Host families needed for summer exchange program
New York families will have the opportunity to welcome a young person from Japan into their home for a one-month summer cultural exchange experience this year through the States’ 4-H International Exchange Program being offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H.
Host families are needed for 18 Japanese youth (aged 13-17) and their adult chaperones, who will visit New York from on or around July 23 through August 16, 2026.
Host families provide the exchange youth with room and board and a chance to experience daily life in America. Families are urged not to alter their daily routines or lifestyles during their visitor’s stay. Exchange youth provide their own spending money, and the sponsoring organization furnishes comprehensive insurance and 24/7 support to families at the state and county levels.
All types of families are welcome to apply to become hosts, including urban, rural, single-parent, and non-4-H families. One requirement is that families must have a child of the same gender and approximate age as the international visitor. A 4-H volunteer will conduct an interview in the prospective host family’s home, and the prospective host family must attend an orientation before the arrival of the Japanese youth.
Last year, 28 youth delegates and 2 adult chaperones were successfully placed with families who greatly enjoyed the cultural exchange opportunity. As one host mother said, “I think it sparked interest for the kids to see new places and cultures. It will remind us to look outside the box we live in.”
Those interested should contact Autumn Lavine at 607-731-5075 or email aml84@cornell.edu.
For more information about this and other 4-H international exchange programs, visit http://www.states4hexchange.org/.
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