Welcome to YDP Work & Travel

YDP, together with our longstanding USA partners provide young and aspiring South Africans with an agricultural degree or five years related experience the unique opportunity to participate in a life changing agricultural internship or trainee programme in the United States of America.

The PCT/INT USA programme is an excellent opportunity for students, recent graduates and those with at least five years work experience to spend up to 12 months in the USA, gaining practical work experience in their specific agricultural field of study or experience. Fast track your career by breaking that logjam of having insufficient experience, earn US Dollars, and learn a new culture and travel.

YDP has been facilitating the USA internship programme for over 8 years now, and therefore industry leaders in internships and professional career training in America.

TYPES OF INTERNSHIPS ACCEPTED

YDP and our American based partners can place clients in various categories of agriculture. Most placements are on farms in rural areas and range from family sized small farms to very large industrial size farms.

YDP is authorized to approve trainees in the following categories (although we do not always have placements for all categories):

Beef
Greenhouse
Flowers& plants
Custom harvesting
Horses
Dairy
Livestock general
Field crops
Livestock poultry
Livestock swine
Fruits & Nuts
Vegetables
Wine

PRACTICAL TRAINING

Part of the J-1 visa category of the US government's Exchange Visitor programme, the INT & PCT affords international students and young professionals from around the world the unique opportunity to gain valuable practical training experience in the US for a maximum of 18 months. Internships have a maximum duration of 12 months and Professional Career Training a maximum duration of 18 months. Most placements are 12 months in duration.

All Trainees will be required to follow a structured training plan while participating in the YDP Cultural Exchange & Internship. This career boosting programme will also teach both cultural awareness and leadership skills that are necessary to be successful in a global economy. By participating in this programme, you will gain knowledge and skills that will no doubt promote your future career development upon your return to South Africa. The intent of this amazing programme is to provide qualified individuals with structured opportunities for professional growth.

BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAMME

By allowing international students and professionals to undertake structured programmes of practical training at US companies and farms, these programmes create a unique forum for professional and personal growth within an international context. Consider the benefits that such a program can have for you:

On-the-Job Training: participants will learn valuable professional techniques and US farming methodologies, allowing them to further their skills and knowledge and to enhance their qualifications within this field.
Networking: by completing a training programme at a US company or farm, participants begin to establish professional relationships and to develop an international network of colleagues and contacts that they can call upon in their future careers.
Cultural Exchange: in addition to providing for profound professional development, the Trainee Programme is also administered as a cultural exchange programme, creating the opportunity for participants to learn about US culture, history and politics while at the same time providing insight into their home culture to their friends and colleagues in the US.
Fun: participating in the Trainee Programme is not just a good career decision, it is also a great way to make friends from all around the world, and experience the excitement of living in and exploring a new country.

REQUIREMENTS

You have to be at least 20 years of age and not older than 30.
You must have graduated from secondary school (matric or grade 12).
Interest in an agricultural training programme that will enhance your career interests.
Fluent spoken and written English.
South African passport holder, with the ability to raise funds for travel.
The internship must be directly related to your field and level of study.
You must declare that you will return to South Africa immediately after completion of your internship in the USA.
Ability to demonstrate strong ties to South Africa.
In addition to the above, you will also need to have ONE of the following:
1) Full-time post secondary student in a nationally recognized institution of higher education OR a recent graduate (within the last 12 months).
2) At least five years relevant work experience (from age 16) in a specific field. This work experience must be gained outside the USA.
3) A combination of one year work experience plus a diploma/degree (minimum 2 years in duration).

EARNING

Not only is this programme amazing for practical work experience, but it is also a wonderful opportunity to earn and save foreign currency. Participants will earn approximately $900 (±R7, 500) per month, and your meals and accommodation are then provided free of charge. Therefore, you could save around R85, 000 over 12 months if you are disciplined with your spending.

For more information on this amazing programme, apply online or click here to contact us.