Host Trainers

MAST host trainers are screened, interviewed, and evaluated.  Many have participated in a host trainer orientation and have participated in the program for several years.

Living Arrangements

Some MAST International 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 trainees indicate a preference for living and housing options; however, this choice cannot be guaranteed.

Compensation

Trainees 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 $5.35 per hour.  When room and board is the responsibility of the trainee, the hourly wage will be a minimum of $7.00 per hour.  Trainees are guaranteed 40 hours of work per week.  Overtime will not be paid to the trainees except where State or Federal law mandates it or where it is the choice of the host.  Trainees are subject to State and Federal income taxes.

MAST International recognizes that the value of room and board will differ from city to country and from region to region.  It will cost less to live in some areas, but more expensive areas may offer extra activities not found in other regions.  Host trainers assist in finding living arrangements that are not too costly for the area.

Work Day

Trainees should be prepared to work 40 – 70 hours per week.  Some training sites have fixed work schedules and trainees work 8 hours per day, 5 days per week.  On other training sites, trainees have fixed work schedules of 10 hours per day, 6 days per week.  Also, a short growing season and unpredictable weather often mean trainees work long hours during peak periods (planting or harvest, for example).  During these times, it is not uncommon to work 12 – 14 hours per day, 7 days per week.  MAST International monitors the number of hours worked to ensure a quality experience, but trainees should be aware that they may find the hours to be long and difficult.

Time Off

Trainees will receive a minimum of one day off for each week of training.  Time off may be one day per week or two days every other week (agreed upon between the trainee and the host trainer).  Exceptions will occur during peak periods when trainees are expected to be flexible about arranging their time off.

Vacations

Trainees will receive two days of vacation for each month of training, which can be accumulated.  Vacations should be taken during the practical training period.  Timing of the vacation must be approved by the host trainer and may not be taken during peak work periods.  In addition, trainees have a 30-day grace period following their program to prepare for departure from the U.S.