4-H seeks participants for youth exchange to Japan

December 18, 2012

University Relations

Photo by Tomomi Imakita. 4-H exchange participant Shannon Hammond, right, poses with her host sisters, Mitsuki Imakita, to her immediate left, and far left, Satsuki Imakita, and school friends at a summer festival in Kariya, Japan.
Photo by Tomomi Imakita. 4-H exchange participant Shannon Hammond, right, poses with her host sisters, Mitsuki Imakita, to her immediate left, and far left, Satsuki Imakita, and school friends at a summer festival in Kariya, Japan.


Debbie Carter
907-474-5406
12/18/12


The deadline for applying for a 4-H summer exchange program to Japan is Jan. 15.

The July 10 to Aug. 8, 2013 exchange is open to Alaska youths ages 13 to 18. The program also needs ten host families for Japanese youths who are coming to Alaska the same month.

Outbound exchange coordinator Jill Holmgren said the 4-H exchange program offers students a world of experiences and friendships to treasure for a lifetime. Participants discover Japan as a member of a Japanese family, hosted by a teen of the same gender and age. Applicants do not need to speak Japanese. Teens not currently in 4-H can join by applying.

Incoming Japanese youths will be in Alaska July 21 to Aug. 19. Each host family must have a child aged 10 to 16 who is willing to be the host brother or sister. Hosts and exchange students will be matched for gender, age and interests. Families do not have to be affiliated with 4-H or speak Japanese.

The exchange between 4-H and Japan has been ongoing for more than 40 years. For more information about the outbound program, email japanalaska@gmail.com or visit www.uaf.edu/ces/4h/exchange. For details about hosting a Japanese youth, see the same website, call 907-786-6300 or contact Tony Nakazawa at atnakazawa@alaska.edu or Marianne Kerr at mlkerr@alaska.edu.

4-H is a national youth development program administered in Alaska by the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service.

ON THE WEB: www.uaf.edu/ces/4h/exchange

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