MSU Extension 4-H International Exchange Programs

Host an international youth and bring the richness of the world to your home!

July 23 to August 20, 2020

Do you have a child 10-17 years old?  Would you like to host a Japanese son or daughter for a month in the summer?  From July to August 2020, we are looking for host families for 12-16 year old Japanese youth.  We match your child with a Japanese brother or sister of the same gender, within three years of age, and with similar interests. The delegate can share a room with your child and can attend a summer camp (cost covered, up to $250) with their host-sibling. Apply now!  Delegate information will be available in February.  Go to www.states4hexchange.org to begin your online application. 

The Japanese youth (ages 12-16) are coming to Michigan as part of a delegation of 12 Japanese youth and adult chaperone participating in the Michigan 4-H Japan Summer Inbound exchange program. This is Michigan's 46 year partnering with States' 4-H International and LABO exchange program. 

Japanese youth, on the other side of the world, are anxiously waiting to learn who their host family will be!

Host Families!  

• Special trips and activities are not required. 
• Previous involvement with 4-H is not required to become a host family.

Who are the Japanese delegates? 

• They are between the ages of 12 and 16.
• They are members of the LABO Organization in Japan
• LABO and 4-H have been partners in this international exchange program since 1972. 

• Personal Infromation Sheets (PIS) will arrive in February, including the hobbies, interests, photos, and personality traits of the delegates.
• Host families who complete the application process will have first choice of delegate.

It is fun to have someone to play games with during the summer.

What are requirements of host families?

• The host family application process includes completing an application, reference and background checks and an in-home interview with a 4-H staff member from Michigan State University Extension. 
• Families are not required to participate in any specific activities
• Host families do not need to be able to speak Japanese in order to host.
• The Japanese youth may share a bedroom with a child of the same gender, but they do need to have their own bed.
• Delegates can attend a summer camp (cost covered up to $250, if pre-approved by the State Coordinator) with their host sibling.
• Host families are expected to provide for their delegate the same things they provide for their own children during the exchange (three meals a day and a separate bed for the delegate is required).
• Delegates provide for their own personal expenses and medical insurance is provided through the program.  

What are the benefits of being a host family with the Michigan 4-H International Exchange Program?

• Host families increase their cross-cultural and global understanding, broaden family communication skills, make a new friend from another country and have fun while leaning about Japan in your own home! 
• Host families do not receive monetary compensation for hosting.
• Host families are provided with pre-program orientation and training and have access to support at anytime during the exchange period by contacting the State Coordinator, D'Ann Rohrer drohrer@msu.edu
• Adult Japanese chaperones travel to Michigan with the delegation and are available to help the Japanese youth and host families with any issues or concerns that may arise during the exchange.

A Korean chaperone buried in the sand by our Japanese chaperone.  Chaperones are a lot of fun to host too.

How to apply:

• Applications are now available and will be accepted until all the Japanese delegates have been matched with host families. Matching starts March 2020. 
• Applications for those interested in becoming host families are available at www.states4hexchange.org. Complete the host family application online and other paperwork will be emailed to you.  
• You don't need to be involved with 4-H to host, but we ask you to complete Michigan Volunteer Selection Process and register for 4-H as part of our hosting process.

Please note:  Host family selection is dependent on completion of an applicant screening process as well as student availability and personality compatibility.