If you are longing for adventure and are looking for a way to positively impact your world then the Alaska 4–H Global Citizenship and exchange program has some exciting opportunities to consider. This innovative program offers youth, between the ages of 10 and 18, a chance to see the world by hosting a month or yearlong foreign student, or by taking their own trip abroad.

Youth also participate in virtual state-wide 4–H Tomodachi (Japanese word for, “friend”) Club meetings, orientations, a winter student retreat and an international humanitarian service project.

The program is currently accepting outbound exchange applications for students wishing to travel abroad and family applications for the 2015 host placement year. Outbound opportunities include Japan, Finland, Costa Rica, Australia and Argentina. The summer of 2015 and yearlong hosting opportunities include students traveling from Japan, Norway, Korea and Eurasia.

Youth are not required to participate in an exchange in order to join the Tomodachi 4-H Club or participate in meetings, orientations, the annual retreat or humanitarian project.

For more information about how you can begin your 4-H Global Citizenship adventure, or volunteer to assist with the expansion of this program in your community, please call the Cooperative Extension Service at 907-262-5824 and ask for Coordinator Jason Floyd.

The Cooperative Extension Service and 4-H Youth Development Program are offered through the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the USDA.