Agriculture Work & Study in USA

Agricultural Experience USA is an international exchange programme that combines practical "hands-on" experience in agriculture with an academic experience through the University of Minnesota. The programme began in 1949 with a direct exchange of agricultural students from Minnesota and Sweden. Since then, more than 5,500 trainees from over 65 countries have participated in the programme.

Practical Training

Trainees will have the opportunity to experience a new culture through practical agricultural placements. You will be exposed to new technologies, skill-building experiences, and agricultural opportunities to further your knowledge and interests. All trainees are placed with approved and qualified host trainers.

Study Opportunities

You can enhance your practical experience with an affordable academic programme through the University of Minnesota. We encourage you to select a university programme when you apply for Agricultural Experience USA. This will be a valuable part of your programme experience. Once you successfully complete a study programme you will be eligible for an extension of stay. Extensions are limited to a maximum of 6 additional months. The total programme length may not exceed 18 months.

There are two types of study programme: the University programme and Short Course programme. Each programme has several options, and these are detailed in a programme details section.

Cultural Opportunities

In addition to the practical and academic training, you will learn about daily life in the United States, make friends from around the world, and gain an appreciation of your own and other people’s cultures. Programme alumni value the friendships they make with Americans as well as people from all over the world.

Pay / Compensation

Trainees will receive an hourly wage. When room and board (which must include at least two meals per day) is provided, the hourly wage will be a minimum of US$5.35 per hour.

When room and board is the responsibility of the trainee, the hourly wage will be a minimum of US$7.00 per hour. Trainees are guaranteed 40 hours’ work per week. Overtime will not be paid except where it is the choice of the individual host. Trainees are subject to State and Federal income taxes.

Limitations

Trainees are limited to a total of 18 months of participation in the Agricultural Exchange USA programme, but there is no guarantee that you will stay the entire 18 months. Since the length of the programme is based on individual training plans, placement lengths can vary from 4 to 12 months during the First Practical Training programme. See the examples below:

Work placement details

Types of placements include:
• Beef;
• Crops;
• Dairy;
• Fruits and Vegetables/Farmers’ Market;
• Greenhouse/Nursery/Garden Centre;
• Equine Husbandry;
• Landscape;
• Sheep;
• Swine;
• Specialised Placement.

Accommodation Details

Some trainees live with and take all meals with a family; others live on their own and are responsible for some or all meals. On the application you may indicate a preference for living and housing, but your choice cannot be guaranteed.

You should be aware that the price of room and board would differ from region to region. Host trainers assist in finding living arrangements that are not too costly.

Do not hesitate to contact our staff should you have any questions.