The Virginia 4-H International Exchange Program was recently recognized by States’ 4-H International with the “Extraordinary Quality Programs” Award for 2012-13. This award not only acknowledges the outstanding International Exchange Programs conducted by 4-H in Virginia, but also the quality of work of the volunteers who manage the various programs. In Virginia there are four amazing volunteers who work tirelessly to make sure that 4-H is active and relevant in this area of citizenship. Please allow me to introduce you to them.
Judy Ann Fray is the coordinator for the VA 4-H/Outbound Exchange program to Japan. This program provides and opportunity for 4-H members from the United States to travel to Japan. This year, there were three students who traveled to Japan for the month long stay. For this program, students must be 14 -18 years old. You may contact Judy for more information at ja.fray@Verizon.net
Rebecca Moyer is the coordinator for the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program and also the Japanese High School Exchange. The FLEX program is a hosting program for high school students from former Soviet countries. They spend the school year attending your local high school and this program is coordinated through the United States State Department. Two of the students spoke at the 4-H Symposium this past weekend (one from Russia and one from Ukraine). Japanese high school students may also be hosted for the school year through the Japanese exchange program. Host families are recruited in the summer to participate in this program. You may contact Rebecca for more information at Rebecca.moyer25@yahoo.com
Deb Johnson is the coordinator for the 4-H/Japanese Summer Exchange program. This is a month-long summer hosting opportunity for families and is a great introduction to the International programs. Students from Japan ages 11-18 years old participate in this program. Each year Virginia families host over 30 Japanese delegates and adult chaperones. For more information on this program, you may contact Deb at jdjohn123@yahoo.com
Dottie Nelson is the coordinator for the International 4-H Youth Exchange (IFYE) program. This program focuses on opportunities to students for students to host and travel to a variety of countries and continents. The program is operated in 25 countries on 6 continents for young people ages 16-26 years old. Dottie also coordinates the 4-H Summer Inbound and Outbound exchange program with Australia, Costa Rica, Norway, Argentina, and Cameroon. This program is for youth ages 12-18. You may contact Dottie at dottieifye@yahoo.com
These programs are all well run and quality programs that you can feel confident in marketing to your 4-H families. I encourage you get involved in 4-H International Programs and to contact the 4-H volunteers above to discuss the programs in more detail.