IAIP Frequently Asked Questions
 

1. How do I know if my college or university is accredited?

Check to see if the school is accredited by a recognized agency. Colleges and universities accredited by legitimate agencies generally undergo a rigorous review of the quality of their educational programs. If a school has been accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency, its accreditation is probably legitimate. Many diploma mills claim to be “accredited,” but the accreditation is from a bogus, but official sounding, agency they invented. You can use the Internet to check if a school is accredited by a legitimate organization at a new database of accredited academic institutions, posted by the U.S. Department of Education at http://www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation. To find out if an accrediting agency is legitimate, check the list of recognized national and regional accrediting agencies maintained by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation at http://www.chea.org/search/default.asp.

 2. Am I eligible to participate in the FAS-IAIP if I am not a U.S. Citizen?

This U.S. Government-sponsored program is open only to U.S. citizens. Permanent residents and international students are not eligible to participate in the program. To learn more about employment of non-citizens, please visit the U.S. Office of Personnel Management at http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/EI9.asp.

 3. What is the new name of the program?

The name was changed from FAS International Internship Program (IIP) to FAS International Agricultural Internship Program (IAIP) in September 2005 to emphasize the agricultural nature of the internship.

4. Why was the FAS–IAIP created?

 The IAIP was created to

• Provide an international agricultural trade experience to college students that will assist them in making career choices and will provide valuable work experience;
   

• Provide outreach to college and university campuses on FAS’ role in international agricultural trade;
   

• Encourage students to consider a career in FAS; and
   

• Assist FAS and CSREES in achieving their mission goals.

 
5. What type of work would I be doing as a participant of the FAS–IAIP?

 FAS International Agricultural Interns are assigned a variety of tasks and responsibilities, which generally are: 

• Carries out responsible tasks in support of the Agricultural Counselor, Agricultural Attaché, and/or Agricultural Trade Officer in connection with USDA’s agricultural trade policy, analysis, and market development programs.
   
• Compiles, edits, formats, and transmits information required for the execution of USDA programs.
   
• Assists in researching and drafting agricultural reports.
   
• Solicits and compiles in-country agricultural trade intelligence.
   
• Travels as necessary to complete assigned tasks.
   
• For interns returning to campus: report on their internship activities, as appropriate.

6. What salary and benefits would I receive as an FAS–IAIP participant?

Students earn an hourly salary at the GS-5 through GS-7 grade level under a personal services contract. The salary level is based on education and work experience. Typically, a college or university senior receives a GS-5 salary, a graduate with a bachelor's degree receives a GS-6 salary and a graduate student receives a GS-7 salary. Please see https://www.opm.gov/oca/09tables/html/gs_h.asp for up-to-date information on the U.S. government pay scale. Please note that as a contractor, students work a 40-hour week and do not receive annual leave, sick leave or U.S. or local holiday benefits. In addition, the contracts do not authorize overtime. 

7. What majors are considered for the IAIP?

FAS is looking for undergraduate and graduate students majoring in a business- or science-related agricultural field—for example, agricultural economics, economics, finance, business or marketing. Students majoring in an international studies/relations program, in law school or in a biotechnology program are also eligible.

8. What if my major doesn't match the list of majors considered for the IAIP?

FAS will consider majors outside of business- or science-related agricultural fields—for example, agricultural economics, economics, finance, business or marketing, international studies/relations program, in law school or in biotechnology—if the applicant has the relevant work experience, coursework and skills.

9. What skills and experience is FAS looking for?

FAS is looking for undergraduate and graduate students with the following skills and experience:

• Relevant work experience (paid or volunteer) in agriculture, trade policy, business, marketing, international trade, agricultural development, biotechnology, international law and information technology.
   
• Writing skills.
   
• Analytical skills.
   
• Technical skills—for example, Windows software applications.
   
• Initiative.
   
• Teamwork skills and/or experience.
   
• Fluent, conversant or have coursework in a foreign language.
   
• Ability and desire to travel and work abroad.

10. How are the exact dates of the internship determined? The timetable gives a general time period.

In general, yes. Obviously, you will be responsible for all costs and country requirements such as visas and medical requirements associated with your spouse being in country with you. Please let your supervisor know that your spouse will accompany you. If you will be placed in U.S. Embassy housing, and very few interns are, please check with your supervisor to see what requirements, restrictions or additional costs that may affect you and your spouse. Please see the comments about married life in the section titled, Former Participants Comment on the IAIP.

12. How can I find out more about FAS?

We encourage all applicants to spend some time on our Web site and talk to someone who works with or for FAS to understand our role in international agricultural trade before applying. A good place to start is About FAS.

13. Where can I find a list of all FAS offices?

FAS has about 90 overseas offices. Please visit the searchable database of FAS overseas offices to learn more.

Return to IAIP Home
 

Last modified: Wednesday, April 29, 2009