W. Garfield Weston Foundation
4-H International Exchange
Experience a new country, expand your global perspective. The W. Garfield Weston Foundation 4-H International Exchange is a unique opportunity to learn more about agriculture and resources around the world, represent 4-H in Canada, and gain new friendships and experiences that will last a lifetime. Funded by the W. Garfield Weston Foundation, the exchange sends 4-H delegates to various locations around the world, such as the United Kingdom, Korea and Taiwan, where they participate in a reciprocal host-family exchange for up to 8 weeks in this once in a lifetime opportunity.
Shinae in Finland
Shinae Hartley of MAC/JAC 4-H visited Finland in July. She stayed in Lapinlahti with the Niskanens, a family of 8, on their dairy and pony farm.
“We visited museums dedicated to Finnish artists, spent a few afternoons sightseeing, but most interesting of all to me were our visits to country fairs. There, I had the chance to see dairy cattle including Lapland and Eastern and Western Fincattle. But the best part about being in Finland was simply the experience of living with my host family. It’s difficult to believe, after coming home, that they’re from the other side of the world.”
Shinae hosted her twin, Amanda Aronen, from August 7 – 14; they attended a food security conference, toured downtown Montreal, and joined the Ormstown/Alberta Club to Club Exchange group for a day in Ottawa. Amanda was also hosted by a student in Niagara, Ontario during her Canadian visit.
Julie and Jamaica
In June and July of 2012, Julie Neal travelled to Jamaica learning about the Jamaican culture, eating exotic fruit, swimming with dolphins, climbing Dunn’s River Falls waterfall and visiting some tropical flower gardens. She also spent time learning about their 4-H organisations run through their schools.
Quote from Julie: “The vibrancy and joie de vivre that is found in that small island country is incomparable and I have made friends and memories that will last a lifetime”.
Meredith Visits the U.K.
From June 9 to July 9, 2012, Meredith Closs visited the United Kingdom. She visited various farms, including a milking buffalo farm, sheep, dairy and beef farms a boarding stable and the Amelia Trust Farm, which helps troubled youth through agriculture. Meredith participated in the local Young Farmers Club Rally, AG meetings and a Young Farmers Camping Weekend. She visited castles, went to an amusement park and attended both Cardiff food and drink festival and Cereals, which is a very large farm show.
Meredith’s British “twin” Sammie Wilson visited Quebec from August 15 to September 15. Several Quebec 4-H families welcomed her into their homes and took the opportunity to learn more about her corner of the world as they shared part of their own.
Quote from Meredith: “Coming from a beef farm and studying agriculture at McGill, I really enjoyed the chance to improve my knowledge on agriculture”.
Coming up next…
A limited number of spaces are available to travel in
the summer of 2017.
Members apply directly to 4-H Canada at exchange.4-h-canada.ca prior to the deadline of November 2, 2016 to be considered for selection.
Registration fee is $500.