International Rural Exchange Program

Inbound Program

We are partner organization of International Rural Exchange around the world to provide exchange opportunities for young foreign farmers who wish to gain agricultural experience in Canada. The program is available to people between the ages of 18 and 29 and is generally available for periods from 3 to 12 months. Most placements will be 7 months to take in the busiest times on the farm.

Available Programs:

• 3 month program ~ designed to take in the Canadian harvest season. Therefore, a 3 month placement is available ONLY from August 1st to November.
• 7 month program ~ designed to take in both the seeding and harvest seasons. Therefore, a 7 month placement is available from April 1st to November.
• 12 month program ~ available for beef farms. Limited placements are available from April for 1 year or from August for 8 months up to 1 year.

Note: Occasionally other arrangements can be made to accommodate a special request.

Placement Details:
Participants have a choice from the following categories:

A. Agriculture

• Beef
• Dairy (limited)
• Pigs (limited)
• Field crops and machinery
• Mixed farming (crops and beef cattle)
• Organic crop farms (limited)
• Chickens (limited)

~ Due to calving, some dairy and beef placements may commence earlier than April 1st. IRE will try to accommodate participants who wish to commence a placement at a time other than those indicated.

B. Agri-home

• A mix of farm and domestic work

C. Home Management

• All domestic work

Eligibility Criteria:

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• single and between the ages of 18 and 28
• in good mental and physical health
• free of any criminal record
• mature, flexible, open-minded, committed and willing to make adjustments. (weather, culture, food, etc.)

You also must:

• have at least one year's practical experience in placement choice
• have a valid driver's license and international driver's license
• have no dependent children
• have a good understanding of English
• expect to work long hours (depending on season). Farming can be labor intensive.
• be willing to take out the necessary medical insurance while in Canada.
• have a return airline ticket.

~ If a participant proves not to conform to the above requirements, it could result in their immediate termination from the IRE program and return home.