2025 Japanese Exchange Host Opportunities
Kansas 4-H has been participating in the Japanese Exchange since 1977, in collaboration with S4-H Programs. Since then, over 3,500 Japanese youth have traveled to Kansas. Kansas families host Japanese youth and adult chaperones from mid-July to mid-August. In 2025, Kansas 4-H will be hosting 36 youth and 4 adult chaperones from July 21 - August 16. Host family recruitment is open. The goal is to have all host families found by June 1.
To view two video links about the 2023 Kansas 4-H Japan Exchange created by Allison Lecklider, CKD 4-H volunteer leader for the Japan exchange, click here.
Any Kansas 4-H family with children generally aged 11-15, who is interested in Japanese culture, is eligible to host. You'll treat the delegate as a family member (rather than a tourist/guest), and keep a "regular" family schedule. That could mean chores, fairs, ballgames, host family vacations, or join their host sibling for summer camp. The focus is everyday family life.
Most delegates are aged 12 or 13 (up to age 16) and have studied English for one year in school. A separate bed is required, but not necessarily a separate room from the host sibling. Delegates are 100 percent medically covered with 4-H insurance and bring their own spending money.
Host familiy recruitment continues. A national background check will be required for all adults 18 and over living in the household at the time of exchange.
We match each delegate with an American same-gender host sibling who is within 2-3 years of age as the delegate as soon as possible, so families and exchange delegates can get to know each other prior to arrival.
