The States' 4-H International Exchange Program offers high school and middle school students aged 12 to 18 a transformative cultural immersion experience in Japan, with the choice of a 4-week homestay or an 8-week program that combines a 4-week intensive Japanese language course with a 4-week homestay. Participants live with Japanese host families, attend cultural camps, and receive comprehensive orientation and support throughout their exchange. All in-country expenses, including meals, lodging, and transportation, are covered by the program. This is a rare opportunity for young people to develop global awareness, language skills, and lifelong cross-cultural connections through one of the most respected international youth exchange programs available.
Communicating and understanding content in a language other than your first.
Understanding and respectfully engaging with people from different backgrounds.
Guiding a group toward a shared goal and keeping everyone moving together.
Adjusting quickly and effectively when plans or circumstances change.
Fully focusing on and understanding what someone else is communicating.
Immersive cultural exchange and foreign language study directly develop skills essential for international diplomacy and cross-cultural relations.
Living with a host family and attending language programs builds competency to teach foreign languages and cultural understanding.
Homestay experience and cultural immersion provide firsthand knowledge of international destinations and cross-cultural communication needed in tourism.
Program involves community service and 4-H youth development partnerships, exposing students to nonprofit program coordination and international partnerships.
Community Experiences
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