or a world heart,
but I have NEVER felt truly settled about staying in the United States.
As a small child, I traveled away in my books.
When I got older, my family started hosting exchange students, and I was able to travel through their pictures and stories.
Then the summer after my 14th birthday, I went to Japan for two months where I went to a language school for a month and then had a wonderful homestay experience with a family that sent both of their daughters to live with my family.
And in college, I studied abroad in New Zealand for a semester, where I fell in love even further in love with traveling. (Check out that blog here!)
Now, as a recent college graduate, many people are asking the question, "What's next?"
Well.... I'm headed to Europe!
During my senior year of college, I started the process of becoming an International 4-H Youth Exchange (IFYE). I was selected and assigned to spend six months in the United Kingdom (N. Ireland and England) and Norway. I will be blogging here while I am across the pond and I PROMISE THERE WILL BE MORE PICTURES THAN THIS BLOG.
In case you're interested, here's a quick look at the process to become a Colorado IFYE:
Oct 1 - Application Deadline
For Colorado's IFYE program applicants ages 19-30 can apply. This application is only about 3-4 pages long but does require a bit of reflection and introspection, so don't put it off. It also requires applicants to get three references to fill out a one page reference questionnaire. A program deposit is required at this time, but is only cashed if applicant is selected as an IFYE. The Colorado IFYE program is blessed to be a fully funded program so this is one of the few expenses that are not covered.
October/November - Interviews
At the interview, a panel of interviewers ask applicants questions to gage their fit in the IFYE program. Within the next 48 hours following the interview, they try to notify the applicants with their selection decisions. Currently the Colorado program tries to send two applicants each year but sometimes they send a third.
February - Country Assignments/Travel Documents
As part of the application and interview process, applicants give the coordinator their country preferences. The coordinator then works with the different countries to come up with a plan. Once all countries and the applicant agree on a plan, a country assignment agreement must be signed and returned to the coordinator.
Visa an Passports - Once future IFYE Ambassadors know where they will be going, they are responsible for securing the needed passport and visas. A copy of this passport should be submitted to the coordinator and left with a trusted relative or friend incase of an emergency.
April/May - Orientation/Prep Work
As the take off date gets closer and closer, it is important to get prepared to leave. This includes submitting bibliographies to go to host families, securing international health insurance and researching about the countries. There is also a state orientation program to help outbound IFYEs gain from the wisdom of IFYE alumni and interact with the state coordinator.
June - National Orientation/Fly Out
Around the middle of June, all outbound IFYEs from the United States and many of the inbound IFYEs from overseas meet for a multiday orientation. From there, outbound IFYEs head to their host countries for the next three to six months. During this time, IFYEs stay with host families as they try to facilitate a cultural exchange. Living as family members, not tourists, they often work on the family farms and participate in household chores/activities.
After returning in December - Reporting
Upon returning, the state coordinator will set up several presentations for each representative. In Colorado, this reporting period goes from January through the end of April. IFYEs give presentations around the state to community groups about the countries they visited and their experiences abroad. (A gas stipend is supplied by the foundation.)
Becoming an IFYE doesn't end at the reporting, however. I have been told that "once an IFYE, always an IFYE." Strong IFYE alumni organizations exist at all levels world wide because of the powerful experience individuals have as part of this program.
***IF you are not able to take part in this program as an IFYE ambassador, you can still be a part of this great program. We are always looking for new host families that are willing to take in an international family member for two to three weeks.
If you're interested in the Colorado IFYE program or in becoming a host family, please contact Courtney Loflin. She would love to talk to you about this amazing opportunity!
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