IFYE (International 4-H Youth Exchange) Travel

IFYE Representative Program 
The oldest 4-H international exchange, the IFYE Rep. program is one of our most outstanding opportunities.  Participants aged 19-30 travel to one of 25 countries around the world for three months, where they stay with various host families.  For 4-H alumni ages 19-25, Ohio 4-H offers full and half merit-based scholarships toward the program fee of approximately $4,800, paid for through private donations to the Ohio 4-H Foundation IFYE Support Fund.

IFYE Reps are placed in host countries according to their personal requests and the availability of exchangee spots.  Once there, they typically spend several weeks with each of six to ten host families in various parts of the host country.  Host family arrangements and selections are made by the 4-H counterpart organization in that country.  In addition, IFYE Reps are given approximately three weeks of free time for personal travel at their own cost. 

During the three-month exchange, IFYE Reps promote international understanding and cooperation, and develop cross-cultural skills including foreign language ability.  Depending on the host country, IFYE Reps' everyday experiences vary.  Some countries offer more work-oriented opportunities, such as helping with the family farm, contributing to local youth development programs, or assisting with English language instruction at a local school.  In other countries, the IFYE program mainly emphasizes homestay experiences.  But whatever the circumstances, IFYE Representatives become valued and contributing members of their host families and communities. 

Expectations of IFYE Reps include acting as exemplary representatives of 4-H, Ohio and the United States; writing monthly newsletters during the exchange; and presenting at least 50 talks/slide shows upon their return home to groups around Ohio, in order to share their experiences.  IFYEs should also be prepared to spend approximately $250 on passport and photography costs. 

Participating Countries: Still to be determined. Applications are made using the "International 4-H Youth Exchange" Traveler's Application, found in the International Program Booklet available through the county OSU Extension offices or the State 4-H Office, and are due in the State 4-H Office by October 31.   Selections and scholarship awards are made through a review of application materials and a personal interview with a Selections Committee, for travel the following year. For applications, please email Mary Lynn Thalheimer at thalheimer.1@osu.edu.

Application deadline is October 31 of each year, and selection interviews are always the first Sunday of December.

Click here for an IFYE application form (Word)