Testimonials from trainee hosting companies

The Ohio Program offers a wide variety of host placements. Before you accept any training placement you will receive information about the internship on offer, including business information, type of duties expected, housing provisions, hourly compensation, etc.

How do we select host businesses?

Hosts are identified in various ways. County agricultural extension faculty and agricultural professors at The Ohio State University suggest outstanding farmers and agri-businesses that they feel would be good trainers, have adequate facilities and would provide a good training climate for the interns. Some host businesses are recommended by other host employers or intern participants. Contact is made with prospective hosts to determine preliminary interest. If a definite interest is indicated, they are asked to complete a Host Questionnaire and a personal visit by the program manager may be arranged.

Once the host has been accepted, he/she is required to sign the Agreement of Host. The farms are chosen on the basis of the Host's educational background, the success of the host business, appearance of the farm, the family members, clean and adequate housing arrangements, community activities, recommendations of county extension faculty, and prospects that the host will perform well in the program. Most of the host farmers are specialized in their farming/horticultural operations such as dairy, hogs, horticultural crops, row crops, turf-grass, floristry, nursery, etc. We expect to match the trainee with a host that fits his/her first of three choices in about 95% of the cases. Other factors considered in matching are background of the intern, family, hobbies, and activity interests, as well as the intern?s experience and requested time of placement.

Hosts are encouraged to give their time and patience to the intern, especially upon arrival in the USA, so as to develop a good personal relationship. The host should be willing to offer help in developing training plans and a schedule for the intern, as well as providing extension publications as needed. Interns should be actively encouraged to: visit a local bank or Production Credit Association; visit a 4-H or FFA meeting; attend a farm auction: attend relevant seminars, conferences or trade shows (if possible); attend church (if desired); visit an experimental station; travel with a local veterinarian, an agricultural or horticultural service professional, a cattle breeder, etc.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Note - trainees are not allowed to change hosts without consulting and receiving approval from TOP.