USA J1 Agriculture Internships

Description

Status : Program Open
Embassy : Open
Vaccination Required : No
PCR Required to Enter : No

The J1 Agricultural Program has been developed to allow international agriculturalists to pursue training in the area of agri-business in order to improve their knowledge of advanced agrarian practices, techniques, methodologies and expertise while enhancing their knowledge of American culture. Being a J1 program, a customized training plan is prepared for each participant that outlines specific objectives and phases of training and supervision and evaluation procedures to be used during the program.

Cultural exchange is an important aspect of this program. All participants should be encouraged to interact with American citizens. Interaction with groups, families, professional societies, religious, community and company-related social activities should be encouraged. Each community in the United States has its own unique culture, such as seasonal festivals and fairs, community and/or religious events.

Participants should take advantage of the opportunity to experience cultural activities and should embrace the concept of exposing themselves to these cultural experiences.

Locations
Throughout the USA. Area preferences will be taken into consideration, however cannot be guaranteed. Some popular locations are Nebraska, Colorado, Tennessee, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, South and North Dakota. We also place applicants along the east coast of America from Georgia down through Florida and even Hawaii in horticulture positions!

Types of Farming
Swine and Poultry
Dairy
Livestock – Cattle
Crop Production
Horticulture/Fruits/Vegetables

In addition however limited:
- Equine
- Oenology/Viticulture
- Turf Management

Stipends, Housing and Inclusions
Positions are very different based on experience and your actual role during your placement, however you will work around 40-60 hours per week, on average 8-10 hour shifts daily.
Common inclusions for the program are a monthly stipend, housing and some meals.
Stipends:
Some interns and trainees earn an hourly rate starting from $7.15 to $11.50 or a monthly stipend starting from $1100 - $1800 .
Meals and Transport:
Some interns are provided with a meal on shift as well as transport from housing to work each day.
Housing:
Provided by your farmer either on site or nearby. Housing is either provided free of charge or at a monthly charge of around $300 - $350. Accommodation is shared with other interns or co-workers. There will be common areas, very similar to dorm-type living.
Uniforms:
Many farmers provide uniforms to their interns and trainees.

Eligibility

1. Must be a current full-time student at a post-secondary ministerially recognized institute outside the USA doing any agricultural course. Only full time, in-classroom studies are recognized.

2. Must have completed studies as  in point 1 and if applicants have no valid work experience or less than 1 years work experience, they must enter the US within 12 months of the date printed on their qualification.

3. Applicants who have graduated more than 12 months ago, must show at least 12 months’ work experience in their field of study. Experience can be from practical or real-life work experience

4. No qualifications – no problem. Applicants must be able to document at least 5 years of work experience outside the United States in a specific occupation (agriculture related)

IN ADDITION
- 19-28 years (preferred, but older applicants can apply and will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
- Proficient in English
- We accept SA, Namibian and some other African passport holders
- Applicants must have finances available to pay for travels
- Good budgeting skills to cover day-to-day expenses when in the USA
- Hard-working, efficient, committed to a 12-month placement
- Passion for the agriculture industry
– Drivers licenses or skills for any other farm equipment is a bonus
- Fit and healthy - any and all pre-existing medical conditions/history must be disclosed

Application

- Get together all application documents and pay your application fee to your OVC office.
- Application is sent to the program manager for review.
- Once approved by the program manager, we begin searching for placements.
- Await interview - you might not be placed on your first interview. We will continue to interview you with employers until placed.
- Once placed, pay your program fee, Visa and SEVIS fee.
- Once your visa is approved, OVC will book your flights.
- Applicant will attend a final preparation meeting with OVC to ensure that you are ready to fly.