Application Process

Apply to Program

• Trainees and hosts send completed application forms to Global Cow.
• NEW hosts pay $300 non-refundable application fee; EXISTING hosts pay $200 non-refundable application fee for each subsequent trainee.
• Trainee calls Global Cow to test English, and to make sure program is right for trainee.
• 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.

Trainees Acceptance Into Program

• Global Cow and its in-country representatives determine who is accepted into the program.
• Trainees pay US $650 to Global Cow. $300 of this non-refundable; $350 is for the orientation costs, and is refunded if the trainee does not receive the visa.
• Global Cow then matches hosts and trainees.
• Host farmers can accept or reject a trainee.
• Global Cow then sends host farm information to the trainee; trainees can also refuse a host.
• Global Cow sends DS 2019 and DS 7200 to the trainees, via an express delivery service.

Trainees & Visas

• Trainees immediately make their visa appointments. Trainees who do not make appointments before dates stated in their paperwork may have their DS 2019 and DS 7200 paperwork voided by the program.
• Trainees pay US $100 to the State Department for documentation in the SEVIS database; trainees pay US $100 to the US Embassy in their country for the visa interview.
• Trainees immediately report back to Global Cow after their visa interview.

Travel

• Trainee books flight to arrive in Chicago O'Hare and sends complete flight information to Global Cow.
  
• Trainee travels to Chicago and then to Rockford. Global Cow completes orientation arrangements.

Orientation

• Trainee must attend four-day orientation. During orientation, in order to avoid any possible transfer of diseases, trainees are NOT in contact with dairy cattle, Global Cow inspects shoes; trainees wash all clothes.
• Global Cow makes bus travel arrangements for the trainees' travel to the host farms. Trainees who wish to travel by plane should make those arrangements themselves.
• Global Cow informs hosts of trainees' arrival times. Hosts pick up trainees at the bus station near host farm.

At Farm

• Within ten to fifteen days, Global Cow contacts the trainee and host.
• Monthly, Global Cow sends out a newsletter, with updates on dairy events, new trainee arrivals, safety reminders, Cal Poly course details, and important information for the program.
• Trainees and hosts are responsible to contact Global Cow with any problems.
  
• Within the first six weeks at the host farm, the trainee and host complete their training plan.
• Every two months, trainees and hosts complete evaluations.
  
• Within approximately three months, trainees should obtain a driver's license in their state.
  
• Trainees attend the Cal Poly course closest to the end of their year, in either March, June/July, or December. (Dates vary each year.)
  
• Trainees 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