Author: Christina A. Martin
Planning Unit: Russell County CES
Major Program: 4-H Leadership Core Curriculum
Plan of Work: Developing Leadership and Communication Skills
Outcome: Intermediate Outcome
The goal of the 4-H International Program is to enhance world understanding and global citizenship through high-quality 4-H international cultural immersion, global educational opportunities, and exchange programs. To compete in our changing world, individuals need to change their attitudes toward others and need to collect information about their cultures and values, and finally they need to develop skills to embrace the changes for the establishment of a tolerant society (Altun, 2017). Through the Kentucky 4-H International Program, a Russell County 4-H family hosted a young lady from Japan for 4 weeks. This family had to think critically to overcome communication barriers by employing various verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Families that participate in the international exchange program typically feel more connected with people around them by experiencing a different culture and understanding what it means to find similarities with others as well as promoting tolerance and acceptance. The program allows families to learn more about other cultures, multiple perspectives, respect for others, cultural understanding, global connections, diversity, learning by doing, tolerance, innovation, and citizen engagement. The family that hosted the Japanese youth said, “Hosting our 4-H international delegate from Japan was a life-changing experience for the whole family. The most rewarding aspect was watching our daughter grow and develop before our eyes in taking on the responsibility as a hostess for our Japanese summer guest. She was responsible for introductions to friends, family, teachers, and county officials; involving our guest in activities; alerting us to any problems or complications with daily routines; and ensuring everyone was having fun. Our Japanese guest was amazing! She was willing and open to try new foods, share her family customs and foods, and be a part of our daily family routines. Both our daughter and our 4-H international delegate more than exceeded our expectations and then some. Our family is thankful for the opportunity to have been a Kentucky 4H international program host family.”
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