4-H International Exchange Programs

NEW THIS YEAR!!  California will add a new exchange opportunity
with Costa Rica!

Read the California 4-H exchange newsletter, Let's Exchange News - March 2008
(PDF) at 948 KB
(PDF) at 12 MB

Archives of Let's Exchange News
2002 (PDF)      2003 (PDF)      2004 (PDF)      2005 (PDF)    2006 (PDF)   
2007 (PDF)

The California 4-H Youth Development Program offers four exchange programs for 4-H members.

Japanese Exchange Program

In even-numbered years, participants go outbound and spend four weeks living with a host family in Japan.  Travelers can choose to add on another three weeks in Tokyo (prior to their homestay) developing Japanese language skills at the Labo Language Institute.  4-H members ages 14-19 are eligible.

In odd-numbered years 4-H members and their families can host a student from Japan.  4-H members ages 10 and above can host.

Australia Exchange

Every year a four-week outbound rural exchange for 4-H members ages 16-19 is offered by California 4-H.

Finland Exchange

In even-numbered years, participants go outbound and spend four weeks living with a host family involved with Finland 4-H.  This exchange is limited to 4-H members ages 15-19.  In odd-numbered years, 4-H members and leaders can host a 4-H'er from Finland.

  New Exchange with Costa Rica

Polish up your Spanish!  California 4-H is adding a new country to the international exchange offering - Costa Rica.  In even-numbered years, participants go outbound and spend four weeks living with a host family in Costa.  In odd-numbered years, 4-H members and leaders can host a teen from Costa Rica.

Chaperone Opportunities

4-H Volunteer Leaders is good standing are eligible to apply to be a chaperone and support the outbound team to any of these countries.  The chaperones are chosen at the national level and escort a group of teens from participating states from across the U.S.

California 4-H International Exchange Support Committee

If you are interested in working with the State International Exchange Program, please consider applying for the following statewide committee.  Contact and application information is available for this statewide committee that supports international exchange programming in California.