Exchange Program Overview

STATE CONTACT
Wendy Stivers
Extension Specialist for 4-H Youth Development
212 Scovell Hall, U.K.
Lexington KY 40546-0064
Phone: (859) 257-5961
Fax: (859) 257-7180
email: wstivers@uky.edu

EXCHANGE PROGRAM OVERVIEW

DESCRIPTION
Traveling to other countries or meeting individuals of other cultures within the United States often results in an acceptance and understanding of people who are different to one's own culture. Kentucky 4-Hers may be involved in intrastate, interstate, and international exchanges.

Intrastate Exchange

Kentucky is made up of 120 very different counties. An intrastate exchange takes place between 2 counties within the state. Agents and leaders generally plan and implement this exchange with little input from the state office.

Interstate Exchange
Interstate Exchanges take place between counties in different states. Generally, the exchange takes place over 2 years--a county travels one year and hosts the other year. Exchanges extend over a period of days to a couple of weeks, often determined by finances, the distance to be traveled, or number of stops included.

THE NATIONAL 4-H WEB: 4-H EXCHANGES
If you are interested in participating in an interstate exchange, and would like to list information about your county's exchange opportunities, as well as read interesting exchange success stories, check out:
http://www.4-H.org/exchanges/

If a county in another state contacts the State 4-H Department expressing an interest in an exchange with a county in Kentucky, an e-mail message will be sent to counties.

The best information on how to plan an exchange will probably come from an agent or leader who has been involved in an exchange. Ask co-workers who to contact. Chances are these individuals have forms and outlines which make the job easier.

LIFESKILLS:
Accepting Differences

U.B. Bakker, Pennsylvania 4-H Youth Development Specialist, offers these suggestions for planning exchanges:

Start at least 5-6 months before you plan to go.
Involve adults and youth in planning.
Develop a written plan: purpose, number of participants, travel dates and location, suggested dates for hosting, etc.
Contact potential host counties. Early communication is vital. Set dates, determine age and number of participants and discuss a time table.
Begin promotion 3-4 months before departure. Establish a committee to help select delegates. If you host, you need to match host families. Notify youth of their selection so that letters can be exchanged.
Conduct an orientation for travelers and their families or host families at least a month before departure. Delegates should complete behavior agreements and health forms whether hosting or traveling.
Purchase insurance, plan fund-raisers to meet financial needs, and write "thank you" notes.

International Exchange
See Program resource guide links for "IFYE Representative Program" and "LABO - Outbound"

Last Revised: 10/18/99
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