As our society becomes more globalized it is imperative that as non-formal educators we provide opportunities for youth to engage in activities that will expand their worldview. In 2017, Kentucky 4-H hosted fourteen youth and one adult from the Japanese LABO Program through the States’ 4-H International Program. Japanese youth are paired with an American youth to spend four-weeks immersed in American culture. A Hancock County 4-H family was host to a youth.

 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. The American host parents reported that the exposure to a different culture was a positive experience for their children, and that by incorporating a family member from a different culture for four weeks they were able help their family develop skills in adapting to differences in values and behaviors. 

Families and youth had the opportunity to make a lasting connection with a child from a different culture, they reported their desires to travel and experience another culture increased due to the hosting experience, and the hosting experience, “surpassed their expectations and they would recommend the program to other families!” Jap