Deadline nears for 4-H Club youth exchange to Japan

FAIRBANKS — Deadline is Jan. 15 to apply for the 4-H Club’s summer exchange program to Japan.

The July 10 to Aug. 8 exchange is open to Alaska youths ages 13 to 18. The program also needs 10 host families for Japanese youths who are coming to Alaska the same month.

Outbound exchange coordinator Jill Holmgren said the 4-H exchange program offers students a world of experiences and friendships to treasure for a lifetime. Participants discover Japan as a member of a Japanese family, hosted by a teen of the same gender and age. Applicants do not need to speak Japanese. Teens not currently in 4-H can join by applying.

Incoming Japanese youths will be in Alaska July 21 to Aug. 19. Each host family must have a child age 10 to 16 who is willing to be the host brother or sister. Hosts and exchange students will be matched for gender, age and interests. Families do not have to be affiliated with 4-H or speak Japanese.

The exchange between 4-H and Japan has been ongoing for more than 40 years.

For more information about the outbound program, email japanalaska@gmail.com or visit uaf.edu/ces/4h/exchange. For details about hosting a Japanese youth, visit uaf.edu/ces/4h/exchange, call 786-6300, or contact Tony Nakazawa at atnakazawa@alaska.edu or Marianne Kerr at mlkerr@alaska.edu.