Log In

We are currently seeking host families for the 2024-2025 school year!

Every year, States’ 4-H hosts 20-30 Academic year students from Japan and South Korea. These students participate in an arrival orientation in Seattle prior to flying to their host states. States’ 4-H has been welcoming AYP students on J-1 visas through this program since 1987!

States’ 4-H AYP students from Japan and South Korea are selected to participate in the program based on their performance on the ELTiS test, their application materials, and an interview conducted in English. Some of these students previously visited the USA as part of States’ 4-H Summer programs.
Students come through one of four international partner organizations:

  • Brighter Futures Education (South Korea)
  • Korea 4-H (South Korea)
  • Labo International Exchange (Japan)
  • LEX/ Hippo Family Club (Japan)

Host families and students alike look forward to the opportunity to expanding their families through the exchange. On their evaluation, one host family wrote that their student:

“wanted to be a part of our family from the beginning. We are all very close to him and enjoyed watching him play baseball and wrestle. He had many friends and participated in our activities…his easy going attitude and respect for others was a great reminder for all of us”

Basic Timeline:

2024-2025 Program Year

Header Header Header
Fall 2023 Students Apply for the Program
Winter 2023 Students are selected
February-July 2024 Host families are identified and matched with Students
Last week of July Students attend Arrival Orientation in Seattle
August 2024 Students arrive in their host states
August 2024-June 2025 Students live with host families and attend high school
June 2025 Students depart USA and return to their home country