Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions most often asked by families that are thinking about hosting a student through one of the Wisconsin 4-H Summer International Programs.  Hopefully they can help you decide whether hosting is for your family!  Of course, if you have any questions of your own, please contact us at 608-262-2491 or email wi4hinternational@extension.wisc.edu

Q. Where are the kids from? Can you choose where from?

A. Countries vary each year. Historically, delegates have came from Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Taiwan. Our staff will do their best to match families with delegates based on information provided in the host family and delegate applications.  If you have questions about delegate availability, please contact us.

Q. What are the requirements for hosting?

A.  Besides being enthusiastic about their international visitor, here are the hosting requirements:

• Host families must have a child between the ages of 10 and 18 for the summer exchanges
• Host families must provide a separate bed, but not necessarily a separate room for the exchange student
• Everyone over 18 in the household (unless a current 4-H member) at the time of the exchange must participate in Wisconsin 4-H Volunteer Screening Process
• Host families must complete the full application process, which includes the online application, two references from community members, in-home interview, and volunteer training process

Q. How do I apply?

A. You can get started on the online Host Family Application and learn more about the application process here.

You will also need an in-home interview.  Contact us, and we’ll help you complete this.

Q. When are applications due?

A.  All applications are due to the State 4-H Office by April 1st for those wishing to participate in a program the coming summer. However, applications are accepted until all students are placed.  Questions about the application process? Contact WI 4-H International programs at 608-262-2491 or wi4hinternational@extension.wisc.edu.

Q. I don’t speak any of those languages; is that a problem?

A. It is not a requirement of the program that you speak any of the delegate’s languages. Most of the delegates understand and speak English to some extent, some better than others, depending on how long they’ve studied English and their willingness to be adventurous with their skills. Most of them begin studying English by 6th grade, if not earlier. Even if their English isn’t perfect, 4-H youth and delegates find all sorts of ways to communicate through games, music, dance, sports, play, teaching each other, and laughing together. One of the purposes of the program is to learn to communicate and feel comfortable with those whose first language isn’t English. (Parents: don’t worry, the groups are accompanied by Adult Advisors who support and help them and us in case of illness or emergency!)

Q. How old are the delegates?

A. The youth are ages 12-18.  The majority of Japanese delegates are 12-14 years old, and the majority of Norwegian delegates are 16-18 years old. We ask that host siblings be within about 2 years of the age of their delegate.

Your family can also choose to host an Adult Advisor (chaperone) for half of the homestay (2 weeks).    Apply early for better choices and matches of personality and age.

Q. Will my visitor speak English?

A. Delegates’ English skills vary based on age and country of origin. All delegates have studied English in school, but their abilities will likely be limited. Part of the joy of hosting is learning new ways to communicate!

Q. I don’t have children living at home. Can I host?

A. Yes! We also need hosts for Adult Advisors (chaperones) for two-week homestays.

Q. What are the dates? How long do they stay?

A. The delegates stay in Wisconsin with one host family for about 4 weeks (Adult Advisors split the time between two host families). Dates vary by country. Please contact us for specific dates.  Involved families will receive detailed schedules and itineraries for arrival and departure.

Q. We are a very busy bunch! Is this a problem for some families?

A. Busy is good! Imagine if you were staying with a family in another country – you’d expect to be kept busy so you could learn about everything! It would all be exciting!

Q. What is the commitment required?

A. Families must have an interest in other cultures and working with young people; they are expected to provide a separate sleeping space and meals. Delegates come with their own spending money and insurance. Pick up and drop off is in Madison.  There is no fee to host, and there is no payment for hosting.

Q. Do you need to have a current 4-H’er in your household?

A. No, however all who are over 18 in the home must become enrolled 4-H volunteers. Just as we would expect 4-H to ensure a host in another country offers our youth a safe home environment, we need to assure our foreign visitors the same.

Q. How are delegate/host family matches made?

A.  Delegates are matched to host families based on similarities in interests, personality, and disposition. Delegates for the summer program are within 2 years of age of their host siblings. If a delegate requests a specific Wisconsin host family (most often as part of a reciprocal exchange), WI 4-H tries to accommodate the request.  WI 4-H collaborates with host families in order to make the best placement possible.  In most cases, we’ll call you with to discuss a few delegates we think are a good match based on applications and allow you to choose.

Q. Do I need to plan special activities or events for the delegate?

A.  No! The delegates are coming to experience everyday life with an American family, make new friends, and improve their English skills.

Q. Are there organized trips and events planned for them by their organization or the state?

A. For the Japan/Korea delegation, we work with families to reach consensus on a date/time/place for one Midpoint Meeting in a central location so hosts don’t have to drive too far. This meeting is usually a potluck at a park or event on a weekday evening which allows families to plan their own fun on weekends.

Q. What organization are they involved with? (Are there foreign versions of 4-H?)

A. The Mexico, Japan and South Korea delegates are from the cultural clubs of  LEX (Institute for Language Experience, Experiment, and Exchange) and Labo (name derived from “language laboratory”). Yes, there are other versions of 4-H around the world – we exchange with Costa Rica 4-S., Korea 4-H, Norway 4-H, and Taiwan 4-H.

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