Success Story4-H International Program



4-H International Program

Author: Courtney Brock

Planning Unit: Lincoln County CES

Major Program: Leadership 4-H Core Curriculum

Plan of Work: Leadership Development & Volunteerism

Outcome: Initial Outcome

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. 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!” 






Stories by Courtney Brock


4-H Camp Jekyll Environmental Education

4-H Camp Jekyll Environmental Education

about 1 years ago by Courtney Brock

Developing experiences for youth to engage with the natural world in new and educational ways is one... Read More


4-H AG Day Returns

4-H AG Day Returns

about 2 years ago by Courtney Brock

Although agriculture is big business in Lincoln County, only 35% of 4-H members live on a farm. This... Read More


Stories by Lincoln County CES


4-H Camp Jekyll Environmental Education

4-H Camp Jekyll Environmental Education

about 1 years ago by Courtney Brock

Developing experiences for youth to engage with the natural world in new and educational ways is one... Read More


4-H AG Day Returns

4-H AG Day Returns

about 2 years ago by Courtney Brock

Although agriculture is big business in Lincoln County, only 35% of 4-H members live on a farm. This... Read More