Dear Wisconsin 4-H members, families, volunteers, and partners;

We know that global experiences and cultural learning not only make a difference, but are critically important. Wisconsin 4-H is committed to supporting international connections and learning as part of positive youth development. With this in mind, it is difficult to share that we are pausing our current international exchange programming. Yet, this pause will allow us to build a stronger foundation for future international experiences which meet the needs and expectations of our youth, families, communities, and institutions. 

This pause will last through Summer 2024 and includes both inbound hosting opportunities and outbound travel. During this pause, our Wisconsin 4-H team is committed to strengthening and re-visioning our global citizenship programming.

We understand that 4-H international opportunities have had profound, positive impacts on many of you, and that this decision impacts youth who hoped to travel this summer and families across Wisconsin who are devoted to the hosting process. For those youth and families who are interested in international experiences in 2024, we encourage you to reach out to your school or local civic organization, as many high quality international travel and hosting options may be available.

Thank you for your understanding as we design new opportunities while building on existing experiences to ensure high quality youth development programming is at the forefront of everything we do.

For questions regarding this decision, please contact: Jessica Jens, Wisconsin 4-H State Program Leader, jessica.jens@wisc.edu. 

Application Steps
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)

Hosting a young person from another country is a wonderful opportunity to expand your horizons, learn about another culture and develop lifelong friendships without even leaving your home! Since 1981, Wisconsin 4-H has welcomed over 2,000 young people from countries all over the world. This summer, nearly forty youth from two different countries will spend one month with Wisconsin host families. Find out how your family can become involved below!

 Purpose of the Program

• enhance cross-cultural awareness and understanding
• provide the opportunity to know and appreciate another person and their culture
• help individuals and families better understand themselves and their own culture
• emphasize the value of 4-H and similar programs throughout the world

Summer Inbound Programs

Summer 2023 Updates:

As we work to restart exchange programs, we will be hosting a smaller delegation than in the past. Delegate pick-up/drop-off locations will be limited. Families should expect to travel to Dane County on the first and last day of the hosting periods listed above. We apologize for any inconvenience.

For more information, contact:  wi4hinternational@extension.wisc.edu

WI 4-H International Programs Coordinator: 608-262-2491 

This program is supported by the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation.  For more information please go to www.Wis4HFoundation.org.

This page is optimized for printing