News & Events

International exchange connects South Dakota families, agriculture with the world

November 4, 2025

Originally published in the Tri-State Neighbor
by Katelyn Winberg

Lesley Liao rides a horse in South Dakota as part of her nine weeks in the United States through the IFYE program.

When Lesley Liao of Taiwan stepped off the plane in South Dakota earlier this summer, she was ready to experience life far different from her own.

A longtime 4-H member, Liao joined the International Four-H Youth Exchange, known as IFYE, to learn about agriculture and rural living in another country. She was placed with host families in South Dakota for several weeks.

“The most surprising thing was farm life,” she said. “Every morning, my host mom and I would patrol the goats, deworm the horses, and bring home a runaway calf. I also got to ride a horse for the first time.”

The International Four-H Youth Exchange program has been active since 1948. The nonprofit organization partners with young people and host families around the world to build cultural understanding through shared experiences in agriculture, rural life and community living. Participants spend weeks or months abroad, staying with host families who welcome them into their homes.

For Liao, who grew up in Taiwan’s countryside but not on a farm, the experience provided opportunities she had never had at home. She said she was struck by the vast number of cows and the size of the corn and soybean fields she saw across South Dakota. She also visited Custer State Park, where she saw wild buffalo and groundhogs.

“I was amazed by the Custer environment,” she said. “I have never seen so many cows in front of me at once.”

While inbound students such as Liao learn about agriculture in the United States, South Dakota youth also have the opportunity to travel abroad. This year, the international exchange took place June 11 through Aug. 25.

Anna Lent, center, from Kimball, S.D., poses with friends in Taiwan through the IFYE program.

Anna Lent of Kimball recently returned from nine weeks in Taiwan as part of the outbound side of the program. Her mother also participated in IFYE and went to Taiwan in 1988, and that trip inspired her to apply.

“Living in Taiwan for nine weeks was way more challenging than expected,” Lent said. “I struggled with homesickness and the language barrier was extremely challenging. It forced me to get out of my comfort zone and make new friends.”

Lent said the effort was worth it. The friendships she made and the cultural understanding she gained were the most rewarding parts of her exchange. She shared her South Dakota roots through photos of her family’s farm and by cooking a few meals for her host families.

“Even with the language barrier, I was happy to share my experiences through Google Translate,” she said.

South Dakota families who open their homes to participants say the experience is equally rewarding.

John and Joyce Schlim of the Black Hills have hosted multiple IFYE participants over the years, and Liao was their most recent participant to stay with them. They first became involved after hosting visitors connected to the Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo and later decided to welcome IFYE delegates.

“It’s just fun to meet the kids. They are upbeat, they are fun to be around, and they bring a new perspective to your comfortable lifestyle,” Joyce said. “It makes you realize people are more alike than different in the world.”

The Schlims said they treat their exchange guests like any other visitors. They share day-to-day life, local attractions and time together at the kitchen table.

For Liao, those ordinary moments left lasting impressions.

“We were watching the horses graze while eating breakfast, chatting with neighbors while enjoying the cool breeze, baking cookies and preparing family dinners,” she said. “I miss them so much now.”

Joyce said hosting is about making connections that last beyond the visit. Her family remains in touch with past delegates and often reflects on the shared memories.

“It is just good to find out the perspective of people from other places,” she said. “We have always enjoyed it and learned something new each time.”

For more information about the International Four-H Youth Exchange program, including how to participate as a delegate or host, visit ifyeusa.org.

Born and raised on a farm in southeastern South Dakota, Katelyn currently resides in Sioux Falls. She enjoys attending SDSU football games (her alma mater), going to farmer’s markets and visiting her parents at their family farm. Reach her at kwinberg@tristateneighbor.com.

Used with permission from Tri-State Neighbor.