For Scarlett Friesen, a recent trip to Ireland offered much more than sightseeing. It provided an opportunity to learn about agriculture, experience a new culture and build connections with young people from across Canada before beginning the next chapter of her life after high school.
Scarlett Friesen overlooks the Irish countryside from the Rock of Dunamase, a historic castle ruin that provided panoramic views
The Grade 12 student recently returned from the 2026 Rural 4-H Exchange Trip to Ireland, a program organized through 4-H Canada that brought together 31 participants from across the country.
“It meant so much to me because I am someone who loves to travel and 4-H has made that so possible for me,” Friesen said. “I will forever be grateful for everything 4-H has given me, but most especially how they’ve fostered my love for travel, whether it’s within the country or overseas.”
The selection process was competitive. Each province received a limited number of spots, and applicants were required to submit references and answer questions about their involvement in 4-H, leadership experiences and what they hoped to gain from the exchange.
In Manitoba, only four participants were selected.
The application also required candidates to explain the value of learning about agriculture in another country and how they would promote opportunities such as the exchange upon returning home.
Friesen joined participants from nearly every province for the trip, which combined agricultural learning, cultural experiences and historical sightseeing.
Among her favourite memories were visits to some of Ireland’s most famous landmarks, including the Rock of Dunamase and the Cliffs of Moher.
She also enjoyed touring farms, where participants learned about agricultural practices that differ from those in Canada.
“We got to see water buffalo and sheepdogs working,” she said.
One of the more unique experiences involved trying hurling, a traditional Irish sport often described as one of the fastest field games in the world.
“They all play for fun for their community, which I thought was really cool,” Friesen said.
Another highlight was an evening at Kinnitty Castle, where the group enjoyed a formal dinner accompanied by traditional Irish dancing performances.
“They brought in Irish dancers to perform for us between our appetizer and main course, which was a really cool experience,” she said.
Participants also spent time exploring Dublin, where Friesen visited well-known attractions, including Dublin Castle and the Molly Malone statue.
Beyond the landmarks and activities, Friesen said she was fascinated by the cultural differences she observed.
One of the first things she noticed was the more relaxed approach many Irish people take toward schedules. She also saw how Ireland’s climate affects agriculture differently than in Manitoba.
“Because of the differences in our climates and seasons, I saw canola fields fully in bloom even though it was only mid-May,” she said.
The trip also highlighted the diversity of accents across Ireland.
“The owner of a mart we visited told us he can’t understand a word the auctioneer says because he has a Northern Ireland accent,” Friesen said. “Even though to us, it didn’t sound that different.”
As she prepares to graduate and head to university this fall, Friesen said the experience helped her develop independence while creating friendships with fellow 4-H members from across Canada.
“Getting to gain a new perspective on a culture by immersing myself in it and seeing how similarly or differently their agriculture works from ours was a very valuable experience,” she said.
The trip also created unexpected connections for the future.
“I even met some people who will be attending the same university as me next year.”
For Friesen, the exchange was another example of how 4-H continues to provide opportunities that extend far beyond local club projects, helping young people build leadership skills, broaden their horizons and explore the world.
