Application Process

Apply to Program

• Interns and hosts send completed application forms to Global Cow.
• NEW hosts pay $400 non-refundable application fee; EXISTING hosts pay $200 non-refundable application fee for each subsequent intern.
• Intern calls Global Cow to test English, and to make sure program is right for intern.
• Global Cow contacts references for the host farmer, and calls the host to make sure that he truly understands this program. A farm visit may also be required.

interns Acceptance Into Program

• Global Cow determines who is accepted into the program.
• Interns pay US $830 to Global Cow. $300 of this non-refundable administration fees; $350 is for the orientation costs, and is refunded if the intern does not receive the visa. The last $180 is for the SEVIS database, maintained by the US State Department.
• Global Cow then matches hosts and interns.
• Host farmers can accept or reject a intern.
• Global Cow then sends host farm information to the intern; interns can also refuse a host.
• Global Cow sends DS 2019 and DS 7002 to the interns, via an express delivery service.

interns & Visas

• Interns immediately make their visa appointments. interns who do not make appointments before dates stated in their paperwork may have their DS 2019 and DS 7002 paperwork voided by the program.
• Interns pay US $131 to the US Embassy in their country for the visa interview.
• Interns immediately report back to Global Cow after their visa interview.

Travel

• Intern books flight to arrive in Chicago O'Hare and sends complete flight information to Global Cow.
  
• Intern travels to Chicago and then to Rockford (city), Illinois (state). Global Cow completes orientation arrangements.

Orientation

• Interns must attend four-day orientation. During orientation, in order to avoid any possible transfer of diseases, interns are NOT in contact with dairy cattle, Global Cow inspects shoes; interns wash all clothes.
• Global Cow makes travel arrangements for the interns' travel to the host farms. usually by bus.
• Global Cow informs hosts of interns' arrival times. Hosts pick up interns at their final destination and take them to their host farm.

At Farm

• Within ten to fifteen days, Global Cow contacts the intern and host.
• Monthly, Global Cow sends out a newsletter, with updates on dairy events, new intern arrivals, safety reminders, Cal Poly course details, and important information for the program.
• Interns and hosts are responsible to contact Global Cow with any problems.
  
• Within the first six weeks at the host farm, the intern and host complete their training plan.
• Every two months, interns and hosts complete evaluations.
  
• Within approximately three months, interns should obtain a driver's license in their state.
  
• Interns attend the Cal Poly course closest to the end of their year, in either March, June/July, or December. (Dates vary each year.)
  
• Interns must advise Global Cow if they are not on the farm (for example, to visit a friend for a night).

"Thanks once again.  Thank you so much for having given me a chance to get to the program.  Thanks so much for having made the exchange and learning from different cultures.  Thank you.  I've gained knowledge, experience and more over, practice in handling animal diseases.  The joy that is deep in my heart I can't tell in writing.  I will also be updating you on the progress of the farm, the changes I will make.  Thanks again." Victor , KENYA