WISE® Agricultural Training and Internship Program – Program Information

Program Purpose  
The WISE® Agricultural Program has been developed to allow international agriculturalists to pursue training in the area of agri-business in order to improve their knowledge of advanced agrarian practices, techniques, methodologies and expertise, while enhancing their knowledge of American culture.  A customized training plan is prepared for each participant that outlines specific objectives and phases of training and supervision and evaluation procedures to be used during the program. 

This website is designed to assist interested parties in understanding the program and their responsibilities for participation.  Select a topic on the tabs below for more information.  Please contact us for additional information regarding this program at agtraining@wisefoundation.com. 

Program Availability  
Enrollment in the WISE® Agricultural Training and Internship Program is open throughout the year.  There are no pre-set intakes or start dates.

Program Duration  
The WISE® Agricultural Training and Internship program is typically a 12 month program.  On occasion, there may be reasons for limiting the program to as little as 9 months. 

Participant Eligibility  
WISE® has outlined minimum eligibility requirements for applicants for the Agricultural Program. ALL participants must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have either a round trip ticket or sufficient money for return airfare home
• Have proficient English skills to perform internship activities
  
  

• Internship applicants/participants must:

  • Either be currently enrolled in, and pursuing studies at a degree- or certificate-granting post-secondary academic institution outside the U.S. or graduated from such an institution no more than 12 months prior to his or her exchange visitor program start date. Enter the U.S. to participate in a structured and guided work-based internship program in his or her specific academic field.
    
    Training applicants/participants must:
• Possess either a degree or professional certificate from a foreign post-secondary academic institution and at least one year of prior related work experience in his or her occupational field acquired outside the U.S., or five years of work experience outside the U.S. in his or her occupational field. Enter the U.S. to participate in a structured and guided work-based training program in his or her specific occupational field. WISE® has developed a network of partners we work with in many countries around the world.  Participants can be directed to representatives in their home country that will help them complete the application process and discuss their goals.  
   

• Host Information  
  Host farmers and agribusinesses will benefit from participation in the Agricultural Training and Internship Program by having intelligent, well motivated, well educated and eager young adults contribute to their operations.  These young agriculturalists will contribute to your operation in many ways.  From helping to put a crop in, manage and harvest it to livestock and simple farm experiences,  participants have proven to be dependable and reliable.  Most participants have had extensive hands-on-training in their own country and are anxious to apply their current skills and knowledge in day to day operations on an American agricultural operation. 

Host farmers and agribusinesses are required to provide housing and a monthly stipend to cover trainees’ expenses.  The monthly expense stipend is a static amount based on the projected average weekly hours. 

Participant Arrival and Orientation  
Relocation and starting in a new position are two of the most stressful events in life, but they can be exciting, positive experiences.  When preparing for arrival, hosts should consider the types of assistance that would be beneficial from a foreign host and participants should try to consider what would make a good impression on a host.  The first few weeks will be very challenging for both participants and hosts.  Participants will be looking for direction on how to accomplish their goals efficiently and be a productive part of the organization. Providing detailed information and outlining objectives to be accomplished and how to accomplish them will be appreciated.  This will allow for a smoother transition at the training site.  Some specific issues to think about preparing for are: 

• Arrival
• Has the participant been given specific direction on what to do and who to contact upon arrival?  Who will be available to meet the participant?  What should the participant do prior to arrival?

• Participants should have contact information for the host and WISE® with them in their pockets or carry-on luggage so that they can contact both the host and WISE® upon arrival in the country or if there are any flight delays.

• Housing/accommodation
  What arrangements have been made for the participant’s accommodations upon arrival?  Are the living arrangements outside the host’s home?  If so, are they clean, safe and sound? Are cleaning supplies present?

• Utilities/Phone service
  Hosts need to provide normal utilities for the living quarters.  Have appropriate deposits been made?  Phone service is a responsibility of the participant.  Any assistance in setting this service up, if desired, will be appreciated.  Participants are advised to purchase calling cards so that they can call home and let their families know that they have arrived safely.

This information will assist the host and participant with the fundamentals of their transition.  We suggest hosts and participants communicate early and often to review the program and expectations to get things off to a good start and avoid confusion.  It may be advisable to provide a mentor or buddy for new participants.  This could be a current participant who has successfully transitioned to the site, or someone that the participant will be in consistent contact with during the initial phase of their program.  This will provide the participant with a sense of continuity and security and an advisor for community involvement.  If you notice that a participant is having difficulty with the adjustment, encourage them to ask questions and talk about their concerns. 

Multicultural Program Requirements  
Cultural exchange is an important aspect of this program.  All participants should be encouraged to interact with American citizens.  Interaction with groups, families, professional societies, religious, community and company-related social activities should be encouraged.