International Pork
Industry Internship Program
New opportunities should be available to young people as the pork
industry in the USA becomes more export-driven. As the shift to be a world
leader in pork exports intensifies, it is important that young people
interested in a career in the pork industry have greater knowledge of and
experience with international affairs, especially in Europe. Many issues that
affect agriculture in the USA originate in Europe. Also, the European Union is
a major trading block in the world and a significant producer of agricultural
products.
The International Pork Industry Internship Program was developed by
Dalum Agriculture College in Denmark and the University of Nebraska in
Lincoln. The Program entails a six-month practical training period that occurs
on Danish pork producing farms and a short study period at Dalum Agriculture
College
Denmark, located in northern Europe, produces about 20 million pigs/year on a
land mass about one-fifth the size of Nebraska. Two-thirds of the country is
fertile farmland or pasture. More than two-thirds of the total farm production
is exported. Denmark exports 80% of the pork it produces, making it one of the
USA’s major competitors on the world market. Danish pork producers are among
the most efficient in the world. English is widely spoken.
Dalum Agriculture College is situated in Odense, the third largest city in
Denmark and home to 170,000 people. The
College prepares young people to enter farming, technical advising to farmers,
or agribusiness. In addition, the College has an active international outreach
program, for example, offering agriculture courses in English to students from
Hungary and China. The College is well-equipped with modern computer and
office technology. Students have full access to email, the Internet, copy
machines, and scanners.
Objectives
This elite program focuses on the development of skills and experiences
valuable for a successful career in a global pork industry. The main
objectives for the program are:
1) Provide young Americans with practical experience in pork production in an
international setting.
2) Help young Americans gain knowledge about many unique aspects of Denmark’s
export-driven pork industry and the influence that consumers, agricultural
organizations, and European Union policies exert.
3) Stimulate knowledge and an appreciation of Danish culture, traditions, and
language.
4) Assist young Americans to develop cross-cultural understanding and
friendships.
Eligibility
The participant should posses some knowledge of the pork industry and
have a sincere desire to pursue a career in the pork industry. In addition,
the participant must be at least 20 years old and have completed at least one
year of coursework at a community college or university before entering the
program. It is recommended that participants complete at least one course in
economics before entering the program. Practical experience with pig
production or other aspects of the pork industry is not required, but would be
an asset.
Internship
Schedule
January 20-24, 2003
Students arrive at Dalum Agricultural College in Odense for a short
orientation. Then they begin the practical training period with Danish pork
producers. Students would earn a salary for their work and receive free room
and board at the farm. Students are expected to work 37 to 45 hours per week,
including some weekends. Fifteen days of vacation are provided. The College
will establish an education agreement with each producer to ensure that the
students’ work experience is consistent with the objectives of the
internship program. Many Danish pork producers are also engaged in crop
production, therefore it is possible to gain that experience as well.
April/May
2003
Students have the opportunity to
go to the Dalum Campus to join seminars given by college faculty. It is
expected that other international students would be studying at Dalum during
this time.
July 14-18, 2003
Internship program ends. Participants can return to the USA immediately
or continue working on their host farm, vacation in Europe, or attend
educational programs at other European colleges and universities.
College Credits
Students may receive college credit hours that they can apply toward their
education in the USA. The actual number of credit hours earned will vary
according to the student’s University or College program. If earning college
credit is important, it is recommended that students consult with their
academic advisor before entering the program. More information about assigning
college credits to this program can be obtained from:
Duane
E. Reese
Associate Professor
Department of Animal Science
University of Nebraska
P. O. Box 830908
Lincoln, Nebraska 68583-0908
Phone: 402-472-6425
Fax: 402-472-6362
E-mail: dreese1@unl.edu
Finances
Estimated income and expenses associated with the program are shown below.
Students who arrive in Denmark by January 20-24, 2003 will enter into an
education agreement with a Danish pork producer to receive income during the
practical training period and during the study period at Dalum College.
Students are obliged to pay income tax on their salary. It is possible that
students would receive an income tax credit from the Internal Revenue Service
for taxes paid in Denmark.
Incomea
$4800
Expensesb
$3300
Balancec
$1500
______________
aMinimum gross salary earned while working 37 hours per week, plus some
weekends during the six-month practical training period. Salary could increase
according to the amount of previous experience with pork and/or crop
production.
bTax on income, and tuition, course materials,
and room and board for a maximum two-week stay at Dalum Agricultural College.
Expenses are subject to change without prior notification. Insurance, travel,
and Danish visa expenses are not included.
cAvailable for discretionary spending.
Application and
Further Information
Applications are due September 15, 2002. Contact
Kelly Bruns, ASC Room 217 for an application and further information (605 688-5452, email:
kelly.bruns@sdstate.edu).
To learn more about Dalum Agricultural College visit their homepage at www.dalumls.dk
Previous Participants’ Comments
“This program is a very educational and maturing
experience for me. I am gaining a different perspective on the USA and our
pork industry.” --- Lora Ellinger, University of Nebraska agricultural
student, 2001.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are host farms selected?
For many years practical training on the farm has been part of the
education for young people pursuing careers in agriculture in Denmark. It is
the responsibility of a governmental organization in Denmark to screen farms
on their suitability as host farms. To be certified as a host farm, certain
standards concerning the working and living conditions must be met and
maintained. Further screening and monitoring is performed by Dalum College to
ensure its students are placed on suitable farms.
The USA has earned respect among many Danes for being a country where new and
interesting developments originate. The faculty at Dalum believe that having
Americans in Denmark will enrich the international culture
on campus as well as stimulate and challenge Danes who, as one of the
biggest exporters of agricultural products in the world, are and always have
been internationally orientated and informed. Pork producers are interested in
hosting young Americans, because they are considered reliable and interesting
people who are easy to integrate into the farm family.
_____________
May 1, 2002
International
Pork Industry
Internship Program
!
Go to Denmark and work on a pork production operation
!
Study at Dalum Agricultural College
!
Earn college credits
!
Receive free room, board and a salary
QUALIFICATIONS
#
Some knowledge of the pork industry
#
At least 20 years of age
#
Completed at least one year at a university or college
INTERNSHIP
SCHEDULE
"
January 20-24, 2003 - Arrive at Dalum Agr College; practical training program
begins
"
April/May, 2003 – Short study period at Dalum College
"
July 14 -18, 2003 - Internship program ends
APPLICATIONS
!
Due September 15, 2002.
!
Contact Kelly Bruns, ASC Room 217, 605-688-5452 for more information and an application
PREVIOUS
INTERNS’ COMMENTS
“This
program is a very educational and maturing experience for me.
I am gaining a different perspective on the USA and our pork industry.”
— Lora Ellinger, University of Nebraska agricultural student, 2001
“In
Denmark I am learning many different things that I plan to use back home–not
only in pork production, but also in life.
I feel that through this experience I have grown not only as a scholar,
but as an individual.” — Kevin Zuhlke, University of Nebraska agricultural
student, 2001
The International Pork
Industry Internship Program was developed by Dalum Agriculture College in
Denmark and the University of Nebraska in Lincoln.