The goals of the Alaska 4-H Exchange program are to provide Alaskan youth with opportunities for international friendship and to develop a global perspective. 

All overseas programs (outbound) as well as those that recruit Alaska host families for foreign youth (inbound) are coordinated and monitored by the States' 4-H International Exchange Program. Since 1972, this non-profit organization has provided youth and their families safe, educational opportunities to  experience other cultures and customs and  build lasting friendships through international programs that place youth with host families in different countries.  

Here in Alaska, the International Exchange Program is coordinated and managed by a combination of dedicated volunteers and the Alaska 4-H and Youth Development. It is primarily community volunteers that help promote the exchange program and help recruit host families. 

The inbound hosting programs have the most participants nationwide (and Alaska is no exception), with up to 400 youth, on average, hosting a Japanese youth delegate of the same gender and similar age for one month during the summer.

The exchange programs are open to any youth or family statewide; it is not necessary to be an active 4-H member to apply to any of the exchange programs. Upon participation, each youth automatically becomes a 4-H member and is eligible for 4-H activities. The exchange programs are:

• 4-H Hosting four-week program (Inbound): Alaska 4-H families with a child ages 10-16 may apply to share our culture, learn about another, and make a new friend by hosting a Japanese youth for one month during the summer.  Families with or without children are invited to host the chaperon. This program operates as part of the Labo International Exchange Program. For additional program and Alaska contact information, go to our Hosting (Inbound) page. 
• 4-H Traveling four-week program (Outbound): Alaskan youth ages 13-18 may apply to travel to Japan and live as a member of a Japanese host family for one month. Each 4-H member is matched with a Japanese youth of the same gender, age and interests. Travelers and host families receive orientation and travel is fully chaperoned. The travel experience includes sharing of cultures, and attending a short camp with their host youth. Travelers to Japan have a choice of programs. The Labo International Exchange program camp emphasizes sharing cultures through songs, skits and stories. The Utrek International Exchange program camp, situated in the Japanese alps, focuses on nature, hiking and crafts for youth ages 16-18. Both camps foster fun and friendship. There is no need for youth participants to speak Japanese, although these programs offer a great opportunity to learn some. Our 4-H Traveling (Outbound) page offers an introduction to the program and additional information on estimated travel costs and program schedules.
• States' 4-H International Exchange Program: States' 4-H International Exchange Program: This program links youth with host families and service projects (both inbound and outbound) in such countries as Norway, Argentina, Australia and Tanzania. They also offer an eight-week language/homestay program in Japan for teens with a strong desire to learn Japanese. Due to current volunteer and agent staffing levels in Alaska, youth interested in participating in these programs should contact the States' 4-H organization directly, and visit their exchange website for current exchange opportunities and dates.

Interested in learning more about the benefits of hosting a Japanese youth, or visiting Japan as a youth delegate? This video clip highlights host families speaking about their experiences.