Iowa 4-H seeks host families for Japanese students

AMES — The Iowa 4-H Youth Development program is seeking 16 Iowa families to host a minimum of 14 Japanese youth delegates and one to two Japanese adult chaperones from July 21 through Aug. 16, 2025, as part of the States’ 4-H Exchange program.

Families do not need to be involved in the Iowa 4-H program to host. Interested host families may apply online by April 15.

Families who have a child aged 8-17 living in the home are eligible to host a student for the 3 1/2-week summer program. Each host family is paired with a Japanese child of the same gender and age (within four years) as their own child.

Any family with an appropriately aged child is welcome to apply. The 14 Japanese youth delegates will be assigned to host families by June 1. Japanese chaperones can be placed with any family who applies, regardless of having children in the home.

This program is designed to focus on daily life in Iowa households. Host families do not need to plan special activities or sightseeing for their Japanese delegate.

Many delegates report that their favorite memories are those that cost nothing or very little. Host families will be able to participate in welcome orientations and departure events organized by the Iowa 4-H Youth Development program.

The Kellen family from Story County hosted Kaho through the States’ 4-H Exchange/Iowa 4-H partnership in 2024. Their daughter, Ava, was 14 years old at the time of the host exchange. Kaho joined in on what they were already doing in the summer.

“We went on vacation — we went camping and saw and went in the Maquoketa caves. We went to the world’s shortest and steepest scenic railway in Dubuque and that was really fun to do,” Ava said.

“We went to the Iowa State Fair and Reiman Gardens. We camped at the Palisades-Kepler State Park. We went to the High Trestle Trail and ate at Whatcha Smokin’ BBQ,” said host mom Kelley Kellen.

“We went to the farmers market in Des Moines. We hadn’t had a day we didn’t do something fun.”

“We got to wear yukatas and learn to use chopsticks,” said Ava. “On a map, we got to learn about where she’s from and all the different things they like to do, including going to the hot springs.

“Now, our whole family really wants to go to Japan to visit the hot springs. It looks beautiful there.”

For more information about the international exchange programs with Iowa 4-H, please contact your ISU Extension and Outreach county office or visit the Iowa 4-H website.