The Global Cow, Ltd.

Information for Hosts

All the information for hosts is on the website, but since we know how dairy farming works, 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 host application form (to be completed by hand--the one to fill out on the computer is here)
• download the acceptance form

What is required to join the program?

✦ Enjoy teaching someone from another country about dairying and enjoy this sort of international contact.
✦ Agree that the participant must be rotated through all areas of the dairy operation (not just the milking parlor).
✦ Agree that the participant will follow the training plan as written in the DS-7002.
✦ Follow and enforce safe work practices; utilize modern dairy facilities and animal husbandry practices.
✦ Provide proof of general farm liability insurance, and comply with all workers’ compensation insurance requirements.
✦ Commit to having the participant on your farm for time of training (interns usually 12 months; trainees often 6 months).
✦ Provide exposure to American culture. Treat the participant more like a family member than an employee.
✦ Complete an application form, including a reference, and agree to an on-site visit.
✦ Pay a non-refundable $100 host application fee (for new hosts); existing and new hosts pay $150 per participant.  All hosts pay a $25 monthly administration fee per participant.
✦ Commit to honest, open communication with all involved in the program; complete program evaluations.

What should I expect of this program?

✦ Participants interested in American dairying technologies placed according to what they wish to learn.
✦ Knowledge of your participant’s culture and farming techniques.
✦ International contacts in your participant’s country.

What will I provide to the participant as a host?

✦ Training and education about the tasks that participant is doing; supervision; instruction as to why participant is asked to do the specific tasks in specific ways; respect for his learning; comprehension that participant is not the same as an employee and will need more instruction and assistance.
✦ Reasonable access to transportation so that the participant can leave the farm, particularly on free day.
✦ Housing, with a reasonable standard of comfort and furnishings, and local telephone access.
✦ New boots/work shoes upon participant’s  arrival, to avoid the transfer of disease.
✦ A normal workweek of 55 hours per week, with a specific, assigned supervisor at all times.
✦ Hourly pay for interns of $6.55 per hour for 60 days, $7 per hour after; or for trainees, $7 per hour for 60 days, and $7.50 per hour after (provided participant shows expected improvement).
✦ One day per week completely off; which day each week is up to you and the participant to decide.
✦ Time off to attend educational training approved by the program; courses vary in location, time, and length.
✦ Additional, unpaid time off to attend other educational opportunities if participant wants to attend.

How soon can a participant be here?

Participants come into the United States six times a year: February, April, June, August, late September/early October (with World Dairy Expo) and December. There are also occasionally transfer participants throughout the year.

To have all of this information in a printable form, please download the PDF file here.

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