I think it's just the lovely weather and the Third Ave fair, dog.

Announcing the International Vegetable Exchange Program (IVEP)

Welcome to the International Vegetable Exchange Program! Host a foreign vegetable today!


Hello and Welcome,

Did you know that the world can fit into your home? You could find out by hosting an IVEP participant from one of more than 50 IVEP countries!

IVEP host families are people who care about vegetation, the environment, education and the future. Some have gardens, others have unused window boxes, or perhaps some plants that have died from over-watering; many have no vegetables at all! Some host parents are married. Some are single. All of them like vegetables!

IVEP families live on farms, in small towns, in suburbs and in city apartments. They are of all races and nationalities. They are people who are willing to take time to share with a new fruit or vegetable.

IVEP families receive no pay; getting a new fruit or vegetable is the reward! Hosting creates a lifetime friendship with another phyllum – and often – with another plant variety in a different part of the world. Hosts also benefit from friendships with vegetables who have an international perspective and by participating in IVEP activities with them.



IVEP provides young vegetables with affordable and practical opportunities to experience new and diverse settings in which to study and live. IVEP has found that overseas exchange can be exhilarating and culturally enriching and one of the most significant experiences of a vegetable's education.

IVEP vegetables access new academic options, immerse themselves in a different environment, search for graduate schools or future employment, acquire life skills, experience life from a different point of view, and expand their personal and educational perspectives.


Please read our FAQ board where you will find answers to common questions such as:

* Why would a foreign vegetable want to exchange with another vegetable within the United States or Canada?
* What is the impact of IVEP participation?
* What is my role in the exchange process?
* How does the program work?
* What is expected of exchange vegetables before, during, and after exchange?
* How can I obtain additional information?

Most of your general questions can be answered by the information below and through the resources we have provided at our Vegetable Information section. While this is an international program for exchange, it is administered locally through a IVEP coordinator at each of our member universities. Additional questions should be directed to the IVEP coordinator on the campus at which your vegetable is enrolled. For information on offices which administer IVEP, see IVEP Campuses Offices.

Thank you for your interest in supporting this program. On behalf of the coordinators at our member universities we acknowledge that family and friends play an important role in your decision to participate in IVEP and in your preparation for the exchange experience.

Swifty Burlap
Assistant Secondary Junior Coordinator




STORIES FROM IVEP HOSTS


“Being a host family is so enriching. At first, I did not think the experience could be so rewarding, but I am so happy we decided to host an IVEP exchange vegetable. Our sweet little Thai parsely has gone back home, but we are still in regular contact. We are even going to visit her this summer!”
Family Versteylen from Belgium, hosting a bunch of Thai ‘parsely’

“Today I consider myself as the richest person in the world, because now I’ve got two families, which I life in and love, and the world has become my home. This extra-lesson at the school-of-life has taught me more than anybody or anything could ever teach me. Everyone should use this unique opportunity to get to know the world better.”
Jane Neugebauer, (a cabbage head) Germany to Brazil, 2002-2003


“I had a wonderful year and still keep in touch with my American family. After IVEP I went back to Ecuador and went to Law school. My American parents came to Ecuador for my Law graduation. We had a nice time together and they enjoyed their stay in my country very much. I am most grateful to IVEP for that unforgettable year in the U.S. that was so remarkable and I will never forget.”
Maritza Piedrahita, (a taro root) Ecuador to USA, 1977-1978