The International Dairy Farm Internship Program

The International Dairy Farm Internship Program is a great opportunity for young people interested in coming to the United States to learn about American dairying and for American host farmers who like to teach someone else about dairying.

• To impart the skills and knowledge necessary for success with highly specialized dairy cattle.
• To encourage participants to meet with American dairy industry leaders; building bridges for future contacts and potential trade.
• To foster good relations and cultural exchange which we hope will assist both the foreign and American participants in the future.

The program was first started by the Holstein Association USA, about 40 years ago. California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) in San Luis Obispo, California, is the official sponsoring organization. The Global Cow, Ltd., is the administrative contact.

The International Dairy Farm Internship Program uses the J-1 visa. This visa is specifically for the purposes of learning, and then going back to your home country to apply that skill. Interns are not encouraged to try to stay longer in the United States by changing visa status. Interns are typically required to return home to their country of origin for at least two years before coming back to the United States.