Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
3/7/02
Contacts:
Brenda Allen, 4-H Youth Development, (515) 294-1567, bsallen@iastate.edu
Tracy S. Petersen, Extension Communication Systems, (515) 294-9915
Iowa 4-H Seeking Host Families For International Exchange Program
AMES, Iowa -- Families seeking an international experience from the comfort of their own homes should apply now to participate in a summer 4-H exchange program.
Host families will open their homes to an international guest between the ages of 15 and 30 for three to four weeks. Host families are not required to have children or 4-H members living at home but are expected to welcome the visitors into their homes as members of the family, rather than as guests or tourists.
"The purpose of these programs is to give the visitors a cultural experience," said Brenda Allen, Iowa 4-H youth specialist. "We introduce them to our culture by including them in the normal activities of Iowa families and communities."
International 4-H Youth Exchange visitors are between the ages of 15 and 30. Previous IFYE guests have come from Switzerland, Costa Rica, the Netherlands, Germany, Jamaica, Taiwan, Estonia, Norway and other countries. Two IFYE guests will visit Iowa from June 25 to Sept. 7 and will spend three to four weeks with each host family.
"As hosts and guests share with one another, they not only learn about another place, but also more about themselves," Allen said. "While the guest may only stay one month, the memories will last a lifetime."
For more information or to apply to be a host family, contact your Iowa State University Extension county office or call Brenda Allen at (515) 294-1567.
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Extension programs are available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability.