Intern Information

What Is Required to Join the Program?

• Be between 20 and 30 years of age, and in good physical condition.
• Be a current student or a graduate within the past 12 months.
• Have some background in agriculture, preferably in dairy.
• Be conversant in English and understand oral instructions.
• Be willing to fit into a working dairy farm environment and their schedule.
• Possess a valid passport.
• Possess a valid driver's license in your own country.
• Possess a valid international driver's license.
• Complete an application form, including three letters of reference.
• Commit to complete evaluations of your training during the program.
• Commit to training on one farm for one year.
• Commit to honest, open communication with all involved in the program.
• Participate in a one-week technical training course at California Polytechnic University.
• Participate in four-day orientation upon arrival in the United States.

What Should I Expect of This Program?

• Training in practical dairy techniques by working with the host farm–not by watching.
• Placement on a farm which matches your training goals.
• Better English language skills, provided you work on your English while on the program.
• One-week specialized dairy training course at Cal Poly.
• To be on one farm for one year.
• A normal work week of 55 hours.
• Reasonable access to transportation, but not your own vehicle.
• One free day per week.
• Health insurance with deductible paid by host farm, for conditions not pre-existing or self-inflicted. Dental insurance is limited. There is no eye insurance.
• Housing. Most interns share a bathroom.
• Payment on an hourly basis. Details in costs above.

When Can I Start?
Interns come into the United States in January, April, June, late September/early October (with World Dairy Expo). See dates above for application dates and orientation dates.

History
The International Dairy Farm Training Program exists for three main reasons: 1) To impart skills and knowledge necessary for success with highly specialized dairy cattle; 2) to encourage participants to meet with American dairy industry leaders, making contacts for potential trade later; 3) to foster good relations and cultural exchange. The program was first started by the Holstein Association USA in the 1960s. It is now officially sponsored by California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), located in San Luis Obispo, California. The Global Cow is the main administrative contact.

"Thank you for being with me when I needed you.  Being a intern is a good experience.  It's not just because you work here, doing what you study for... but also because of what you learn as a person, too."
Katy , PERU