MAST International Application

How to Complete the Application

1. Read the MAST International Training & Internship Program booklet thoroughly.

2. Complete the attached MAST International Application form.

a. We recommend that you complete this application electronically in a PDF viewer such as
Adobe Acrobat Reader, which you can download for free at http://get.adobe.com/reader/. If
you edit this form in a web browser, you will likely need to select "Print" and then "Save as
PDF" in order to save your changes.
b. Type or PRINT clearly in black ink.
c. Answer all questions completely and truthfully. Use additional pages if necessary. (Incorrect
information is reason for rejection of your application and/or termination from the program.)

3. Attach all additional required documents:

a. Passport information page
b. English language proficiency verification (see Final Application Checklist on page 10 for details)
c. Education verification (see Final Application Checklist on page 10 for details)

4. Attach any recommended additional documents:

*Note that all documents must be in English or they will not be reviewed with your application*
a. References
b. Autobiography
c. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
d. YouTube video
e. Photos
f. Any additional information you feel is relevant to your experience in agriculture or horticulture

5. Check that you have all the application documents (use the Final Application Checklist on page 10). Return
the application packet to the MAST International Partner in your country, preferably at least 3 months
prior to your chosen start date. Keep a copy of all application materials.

Information provided in the Program Information packet is subject to change without notice.

The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

 MAST International Application
● I am applying to be a TRAINEE

 I am applying to be an INTERN DIRECT
MAST International Partner: __________________________
 I am applying to be a MANAGEMENT TRAINEE

Personal Information
Type or PRINT clearly. Make sure your name is written exactly as it appears in your passport. Include a copy of your passport
information page with your application. If any of this information changes, please inform us immediately.
Ángel Arango
__________________________ Steven
__________________________ __________________________
Family Name(s) (Surname/Last Name) First Name(s) (Given Name) Middle Name(s) (if applicable)

febrero 2, 1992
__________________________ 27
_____________ Male
_____________
Date of Birth (month/day/year) Current Age Gender

Medellín
______________________________________ Colombia
______________________________________
City of Birth Country of Birth

Colombia
______________________________________ Colombia
______________________________________
Country of Citizenship Country of Legal Permanent Residence

Contact Information
(+57)3215420641
__________________________
sangela@unal.edu.co
__________________________
sangela1992@hotmail.com
__________________________
Mobile Phone Number Email Address Skype Address

Home Address Mailing Address (if different than home address)

Calle 13 sur #55-169
_____________________________________ Calle 13 sur #55-169
_____________________________________
Street Address/Apartment Street Address/Apartment

Medellín
_____________________________________ Medellín
_____________________________________
City or Village City or Village

Antioquia
_____________________________________ Antioquia
_____________________________________
State, Region, District, Province, or Territory State, Region, District, Province, or Territory

050032
____________________ Colombia
_______________ 050032
____________________ Colombia
_______________
Postal Code Country Postal Code Country

(+57)3215420641
_____________________________________ (+57)3215420641
_____________________________________
Permanent Telephone Number Current Telephone Number

Address valid until (month/year): _______________

Emergency Contact Information

Albeiro de Jesús Ángel Alvares
_____________________________________
Emergency Contact

(+57)3107265413
_____________________________________
Emergency Contact Telephone Number

1
Personal Information (continued)

International Experience

Have you ever lived or worked in another country?  Yes  No If yes, when, where, and for how long?

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Have you been to the United States before?  Yes  No If yes, when, why, and for how long?

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Have you been on a J-1 visa before (as a trainee or intern)?  Yes  No If yes, list program name and dates.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Present Position in Home Country

Check the box next to your current job title or student status. (Mark only 1.) If your position is not listed, write it in “Other.”
 Worker at Agricultural Enterprise (including farms)  Worker at Other Type of Private Enterprise
 Manager of Agricultural Enterprise (including farms)  Manager at Other Type of Private Enterprise
 Student (level: _____________________________)
Ninth semester  Other: ____________________________________

Total years of work experience in Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Related Fields (from page 5): ______________________

Financial Information
List the amount of money you will have available to support yourself during the MAST International program. This should be
sufficient to cover your initial program fees, insurance fees, and return airfare. Also indicate if you are receiving financial
support from any other organizations or government agencies.

Type of Funding Source Name of Source Amount of Financial Support

Personal Funds Savings 2400

Other Organization(s)

US Government Agency

Home Government Agency

2
Personal Information (continued)

Language Skills
Describe your English language training (where you studied, how often, and for how long):
I cours four levels of english demanded at my university.
Also, I am going to study by myself during the next month, which will improve my communication skills

Tell us your level of English ability. (Please be honest!)

Speaking English  Poor  Moderate  Good  Excellent
Understanding English  Poor  Moderate  Good  Excellent
Reading English  Poor  Moderate  Good  Excellent

What other languages do you speak? ______________________________________________________________________

Additional Information

Were you born and raised on a farm?  Yes  No

Does your family own or operate a farm or horticulture business?  Yes  No

If YES to either question, describe the operation (including size and type of enterprise, as well as your responsibilities).

Are you able to lift:

15 kg (≈33 pounds)?  Yes  No
25 kg (≈55 pounds)?  Yes  No
35 kg (≈77 pounds)?  Yes  No

Do you have a driver’s license for an automobile?  Yes  No

Do you have a driver’s license for a truck?  Yes  No

Do you smoke?  Yes  No

YouTube Video

We recommend that you provide a short 1-3 minute YouTube video introducing yourself and your experiences. This can be a
very powerful tool in the review of your application, as host trainers do not have the opportunity to interview you in person
and this can help them to learn more about you.

For additional information and instructions, please refer to the “YouTube Video Instruction and Guidelines” enclosed with
this application.

