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International Training Program for Non-U.S. Citizens


A Quality J-1 Exchange Visitor Program that Provides
Internships - Practical Training - Work Experience

  • Program Summary
  • Placement Options
  • Aquaculture Program
  • Wine Program: Washington, Oregon & California
  • Starting Dates & Length of Placements
  • Applicant Selection Criteria
  • How it works - Beginning to End
  • Participating Countries
  • How to Apply
  • Trainee Wages and Program Fees
  • Learn More about the Northwest Region, USA

    ** NEW Slide Presentation on Program Program Presentation
    ** Trainee Agreement - Review here: J1 Trainee Agreement
     ** CISI Insurance Policy - Review here:CISI Policy
     ** J-1 Federal Regulations - Review here:J1 Federal Regulations

    • Program Summary

    EXPERIENCE INTERNATIONAL IS PRACTICAL TRAINING
    In
    AGRICULTURE * FORESTRY * FISHERIES
    RESOURCE MANAGEMENT - CONSERVATION - ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
    • Learn different skills
    • Apply what you know to new situations
    • Obtain professional and career growth
    • Have options for short-term study
    • Travel and explore the United States
    • Discover another culture
    • Form lifelong friendships
    Experience International is a regional, small, and diverse program.
    Our commitment is to long term, quality work experience and training.
    The program is designed to enhance existing skills/knowledge not to expose individuals to new career fields
    The program is for individuals that have a documented commitment to their career
    If you have a practical background in any of the fields listed above,
    and would like practical training and work experience abroad,
    Experience International may offer just the program that you're looking for!
    REGIONAL PROGRAM
    • Alaska
    • Oregon
    • Washington
    • California
    • Idaho
    • Montana
    • Florida - Aquaculture only
    • Other States available on special request
    SMALL SIZE
    (Under 100 per year)     		This assures participants have:
    • Hosts that are qualified and skilled; only the best of the best.
    • Individualized placements; you are a person not a number.
    • Competitive wages/compensation and/or reimbursement; generally higher than other programs.
    • Regular contact with staff and other participants.
    • The support and resources needed to assure success and quality.
    DIVERSE PLACEMENTS Experience International provides creative, diverse, and challenging placements that fit each individual's needs and career goals. Placements can be arranged in agriculture, forestry, horticulture, fisheries, environmental education, parks, recreation, and many related fields.
    QUALITY PROGRAM

    The Combination of Small Size, Regional Locations, and Diverse Training Opportunities makes Experience International the Quality Program it has been since 1989.


    In addition providing you with a quality placement, we provide all the support you'll need to assure a successful, rewarding, and productive experience:
    • Experienced Staff
      • We're committed to excellence; have years of experience; and know how to deliver a quality program.
    • Detailed Training Plans and Placement Descriptions
      • individualize to your career goals and placement request.
    • J1 Exchange Visitor Visas
      • for legal entry to the United States for up to 18 months as a Trainee.
    • Arrival Orientations
      • to answer any questions you may have about living and working in the States.
    • Site Visits
      • to focus training activities; problem solve; and make sure all goes well for you and your host.
    • Program Retreat
      • July Group Camping Trip on Pacific Ocean; to meet friends, share ideas, and have fun.
    • Academic Study Options
      • to complement training and work experience.
    • Program Newsletters
      • to keep you informed and in touch with others.
    • Certificate of Completion
      • to officially document your program.
    • Alumni Newsletters
      • to keep you updated for years to come!!

    How it Works - From Beginning to End

    Apply to the Program
    • Applicant contacts country representative for detailed program information.
    • Applicant reviews information and submits application documents.
    • E.I. reviews the application, qualifies the applicant, and begins looking for a placement (or applicant may provide own contacts).
    • On identifying a placement, Applicant receives an Initial Training Plan and specific placement details.
    • Applicant reviews Training Plan and calls potential host to discuss opportunities.
    • Applicant and Host confirm placement.
    • Applicant confirms acceptance; DS-2019 Sent for Visa
    • Applicant pays Visa & SEVIS fees; applies for visa; Travel Arranged.
    Arrival Orientation
    Seattle, Washington         		On arrival in the United States, trainees meet with Program Staff to discuss:
    • Visa regulations and how to maintain visa status
    • Occupational Safety & Intercultural Adaptation
    • Training: expectations, reports, projects, evaluations
    • Nuts and Bolts of living in the States (bank accounts, cars, sightseeing, etc.)
    First Four Weeks of Placement
    • Get settled and gain an overview of placement
    • Discuss interests and expactations with host.
    • Develop individual learning objectives and training activities
    • Complete an initial adjustment report for E.I.
    First Three Months of Placement
    • Jump in, get involved, have fun, work hard, learn as much as possible!
    • Site Visit by Program Staff to answer questions and make sure all is well
    • Complete first quarterly placement report
    Program Retreats
    • Summer Program Retreats in Newport, Oregon; Three days camping on Pacific Ocean
    • Meet new friends, make professional contacts, plan vacations, participate in educational events.
    Prepare for Departure
    • Discuss departure plans with E.I. Staff
    • Close out bank accounts, sell car, make travel plans
    • Complete the special project
    • Review your overall experience and complete final evaluations

