4-H Japan Exchange Program

Summer 2012 - Host a youth from Japan!

This coming summer 52 Japanese students between the ages of 12 and 16 will travel to Michigan along with 4 adult chaperones.  These young people are excited to learn about the customs, culture, values, foods, clothes, and lifestyles of Michigan families, but mostly, they want to meet other young people, make friends, and try communicating in English!  Open your home to an exchange student, and open your lives to the world!


The exchange will take place July 22 to August 18, 2012.  Michigan 4-H is looking for host families that represent the broad diversity of Michigan families, including families from rural and urban communities, single-parent families, and families from all religious, racial, and ethnic backgrounds.


The youth will be visiting the United States as part of a 4-H Exchange Program. You don’t need to be involved with 4-H to host. You just need a willingness to share your lives and your friendship with a young person from another country.  


The program is open to families who have a child close in age to the Japanese youth. One Japanese visitor will be matched to a family based on the host sibling’s gender, age, and interests. The homestays are only for a month during the summer, but the experience will last a lifetime!  


There are also opportunities to host adult chaperones for 2- 4 weeks.  Families who host chaperones are not required to have children in the home. 


For more information, visit http://www.states4Hexchange.org/

Host family application materials and more information can be found at http://4h.msue.msu.edu/4h/international_exchange_programs

You may also contact the 4-H Program Coordinator at your county MSU Extension office or Brian Wibby, the State Coordinator of the 2012 Japan Summer In-bound Exchange Program.  Call 906-475-5731 or email wibby@msu.edu