Middle School Youth Perceptions of an International Education after-School 4-H Program

Abstract

A series of seven focus groups were conducted to determine the perceptions of middle school youth on international education via after-school 4-H programming. Twenty-nine students in grades six, seven and eight participated by responding to an identical set of questions designed to encourage group discussion. The participants indicated little familiarity with international education concepts outside of language learning, expressed little interest in learning cross-cultural skills and any type of after-school program that incorporated elements typical of a classroom experience. They expressed a preference for programs that would allow them to focus on interests like sports and the arts. Their perceptions of 4-H indicated little knowledge of the program. However, this unfamiliarity did not carry a negative connotation. These results suggest that educators should ensure after-school programs offer experiences distinctly different from the typical classroom. If focused on international education, programs should provide meaningful opportunities to interact with people from other cultures and explore topics of interest to youth rather than factual information about other countries. These types of programs need to be promoted in a way that aligns with the interests of young people as simply learning cross-cultural skills is not viewed as a need or priority by teens.