The Global Cow, Ltd.

Information for Participants

All the information for participants is on the website, but since we know that sometimes internet access is limited, we offer this "quick method" of printing now for review later:

• download the general information
• download the monetary information

In order to participate in the program, potential hosts need to complete these forms:

• download the participant application form (to be completed by hand--the one to fill out on the computer is here)
• download the acceptance form

There are two ways to join the program–as an intern or as a trainee.

• Interns are students, or graduates in the last year.
• Trainees are graduates with at least one year of work experience or five years of professional experience (after age 18).

What Is Required to Join the Program?

✦ Provide proof of experience and education to comply with intern or trainee status.
✦ Be between 20 and 30 years of age, be at least 160 cm tall (due to safety concerns); be in good physical condition.
✦ Be willing to fit into a working dairy farm environment and their schedule.  (Hours will vary.)
✦ Have no criminal record.
✦ Be conversant in English and understand oral instructions.  English is tested via Skype web cam.
✦ Know how to drive, and posses a passport, domestic driver’s license, and international driver’s license.
✦ Complete an application form, including three letters of reference.
✦ Participate in orientation upon arrival and at least one program-approved educational course.
✦ Commit to completing evaluations of training during the program; training on one farm for entire program.
✦ Commit to honest, open communication with all involved in the program.

What Should I Expect of This Program?

✦ Hands-on experience in practical dairy techniques by working on the host farm–not by watching.
✦ Better English language skills, provided you use your English regularly while on the program.
✦ Completion of an approved educational course during the year.
✦ To be on one farm for your training; a work week of 55 hour; one free day per week.
✦ Reasonable access to transportation (not your own vehicle); housing with basic local telephone service included.
✦ Health insurance.  Note: this does NOT cover pre-existing or self-inflicted problems.  There is no eye or dental coverage.
✦ Hourly pay for interns of $6.55 per hour for 60 days; $7 per hour after (provided participant shows improvement as expected).  Hourly pay for trainee of $7 per hour for 60 days; $7.50 per hour after (provided participant shows improvement as expected).  Details in monetary section.  Participants should NOT expect to maintain a family back home on this pay, although it is very sufficient to live on while in the United States. 

When Can I Start?

Orientations are held in February, April, June, August, late September/early October (with Expo) and December.

Visa Information

The Global Cow Program uses the J-1 visa. This visa is specifically for the purposes of cultural and technical experiences, and then going back to your home country to apply that skill. Participants who are within the purview of section 212 (e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act must reside and be physically present in the country of nationality or last permanent residence for an aggregate of at least two years following departure from the USA before the exchange visitor is eligible to apply for an immigrant visa or permanent residence, a nonimmigrant H visa as a temporary worker or participant, or a nonimmigrant L visa as an intracompany transferee, or a nonimmigrant H or L visa as the spouse or minor child of a person who is a temporary worker or participant or an intracompany transferee.

Global Cow Program is officially sponsored by Experience International, a US State Department designated J-1 Exchange Visitor Program.

Download a PDF file of the general information for easier printing.