Kentucky States’ 4-H International Program 

Written By: Rachel E. Noble, EdD, Extension Specialist for Youth Development 

According to Matteucci (2011), the benefits of international exposure for young people include: increasing cultural awareness, acquisition of personal and linguistics skills, developing tolerance, patience, self-confidence, maturity, and critical thinking skills. Since 1979, Kentucky 4-H has hosted an international exchange program. In 2018, Kentucky 4-H hosted twenty youth and two adults from the Japanese Language Laboratory Program through the States’ 4-H International Program. Japanese youth are paired with an American youth to spend four-weeks immersed in American culture. At the end of the four-week experience 100% of the Japanese youth reported that they learned important American customs, such as: smiling, saying thank you, making eye-contact, and using “please” along with practicing their English-speaking skills. In return, the American youth had the opportunity to learn about the Japanese culture. American youth reported learning words in Japanese, trying Japanese food, learning Japanese games, and making origami. Kentucky families reported that the hosting experience was life-changing for the entire family. Many reported that because of their new friendship with a Japanese student they want to travel to Japan and experience the culture first-hand. The experience brought host families closer together, focusing on meaningful group experiences. Host parents reported that, “this experience was life-changing and shifted family priorities in a positive direction.”

This year, Nelson County hosted yet another high-school exchange student from Japan.  Although the student's time in America, and within our small community, was cut short due to pandemic concerns, both host family and delegate encouraged personal and family growth.  The exchange of cultural information and new perspectives will serve both family and delegate for years to come.