Japan - Montana 4H - Montana State University Extension

STATES’ 4-H INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM DETAILS

8 Week Homestay Program:

Dates: June 14—August 10, 2023

Capacity: Maximum 20 delegates

Cost: $3,875 + airfare estimate ($1,700 - $2,600) + $50 travel agent fee (Airfare varies based on applicant’s location)

For the first 4 weeks, stay with a host family (host sibling not guaran-teed) in the Tokyo area, while attending an intensive Japanese language Nihongo program. In the second 4 weeks, you will be placed with a host sibling of the same gender and of a similar age. A group camp is offered through Labo and cultural excursions are offered by LEX.

4 Week Homestay Program:

Dates: July 12 - August 10, 2023

Capacity: Maximum 30 delegates Cost: $2,725 + airfare estimate ($1,700 - $2,600) + $50 travel agent fee (Airfare varies based on applicant’s location)

Live with a Japanese host family for the month and experience daily life. You will be placed with a host sibling of the same gender and of a similar age. A group camp is offered through Labo and cultural excur-sions are offered by LEX.

Program Timeline:

January 15: Application & first deposit due to Montana 4-H ($2,000 for 8-week & $1,500 for 4-week)

February: States’ 4-H notifies applicant of acceptance

March 15: Second deposit due to Montana 4-H ($2,000 for 8-week & $1,500 for 4-week)

March 15: Medical form & passport copy due to Montana 4-H

April: States’ 4‐H issues air tickets

Spring: State orientations

May 1: Third & final payment due to Montana 4-H

Late Spring: National orientation for all Japan delegates

Summer: Students fly to a U.S. gateway city for National Departure Orientation the day before the international flight.

**First payment will not be deposited until applicant is accepted in February.

Program Fees Include:

Overnight National Orientation in U.S. gateway city & in Tokyo
Labo camp or LEX cultural excursions
In-Japan expenses: Lodging, meals, transportation
Orientation materials and States’ 4-H t-shirts
Accident & Sickness Insurance
A portion of adult chaperone expenses
8 Week Program fees include the 4-week Japanese Nihongo language program: Language learning in a classroom setting and cultural excursions outside of classroom.*

*Lunch not included on weekdays during language classes ($7-10/day estimate).

Application is due December 31, 2022 to [email protected] at the Montana 4-H Center.

*Some states have an earlier timeline set in order to approve documents before they are forwarded to the National Office.

**First payment will not be deposited until applicant is accepted in February.

Who Can Apply:

4-H youth who want to learn first-hand about another culture and gain a global perspective. Must be getween ages 12-18 from the first day to the last day of the exchange (you must not be in college). 4-H enrollment guidelines and ages vary by state.

How to Apply:

Contact your local 4-H coordinator to apply and learn about your local deadlines and to access the application.

States’ 4-H Program Policies:

Program Cancellations:
- Before March 31, 2023: $100 cancellation fee. The remaining amount of first program deposit will be refunded
- After April 1, 2023: No refund of paid deposits, unless full program cancelled by States' 4-H
Airfare is non-refundable once issued
In-State Fees may apply
Unaccompanied Minor fees may apply (up to $150 each way)
No donor checks are accepted by the States’ 4-H Office; donors must send checks directly to the delegate
Program details subject to change

FAQs:

Q: Will a chaperone accompany the group?

A: Yes! Adult chaperones accompany the group during international travel and remain in-country to provide support during the exchange.

Q: Do I need to speak Japanese?

A: No prior language study is required, but it is certainly helpful! Our international partners have English-speaking staff on hand to assist you in communication.

Q: How will States’ 4-H prepare me for my homestay?

A: States’ 4-H provides travel handbooks that cover everything from packing lists to financial matters to cultural information. In addition, each state conducts an spring orientation covering these topics. Delegates also receive details during the States’ 4-H group conference call in late spring and a National Departure Orientation the day before the international flight.