preparing them for life in a global society. We hope you will consider hosting a Japanese child this summer. It's an opportunity of a lifetime! About the Program The one month homestay runs from the third week in July to the third week in August. (A homestay/camp combination program is used in some areas.) Japanese youth are assigned to a host family with a child of the same gender, similar age and interest. Only one Japanese delegate is placed per family. This family hosts for the entire homestay experience. This program is part of a two-way exchange. 4-H'ers may also travel to Japan for a similar one month summer homestay. Speaking Japanese isn't necessary but a little advance knowledge about Japan and its customs makes the experience more meaningful. Japanese delegates come to make friends, to be part of a 4-H family and to experience other cultures. The program provides them with increased self-confidence and better personal awareness. Your family does't need to plan special activities or trips. Japanese youth want to experience "typical family life" by sharing chores and activities with you. Citizenship Citizenship Citizenship Projects IFYE Ambassador IFYE Representative Host Countries Japanese Exchange Citizenship Washington Focus 4-H Day at the Capitol 4-H Citizenship Pledge National 4-H Conference National 4-H Congress State 4-H Congress For More Information