Global Citizenship Programs
All States' 4-H International Exchange Programs are operating in 2025.
Kansas 4-H Exchange Programs are truly "learn by doing" experiences in global citizenship. Kansas 4-H Exchange Programs are conducted by Kansas 4-H Youth Development and K-State Research and Extension. Kansas 4-H Exchange Programs began in Kansas with the International Farm Youth Exchange, then later named the International 4-H Youth Exchange (IFYE) Program when 17 Americans traveled to European countries in 1948 to fulfill a dream of striving for world peace through understanding.
Kansas 4-H International Exchange Coordinators
Kansas 4-H has several state exchange coordinators who give leadership and direction to Kansas 4-H exchange programs.
-States' 4-H Academic Year Program (high school exchange from August to June annually). Allison Lecklider, Coordinator, allisonlecklider@yahoo.com; 785-822-5125.
-States' 4-H Outbound Programs (for those 4-H youth who travel to countries in the summer time; and IFYE Outbound Program for those 4-H alumni who travel to countries in summer/fall. -Mary Kay Munson, mkm2@ksu.edu; 785-375-3189.
-Kansas 4-H Japan Exchange (hosting late July to mid August for three weeks) -Pam Van Horn, pvanhorn@ksu.edu; 785-826-8917.
-Kansas IFYE Inbound Coordinator (host summer/fall annually for three weeks) - Open. Kansas may be looking to fill this coordinator position for summer 2025 exchange programs. Contact: Deryl E. Waldren, dwaldren@ksu.edu; 303-349-7403 for details.
-Kansas 4-H International Exchange Programs Liaison -Deryl E. Waldren, dwaldren@ksu.edu; 303-349-7403.
International 4-H Youth Programs (IFYE) - Program Will Have a Limited Presence in 2025.
Kansas 4-H partners with the International 4-H Youth Exchange (IFYE) to provide international exchange opportunities for 4-H alumni from 19-25 years old. IFYE Representatives spend three to six months living with host families in countries all over the world. Most participants leave in mid-June and return in mid-September or early December. While full details are not known at this time, the IFYE program will operate in 2025 sending and receiving a limited number of participants. Learn more about IFYE Programs by visiting our Kansas IFYE webpage.
States' 4-H International Exchange Program (S4-H)
Kansas 4-H also collaborates with States' 4-H International Exchange Programs (S4-H) for 4-H members aged 12-18. S4-H Representatives gain global perpective while living with a host family for 4-8 weeks. Learn more about S4-H Programs by visiting our S4-H webpage.
Host Family Opportunities
From June through September each year, 4-H families are needed to host exchange delegates for 3-4 weeks or 2-3 months. Exchange delegates represent their country's partner organization and vary in age, but are generally 12-25 years old.
Kansas also participates in the S4-H Academic Year Program (AYP) where high school students from Eurasia, Eastern Europe, Japan, and South Korea spend 10 1/2 months living with a Kansas family and attend high school from August to June and hosts are needed.
