Agricultural Exchange Program Canada

Brandy_Boylan

Hi all, thinking of applying for agricultural exchange program Canada 2015 through USIT. Has anyone any experience of applying through USIT as it will be my first time. What are the pros and cons associated with the work experience? Can anyone recommend it if they have worked in Canada before?

DannyBoy24

Did you go ahead with this program? I'm strongly considering going.

anybody done it or no of anybody who has done it?
Strongly considering going and any help would be uselful

Brandy_Boylan

I applied for the program last year and got an offer but didn't take it. I can provide any information regarding the application process if you want?

Brandy_Boylan

Brandy_Boylan wrote: »

I applied for the program last year and got an offer but didn't take it. I can provide any information regarding the application process if you want?

Yes please.
Why didn't you take the offer?

Brandy_Boylan

I didn't take the offer due to personal reasons here at home.

Application Process for 2015/16:
After applying with your CV and cover letter you will be asked to meet the following criteria:
- Between 18-30 years old?
- What nationality of passport do you hold?
- Do you have a full driving licence, not a provisional?
- Are you travelling independently? All housing is single accommodation.
- Do you have any previous stand out farm experience, please explain?
- Do you have experience driving farm machinery?
- Are you available to relocate to Canada from April 2015 for 6-12 months?
- Are you committed to staying and working in Canada for the harvest season?

I met all of the above criteria except the second last one but USIT was extremely helpful in finding a farm that meet my conditions so if you don't meet any of the above, don't let that stop you from applying as I'd say they will try to accommodate you.

Next you will receive an Application pack which contains the following:

- Program Checklist: A document requesting:
Current CV (highlight farm experience).
Copy of your passport.
2 references (farm references highly regarded).
Copy of your full clean Irish driving licence.
Garda Certificate.
A respectable photograph.

For my references I supplied a work reference with a personal reference.

- Application Form:
What you expect from the program, what would you like to do in Canada etc.
Have you ever lived away from home from an extended period of time?
Do you drink/smoke.
What type of farm you are looking for (Agriculture/Horticulture/Grain/Livestock/Dairy)?
2 examples of work for farmers.
Do you come from a farm?
How many hours experience do you have working machinery with examples?

- Autobiography: Sent to your host family to learn a little more about you.
Includes:
Name.
Education.
Personal and family background.
Work experience.
What you would like to gain from this experience.
Hopes and plans for the future.

Canadian Host Farm Associations Conditions and Declaration Form:
Terms and Conditions form needed to be signed.

After supplying USIT with the above you may be asked for 2 written references again detailing when you worked, how long, duties undertook and how your reference felt yo worked.

You should then receive your Letter of Offer detailing what is expected of you on the farm you are assigned to.

If you do receive an offer I would recommend asking USIT do they currently have someone working on that farm. If so, you should ask for their e-mail them and ask some questions you may have regarding the farm you have been assigned to.

There is a lot of overlap in the process asking for information so I'd also recommend keeping a copy of everything you send.

I hope that covers everything. I can expand on any of the above if you want.