Recruitment of Fellows

Each year Cochran training topics are developed by USDA overseas offices that support the country strategy.  A targeted recruitment process is then undertaken that identifies promising public and private sector candidates with the requisite background who can benefit from this targeted Cochran training.  These candidates are then encouraged to submit Cochran applications.
 

Applicant Eligibility

Program participation is open to the staff of agribusinesses, government departments, universities, and other agricultural organizations.  In their own countries, applicants may be managers, technicians, scientists, professors, administrators, or policy makers.  All participants must be in good health.  Applicants are required to have a thorough physical exam prior to traveling to the United States, as well as a medical letter stating he/she is fit to travel.  Participants who are proficient in the oral and written usage of the English language are preferred. 

Timing
Recruitment typically occurs between December and March each year.  Most training activities are then conducted between March and October.  However, most Eurasian recruitment takes place from June to August, and most Eurasian training activities are conducted January to June.

Applications
Applications are obtained from and submitted to the country's nearest FAS Agricultural Affairs officer, whose contact information can be found on the USDA/FAS Overseas Offices Page. Applications are required to be completed in English (preferably typed).  The officer conducts an initial screening of applications to determine whether the proposed study program is appropriate and is consistent with the country strategy.  The application must include a detailed description of the specific training requested by the applicant.

A final pool of applicants are selected, and CFP staff interviews the applicants during country visits, by telephone, or using digital video conferencing. 

Committee Selection

Final approval of CFP candidates is made by a USDA committee on the basis of a candidate's qualifications, FAS officer recommendations, an interview, and country-specific training needs. 

Award Announcement

CFP notifies the FAS officer which Fellows were selected. Then, the FAS officer notifies the individual Fellowship recipients.
 

Training Schedule
After Fellows are selected, training takes place as soon as the appropriate training program can be arranged. The Cochran Fellowship Program officer selects training sites on the basis of (1) seasonal variances and growing seasons, (2) trainer availability, and (3) schedules at training sites.

International Travel
The Cochran Program does not fund international travel to and from the participating country, except in the following countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

Evaluation
After the training, program participants are expected to submit either an oral or written evaluation to their program officer upon completion of their training.

Follow-Up
Cochran Alumni are encouraged to "keep in touch" as an active part of our alumni network.  One opportunity is to join the USDA Exchanges Community online on the State Alumni website which provides ongoing networking opportunities and informational resources.