Since its founding in 1948, the IFYE program has helped thousands of young people from across the United States, Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the South Pacific learn about life in other lands.The IFYE program is an in-depth learning experience in which young adults live with host families in other countries to increase global awareness, develop independent study interests, and improve language skills. Programs vary from country to country, with some emphasizing an agricultural work experience, volunteering at an adult training center, or working with a local youth development program similar to 4-H. The exchange began in Ohio, with participation in the "International Farm Youth Exchange" (IFYE) Program. Program name was later changed to "International 4-H Youth Exchange," with over 30 countries participating. Between 1949 and 2008, 860 Ohio families hosted an international IFYE, and 313 Ohioans traveled abroad as an IFYE Representative (6 months - 253 participants) and IFYE Ambassadors (1 month - 60 participants). Today, IFYE is an independent exchange from 4-H and the exchange is known solely as IFYE, much like how the Future Farmers of America became FFA.
