One of the goals of the LABO International exchange program states “KY 4-H Families and youth have the opportunity to make a lasting connection with a child from a different culture”.  That goal was achieved in the Spring, as one of the LABO students who had stayed eight years ago with a Barren County 4-H family returned for a two week visit.  He commented to the newspaper reporter that he “wanted to see the difference in us after so many years. Big difference.”

He is a Japanese college student, studying international politics. During his stay, the Barren County and Mammoth Cave 4-H Teen Councils met.  With the assistance of the Barren County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development, a comparison program between Glasgow and his home in Japan was developed. Our 4-H’ers learned a lot about Japan, their educational programs and cultural traditions compared to ours. 

When he was placed in 2011, it was due to his interest in farming. That interest was still prevalent on his return visit this year. “I was interested very much how cows are so smart,” adding that the cows walk single file to the barn and know the direction to take in order to be fed and milked. “I met a cow doctor” he said. “He checked out a baby inside cow. I saw how he gives medicine.” He also tagged along with a group of about 30 elementary school students who toured the dairy to learn about the operation, .how the cows are cared for and what a big responsibility it is to operate a dairy.  The exchangee also got a first time chance to ride a tractor, go horseback riding and shoot a rifle. 

 According to the LABO goals: as the American society becomes more globalized, it is imperative that as a community serving organization, 4-H provides opportunities for youth to engage in activities that will expand their worldview. This goal has been achieved as the Japanese exchange family and American host plans to keep in touch through social media and Facetime and in the future make a return visit to his host family