Host a Student for the Academic Year (AYP)

South Korea, Japan, Eurasian countries  

AYP delegates come from Japan, Korea or a Eurasian country for one school year. The Japanese students have traveled previously to the United States as part of the summer program. English skills are well-developed. Delegates must attend public school. Host families do not need to have children in their homes to host but need to welcome the delegate as a member of their families for a year. Students have their own health insurance. Family attendance is required at a mid-term event.

Who are the students?
Students are freshmen or higher. Japanese and Korean students are self-funded. FLEX students come from Eurasian countries as part of the U.S. State Department-sponsored Future Leader's Exchange (FLEX) program. The goal of this program is to teach delegates civic education and how to live in a democratic society. 

What will it cost our family?
This is a volunteer program so families are not reimbursed for hosting. Expenses are limited to the extra cost of food and utilities related to having another person in your home. Expenses for school activities are reimbursed from the program. Families can deduct up to $50 per month on their tax returns (contact the IRS for the appropriate paperwork). FLEX students receive a monthly stipend for their personal expenses.

Do we need to plan special activities?
No. While the delegates would enjoy visiting one of our national parks over the course of their stays, planning these activities is not required. AYP delegates want to participate in extra-curricular activities such as sports, music, cheerleading, etc. We ask the family to accommodate delegates as they would their own children.

How can I apply?
Contact the 4-H Center for Youth Development International Program Coordinator, Dave Brink at 406-822-3547 or complete the online application.

Host an IPYA Delegate

The 4-H International Program for Young Adults (IPYA) delegates arrive in Montana in early July and participate in 4-H Congress. Families generally host these older youth for 2-3 weeks. They are interested in an in-depth look at U.S. culture and to gain a better understand farming and ranching practices. Families do not need to live on a farm or ranch to host. Delegates come from European and Asian countries.

Who are the delegates?
IPYAs are 18-30 years old and come from different backgrounds in their home countries. Some are in school and others are at the beginning of their careers.

What will it cost our family?
This is a volunteer program so families are not reimbursed for hosting. Expenses are limited to the extra cost of food and utilities related to having another person in your home. Many IPYAs understand that there is a work component to their homestays so do not hesitate to ask them to help with farming or ranching chores.

Do we need to plan special activities?
No. While the delegates would enjoy visiting one of our national parks over the course of their stays, planning these activities is not required.

How can I apply?
Contact the 4-H Center for Youth Development International Program Coordinator, Dave Brink, at 406-822-3547 or print and complete the online application.

Host Family Application  
 Host Family Reference (need two) 
For more information regarding this program please contact Dave Brink, [email protected]