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TRAINING AND INTERNSHIPS IN THE USA
Practical training in agriculture is hard work (especially in the USA). Host trainers will teach participants about their operation, spending the majority of time on daily work activities. The amount of responsibility given to the trainee or intern depends on his/her skills and English ability.
Participants must be prepared for the nature and amount of work that is involved in American agriculture and horticulture. It is also important to note that MAST International is designed as a skills training program. Though participants are compensated with an hourly wage, the primary purpose of the program is learning and cultural exchange.
Location of Training and Internship Sites
75% of the trainees and interns are placed in the Midwest, with over 40% placed in Minnesota.
Agricultural placements are usually located in rural isolated areas. Horticultural placements are most often located in urban areas.
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 participants live with and take all meals with a family; others live on their own and are responsible for some or all meals. Applicants indicate a preference for living and housing options; however, this choice cannot be guaranteed.
Compensation
Participants receive an hourly wage. When room and board (which must include at least two meals per day) is provided, the wage will be a minimum of $5.35 per hour. When room and board is the responsibility of the participant, the wage will be a minimum of $7.00 per hour. Participants should expect to work 40 hours per week. Overtime will not be paid except where State or Federal law mandates it or where it is the choice of the host trainer. Trainees and interns are subject to State and Federal income taxes.
MAST International recognizes that the value of room and board will differ from urban to rural areas 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 a reasonable cost for the area.
Work Day
Participants should be prepared to work long hours each day. Some placements have fixed work schedules and participants work 8 hours per day, 5 days per week. On other training and internship sites, participants have schedules of 10 hours per day, 6 days per week. Also, a short growing season and unpredictable weather often mean participants 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 participants should be aware that they may find the hours to be long and difficult.
Time Off
Participants should receive a minimum of one day off each week of the practical training period. Time off is unpaid and may be scheduled as one day per week or two days every other week (agreed upon between the participant and the host trainer). Exceptions will occur during peak periods when participants are expected to be flexible about arranging their time off.
Vacations
Participants will receive two days of unpaid vacation for each month of the practical training period. These days may be accumulated, and should be arranged to 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, participants have a 30-day grace period following their program to prepare for departure from the U.S. | 
