Wednesday, September 9, 2026

4-H Outbound Foreign Exchange Opportunities

Announcing: 4-H Outbound Exchange Programs for 2027!

The summer has just ended and it’s already time to start thinking about your plans for next year! In 2027, NC 4-Hers will have the opportunity to travel abroad and experience cultural immersion by living with a host family in 5 different countries through our partnership with the States’ 4-H International Exchange Programs. Apply now through November 1 to start your life-changing journey!

-We will be hosting one or two interest meetings for youth and parents on Zoom in September and/or October. Learn program details and hear from participants who went abroad through these programs in 2026! The registration link will be sent out soon.

-Adults 21+ with 4-H volunteer experience or Cooperative Extension staff members may be eligible to participate as chaperones! International travel experience and experience working with youth are required. Parents may not chaperone a trip where their own child is participating. Email Caitlin Clineff for more information on how to apply to be a chaperone at nc4-hinternationalprogram@ncsu.edu.

-More information and estimated costs for all of the trips can be found on our webpage: https://nc4h.ces.ncsu.edu/youth/nc-4-h-international-exchange-program/

-Please note that age is counted as of the date of departure.

Taiwan - June 30 to July 30

*Ages 12-18

*Homestay with 1-2 Taiwanese 4-H families

*Urban exploration in Taipei

*Host sibling of same age not guaranteed

Norway - June 17 to July 17

*Ages 15-18

*Homestay with 1-2 Norge 4-H families

*Sightseeing in Oslo

*Host sibling of same age not guaranteed

Costa Rica - June 24 to July 23

*Ages 15-18

*Homestay with a Costa Rican 4-S family

*Sightseeing and cultural excursions in San José

*Two-day excursion to a national park

* Host sibling of same age/gender not guaranteed

South Korea - July 7 to Aug 6

*Ages 12-18

*Homestay with 1-2 Korean 4-H families

*Urban exploration in Seoul

*Host sibling of same age not guaranteed

Japan 4 week - July 7 to Aug 6

*Ages 12-18

*Homestay with a LABO/LEX Japanese family, with a host sibling of similar age and interests

*Attend LABO or LEX Camp

*Visit LABO or LEX clubs with host family

Japan 8 week - June 9 to Aug 6

*Ages 15-18

*1st Month: Intensive group language-learning program in Tokyo, including cultural excursions in and around Tokyo. Host sibling not guaranteed.

*2nd Month: All the same components as the Japan 4-week program (see above)

Application Deadline: Nov 1, 2026

IMPORTANT: Please note the application will list a deadline of December 15, because that’s the deadline for State Coordinators to have all interviews completed and submitted. That is NOT the deadline to apply!