1. Which countries are involved in the Programmes?

We are currently able to offer exchange programmes to people from the following countries.

Europe: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Republic of Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom
Asia: Japan
North America: Canada, USA
South Pacific: Australia, New Zealand

Those countries in bold type are the ones with Host Families.

NB: There are no programmes available from Canada to the USA, USA to the UK and from the UK to mainland Europe.

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2. What agricultural experience do I need?

You should have some experience of working on a farm and the more, the better. The more experience you have the more opportunities there are to have a placement of your choice.

Having the right attitude and willingness to learn are equally important.

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3. What is the minimum time I can go for?

4 months is the minimum up to a maximum of 15 months. Check departure dates and programmes, available on the web-site, from the participating countries.

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4. Which countries can I go to?

From UK/Europe you can go to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA or Japan.

From Canada and USA you can go to Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Netherlands, and Germany. You cannot come from USA to UK.

From Australia and New Zealand you can go to Japan, Canada, USA, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Holland, France and the UK.

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5. I want to go on a programme but need to be back earlier than stated?

If you are returning to your home country for educational reasons (ie to commence a college course, etc) we can usually find you a placement with a Host Family who is able to take you for a shorter time. Otherwise we encourage all participants to make full use of the cost of the programme and stay for the time originally stated.

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6. My family would like to host students. How do they go about it?

They need to contact the nearest AgriVenture Servicing Office. They will then be sent more information about AgriVenture and how to become a member of the Host Family Association.

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7. I would like to depart at a different time than stated. Is this possible?

In case the time you have available or the type of work programme does not fit in with any of the programmes you have seen, please contact us anyway.  We will then do our utmost to provide you with the opportunities and benefits at a time and period that suits you.

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8. Do I always get my choice of country and placement?

We always try to give you your first choice. However, this depends on how early you apply, how much experience you have and how many placements are available and also if your application is accepted by the authorities in your host country.

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9. Why is the cost of a plane ticket so much cheaper than the programme cost?

The cost for an airline ticket is such a small part of AgriVenture. Your fee covers: a guaranteed job, transfers to your host family, work visas, return air fare, comprehensive insurance, seminars, administration and security in the knowledge that you have the back-up of a supervisor and 24 hour emergency contact with someone within your host country.

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10. Will I get any support once I am on my placement?

Once on your placement you will have a nominated AgriVenture contact as well as the support network in your host country. This will help to ensure that you will receive full support during your stay.

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11. Is there any government funding or loans that we can get to help pay for the trip?

It is well worth contacting local businesses, clubs and associations who you are involved with. These may help towards the cost of your trip.

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12. If two of us go together, can we placed near each other?

There can be no guarantees about this - you may request it and we will do our best to place you within close proximity but it will depend on the type of farm you want, how flexible you are and how early you apply. AgriVenture gives the opportunity to make new friends and sometimes friends who are placed together miss out on so much with the other trainees.

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13. How is my placement arranged?

From the information you supply on an application form, each Servicing Office will try and match your experience and requirements with the database of host families in the country of your choice. Information about your placement is sent out in advance so that both you and your host family have full details of each other.

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14. If I get to a dairy farm that I have asked for, and decide half way through that I want to work on an orchard, can I leave?

No, not usually. A trainee must have a very valid reason for requesting a move and just wanting to see another part of the country and another type of farming is not enough. You will have a responsibility to the host farmer where we place you and he would like to have you there for the whole season and you will also learn more.

If you and your host family are having serious problems, it will be possible for us to find another suitable host family although it may not be in the type of farming you want.

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15. How long before I go will I know who my host family is?

Usually anywhere between 2 weeks to 3 months before your departure. If your application was late you may not know until just before you go because of mail delays etc but we would not send you without a host family to go to.

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16. When do I have to apply?

The earlier the better. There is a minimum application requirement time of 2 months before departure but it is to your advantage to apply early.

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17. What happens if I get ill or lose my suitcase?

A comprehensive insurance policy covers you and your property for accidents and loss whilst you are on the programme, including whilst you are working.

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18. How much can I earn?

The rate of pay is agreed in advance and you will be paid a set rate in whichever country you are placed. This will also include all your board and lodging.

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