Company Profile
CA Education Program (CAEP)
Company Overview
Thirty young men and women arrived in the United States in April of 1986, marking the official birth of the CA Education Programs. These participants represented the countries of Switzerland, Sweden, Austria, Denmark and Germany. They were placed in two states, Minnesota and North Dakota. Today, we continue to offer agricultural exchanges along with thriving programs in agriculture, horticulture, agribusiness, equine, wine making, apiary, citrus and turf management as well. The CAEP is proud to be the largest agricultural exchange program in the USA.
Throughout the years, the CAEP has remained constant in its commitment to young people in agriculture worldwide. CAEP will continue to provide young people with exchanges that will foster a greater understanding of agriculture practices. CAEP will continue to provide international experiences that promote a better vision and understanding of world cultures.
The CA Education Program is an opportunity for one to gain valuable training, learn more about different cultures, strengthen communication skills, and improve one's employment opportunities in his/her home country. As a CAEP trainee, you will have the opportunity to learn about the different cultures and the farming or business techniques used in different countries.
Company History
· 1985 - CA Formed its own international exchange program and prepared for the arrival of its first groups of trainees in April of 1986.
· 1988 - CA Education Programs expanded the exchange to the People’s Republic of China. This year CA Education Programs sent 40 trainees to other countries on the Outbound program.
· 1989 - CA went behind the "Iron Curtain” and began the first-ever U.S.-Soviet agriculture exchange program, bringing six young farm managers.
· 1993 - A total of 375 young people participated in the CA Education Programs. The CA Foundation awarded 10 full grants for participation in a European Community Education program. Reports submitted were used to promote the concept of international exchange in congress.
· 1995 - The expansion of CA Education Programs, in terms of participants and countries, was particularly evident in 1995. There were over 430 trainees, including 87 winery trainees, participating in the exchange. New countries involved included Japan, Croatia, Argentina, Bulgaria, and the Slovak Republic. For the first time, specialized placements in the production areas of bison, emu, ostrich, and fish became available, allowing for new and exciting opportunities for training placements.
· 1996 - The program reached a benchmark and hosted over 500 young adults from 32 countries. A Chinese delegation, including Sun Xiang, secretary general of the Chinese Association of Agricultural Science Societies, visited the US to discuss international exchange program opportunities. CA Education Program alumni met for the first time, forming the Alumni Association.
· 1997 - This year marked the 25th anniversary of Communicating for America. The exchange program saw continued growth, as a partnership was established with Estonia, the wine program doubled in numbers, and participation with the CA Education Programs increased to over 650 trainees from 35 countries. The CA Foundation awarded over $20,000 in grants to 17 US participants traveling abroad on the program.
· 1998 - CA Education Programs placed 772 trainees from 38 countries. Twenty-eight seminars were offered in 13 states.
· 1999 - CA Education Programs met with many Country Partners that attended the world conference. Education program coordinators from around the world met in Bloomington, Minnesota to exchange ideas, discuss goals for the future, and to learn more about each others organizations.
· 2000 - CA Education Programs entered the new millennium with a record setting 1001 J-1 visas issued for the year.
· 2001 - CA Education Programs opened a branch office in Lexington, Kentucky. Record number placements were made in the equine and wine fields.
· 2002 - Our apiary (bee-keeping) program grew this year, adding many new hosts in this area. About 1,100 visas were issued for the year.
· 2003 - A new program was added to the CA Education Programs: Turf Management.
· 2004 - CAEP began the process of establishing a new and exciting option for Americans seeking training in a new field. The CA Apprentice Program will allow Americans to obtain job skills in addition to certification in the new field. This program is set to begin Fall-2005.
· 2005 - CAEP celebrates 20 years since the formation of the education program.
· 2006 - The 20th Anniversary of the CA Education Programs was celebrated in Washington, D.C. March 8-11, 2006. Taking part in the event were 15 country partners from around the world.
Notable Accomplishments / Recognition
- Largest agricultural education and exchange program
Benefits
- International and cultural exchange opportunities
- Opportunity to live with an international host family
- Opportunity to learn another language
- Opportunity to gain or expand on agriculture related skills and knolwedge
- Ability to recieve a Department of Labor (DoL) Apprentice Certificate to validate skills in a specific agriculture field
- Opportunity for future international and domestic placements in choosen agricultural related field