Going Global: T-7 Days

Hi there! Thanks for taking the time to check out these posts. I would like to welcome you along with me as I journey from my hometown of Swan River, Manitoba, Canada across the Atlantic Ocean to the United Kingdom for a month-long exchange program with 4-H Canada! I have one week remaining before I travel and I am getting excited! Also nervous as I have a lot of packing to do (good thing I am still living out of suitcases from moving home from college in April).

First off, a bit about the exchange program. I was selected as one of ten 4-H members, from across Canada, to participate in the first ever Going Global Exchange Program. The program is offered to 4-H members ages 18-25. In this reciprocal international exchange, participants are placed with host families and come home with increased cultural awareness, new friendships, and unique ways of thinking about sustainable agriculture and food security issues. It’s a chance for 4-H members to experience a new country, expand their global perspective, learn about sustainable agriculture practices, and explore issues related to food security. Delegates selected for this program were given the opportunity to choose between 5 host countries (Taiwan, Finland, Jamaica, Japan, and United Kingdom).

If you are not familiar with the 4-H program, I strongly encourage you to check it out! It is one of Canada’s most widespread and beneficial youth development programs. Traditionally, 4-H was an agriculture related program, but it has since evolved into many other areas allowing it to appeal to a whole new group of Canadian youths! It allows for development of life skills and establishment of lifelong relationships and friendships. There are also heaps of scholarships, work, development and travel opportunities provided to members! If you’re interested in joining a club or want more information on this fantastic program – check out 4-H Canada’s website: http://www.4-h-canada.ca/

Next up, a bit about me! I am a small town farm girl, raised on a mixed beef/grain/horse farm in Swan River, Manitoba, Canada and avid 4-H member for as long as I can recall (officially, this was my 14^th year – but I attended meetings and did speeches with my older siblings long before I was old enough to join). I was/am a member of two clubs: Swan Valley Easy Lopers (equine) and Minitonas 4-H Beef Club. Involvement in these clubs has shaped who I am today in so many ways, but I will need an entire other post about all the great lessons and experiences I have gained. In the fall I will be entering my 4^th and final year of post-secondary education at the University of Saskatchewan, in Saskatoon, SK. In spring 2016 I will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, with a major in Animal Science and a minor in Agribusiness.

Lastly, a bit about my exchange partner! When I return to Canada on July 23, 2015, I will be bringing a very special guest with me. Poppy, a member of U.K.’s National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs, will return to Canada with me to spend a month experiencing Canadian agriculture. I am working to set up a variety of tours and events that will help her get the most out of her experience.

I KNOW this is getting long – but this is the IMPORTANT part! Here is where I want your help: if you have any great ideas of places we could visit (between Swan River, MB and Saskatoon, SK or within a couple hours of that route) please feel free to contact me! We are willing to come to your farm/agriculture event and help out (free labor!) to gain experience. She will be in Canada from July 23 – August 20. Please feel free to contact me and let me know what sort of fun ideas you’ve got for us to try! (Thanks in advance)

I want to thank-you again for starting this journey with me! I will try to share stories and pictures of my travels and experiences as often as possible. I am truly blessed and so very honored to have received this opportunity and I promise to represent this amazing country well.

Ciao!

Katie
Twitter: @Kattle_Kate
Facebook: Katie-Jo Stehr