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    Placement Options

    6-18 month placements are available in both private and public sectors.
    Short Term Programs (2-5 months) are also available on special request.
    Private sector includes all business, farms, nurseries, wineries, golf courses, and similar operations that are privately owned and operated.
    Public sector placements include US Forest Service, US Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and many State Agencies.
    Trainees placed with Government Agencies (USFS/BLM/NPS) participate as international volunteers/trainees
    AGRICULTURE and HORTICULTURE NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
    • Arboriculture
    • Berry Production
    • Dairy
    • Field Crops
    • Floriculture
    • Golf Courses
    • Landscaping
    • Nurseries-Flowers/Trees
    • Orchards
    • Organic Agriculture
    • Vegetables
    • Wineries and Vineyards
    • Aquaculture
    • Back Country Guard
    • Botany
    • Environmental Planning
    • Environmental Education
    • Fisheries - Hatcheries
    • Forestry Nursery
    • Hydrology and soils
    • Interpretation
    • Recreation Planning
    • Silviculture
    • Trail Design/Maintenance
    • Wildlife

    All placements involve gaining practical work experience in either production and/or management. The above summary highlights the most frequently requested training opportunities. Other areas related to agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and resource management may also be considered.

    Announcing:
    Internship Program with Experience International for:
    International Exchange Program Coordinators
    Click here for details.

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    Length of Placements & Starting Dates


    Applicants may choose both the starting date and total duration of their program.
    Applicants' requests will be considered, however, placements often depend on normal field and production seasons.
    Length of Placements
    • Minimum Duration for placement = 6 months
    • Maximum duration for placement = 18 months
    • 2-5 month programs, ideal for Students, are available on request. Most of these are offered in collaboration with University Programs in the home country.

  • Note: For HBOI placement options click here
    • 2008 Starting Dates
    • January 29, 2008
    • March 18, 2008
    • May 20, 2008
    • July 22, 2008
    • September 02, 2008
    • November 04, 2008

  • Note: For HBOI starting dates click here


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    Applicant Selection Criteria

    If you meet the following criteria, we invite you to apply:
    • Minimum of 21 years of age (no upper limit)
    • Minimum of 2 years post-secondary education in career field
    • Minimum of 2 years career work experience in career field
    • Motivated and documented commitment to your career field
    • No criminal record & solid references
    • Document "home country ties"; that will depart the United States and return home at the end of the program
    • Valid Home Country Driver's License required; International License recommended

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    Participating Countries

    Experience International currently accepts trainees from the following countries:
    • Argentina
    • Australia
    • Brazil
    • Bulgaria
    • Canada
    • Chile
    • China
    • Costa Rica
    • Czech Republic
    • Denmark
    • Ecuador
    • Estonia
    • Finland
    • France
    • Germany
    • Honduras
    • Hungary
    • Indonesia
    • India
    • Ireland
    • Italy
    • Japan
    • Latvia
    • Lithuania
    • Mexico
    • Netherlands
    • New Zealand
    • Norway
    • Peru
    • Poland
    • South Africa
    • South Korea
    • Sweden
    • Switzerland
    • Ukraine
    • United Kingdom
    Countries not listed above, may be included after establishing a Program Representative.

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    How to Apply to the Program


    Experience International works with Universities, Colleges, Trade Schools, and Ministries in many countries.
    We also work with many international exchange organizations.
    Established contacts in each country are called Program Representatives.
    To apply to Experience International, please note the following:

    All Applicants

    • Applications to Experience International, must be made through an established Program Representative in the applicant's home country.
    • Detailed Program Information and Application Materials can be obtained through Program Representatives.

    Students & Recent Graduates

    • Contact the Career Services Office, Industrial Placement Officer, or International Affairs Office at your College or University.
    • If information is not available, please contact the Country Representative listed below.

    Non-Students

    • Contact the school from which you graduated or the Program Representative listed for your country.


    Click here for
    Current Program Representatives

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    Trainee Wages/Reimbursement and Program Fees

    TRAINEE WAGES and/or REIMBURSEMENT
    Trainees in the private sector receive compensation from their hosts.
    Trainees with Government Agencies are considered volunteers and receive reimbursement for subsistence.
    In both private and public sector placements,
    the combination of room, board, wages, or reimbursement cover basic living expenses once in the United States.
    Each placement is different and unique. In some cases, trainees may not fall into one of the options outlined below.
    Whatever the compensation and/or reimbursement 'packet', all trainees know the exact details before making a commitment.
    Private Sector Placements
    Non Family Placements     		Private Sector Placements
    Family Placements     		Public Agencies
    USFS, BLM, etc
    • $ 7.16 per hour minimum
    • Trainee pays housing.
    • Unpaid vacation-time off as agreed with host.
    • $800 per month minimum
    • Housing provided
    • Paid vacation-time off as agreed with host.
    • $450 per month minimum for subsistence
    • Housing provided
    • Work transportation provided


    PROGRAM FEES

    EI has two types of fees: Program Fee and Training Fee.
    All participants pay a Program Fee when applying to the Program.
    Training Fees depend on the type of placement and are paid montlhy from earnings.
    Pre-Placed applicants receive a discount on their Training Fees


    Click here for
    2007 J-1 Program Fees


    OTHER EXPENSES

    Please note that many of our Program Representatives charge an administrative fee to cover their expenses.
    This fee is in addition to fees charged by Experience International and allows them to provide you
    you with the support necessary to successfully apply to the program as well as provide our applicants
    with a home country contact in the event of an emergency.
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