Virtual reality has its appeal. But nothing takes the place of
being there. Just ask those
who dreamed of the Olympics and finally came to Atlanta last
summer. Doing beats
dreaming any day.

That’s why Georgia 4-H’ers who dream about world travel need to
do something about
their dreams. And they better do it fast.

“For high school and college age 4-H’ers, applications are due
now for 4-H
international exchanges this summer,” says Greg Price. He
directs these programs
through the University of Georgia Extension Service.

“International programs have always been a strong part of
Georgia 4-H,” he says. “An
international experience is an educational opportunity that’s
equal to none. That’s true
whether you’re the traveler or the host family.”

International 4-H programs offer exchanges from six weeks to six
months. You can
travel to almost 30 countries. The list includes Australia,
Botswana, Estonia and
Latvia, India, Jamaica, Japan, Paraguay, Switzerland and
Ukraine.

“These programs help you learn about life,” Price says. “An
international experience
can be extremely valuable for an international career. It helps
you develop abilities,
including language skills. You can increase your knowledge and
global awareness. And
you can pursue your own study goals and career training.”

Youths can apply to travel or to host an international visitor
next summer through the
county extension
office.

College-age 4-H’ers may apply for the three- to six-month IFYE
Representative
program. The six-week IFYE Ambassador program or the month-long
LABO program
to Japan are for high school 4-H’ers. But there’s no time to
delay. All applications are
due now.

Families who would like to host a young international guest for
a week or more should
contact their county agent. They have until March 15 to apply.