YouTube Video Link: ________________________________________________________________________________

3
Education

Current/Most Recent Educational Information

__________________________
Industrial design technologist diciembre 16, 2019
____________________________ Agronomic engineering
__________________________
Highest Education Level Achieved Date Degree Awarded (month/day/year) Field of Study
(e.g. Bachelor’s Degree, Certificate, Year in School) (If current student, expected graduation date) (Area or discipline, e.g. Agronomy)

Post-Secondary Educational Experience

Indicate the name, type of school or institution, discipline, and dates attended. If a degree, certificate, or diploma was
awarded, identify the type and date of completion. Continue on a separate piece of paper if necessary. Remember to attach a
copy of your diploma, certificate or degree with your application.

Name of Post-Secondary Institution Discipline (area or field of study.) Dates Attended (month, year – month, year)

Type of Post-Secondary Institution Level of Degree Date of Completion (month, date, year)
(e.g. technical vocational school, university, etc.) (e.g. Bachelor’s Degree, Certificate, Diploma))

Name of Institution: Field of Study: Dates Attended:(month, year – month, year)

_______________ ______________________
Instituto Tecnológico Metropolitano (ITM) Industrial design technology

Technical/Vocational
● School  Diploma Date Graduated:(month, day, year)
University  Certificate
Other: ______________________ ● Degree

 Other: ______________________

Name of Institution: Field of Study: Dates Attended:(month, year – month, year)

_______________ ______________________
Technical/Vocational School  Diploma Date Graduated:(month, day, year)
University  Certificate
Other: ______________________  Degree
 Other: ______________________

Name of Institution: Field of Study: Dates Attended:(month, year – month, year)

_______________ ______________________
Technical/Vocational School  Diploma Date Graduated:(month, day, year)
University  Certificate
Other: ______________________  Degree
 Other: ______________________

Name of Institution: Field of Study: Dates Attended:(month, year – month, year)

_______________ ______________________
Technical/Vocational School  Diploma Date Graduated:(month, day, year)
University  Certificate
Other: ______________________  Degree
 Other: ______________________

List additional education or training in agriculture, horticulture, or related fields. Also list any safety training you have
completed.
I am currently making an academic research in coffee with Oro Molido company, where I spend 20 hours weekly.
I did my thesis about banana self shading.

4
Experience in Agriculture

List all work experience in agriculture, horticulture, or related fields. Include experience on a family farm. Tell us the dates
and number of hours you worked, the type of business and size of operation, and your responsibilities. Continue on a
separate piece of paper if necessary.

Start/End Date (month, year) Type of Business and Size of
Operation
Average Hours per Week
01, 2019/ 04,2019 Academic research between the
20 hours per week Universidad Nacional de Colombia and
the Oro molido company (163.1 acre).
(At the moment of sending this
formulary, I still working in the project).
10, 2018/11, 2018
5 hours per week
Job Responsibilities/Tasks
Development of an activities plan at the
farm, in function of the crop climatic,
social and agronomic variables.
Pest monitoring of coffee plants, namely,
rust disease and coffee borer beetle.
Plots selection for cutting back old coffee
plants.
Elaboration of fertilization plan and
evaluation of the applied doses per tree.
Seedbed evaluation.
Harvesting of coffee plants.
Nutritional deficiencies Identification at
Realization of post harvest practices,
field.
such as, coffee berries pulp remove, its
Equipment calibration for the application
washing, dry up and selection.
of agrochemicals.
Check of sowing density and sowing
distances before of reseeding.

02, 2018/05, 2018 Define the sowing density and

3 hours per week machinery calibration used for the
sowing.
Determine the nutrient requirements and
fertilizer quantities that the crop demand,
as well as, machinery calibration used in
the application of the fertilizers.
Monitoring of the cropping state and for
the incidence of pests and diseases and
define the corrective measures when
08, 2016/ 11, 2016
necessary.
4 hours/week

Total Years of Work Experience (after age 16) in Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Related Fields: ______________________

5
Experience in Agriculture (continued)

Skills
Tell us about the agricultural skills you have developed
and how often you have used these skills. Continue on a
separate piece of paper if necessary.
Equipment
Tell us about the agricultural machines and tools with
which you have worked. Indicate how much time you
have spent using this equipment. Continue on a separate
piece of paper if necessary.

Skill Number of Type of Equipment Number of

Hours Hours
Experience Experience

6
Placement Request Information

Before completing this section, see the Program Information booklet for more details. Contact the MAST International
Partner for detailed information about the length and timing of any prospective program.

Indicate which type of placement you are seeking:

Placement Type 1: (select one) Placement Type 2: (select one)

 Crops  Beef  Crops  Beef
 Fruit/Vegetable Production  Dairy  Fruit/Vegetable Production  Dairy
 Greenhouse/Nursery  Equine Husbandry  Greenhouse/Nursery  Equine Husbandry
 Landscape  Swine  Landscape  Swine
 Winery  Winery
 Specialized: __________________________________  Specialized: _________________________________
 Other: ______________________________________  Other: ______________________________________

Further describe what type of placement would be best for you.

For example, if you choose “Crops” for your placement type, tell us the size of farm and kind of crops in which you are most interested. Continue on a
separate piece of paper if necessary.

Program Start Date Preference Preference for Length of Practical Program

Put 1, 2, or 3 beside the month you want to begin your Put 1, 2, or 3 beside the length of training/internship you
practical training/internship program. (1 should be your prefer. (1 should be your first choice.) Choices cannot be
first choice.) Choices cannot be guaranteed but are useful guaranteed but are useful to assist MAST International in
to assist MAST International in arranging your arranging your placements. Mark only the length you are
placements. Only mark months in which you are available requesting for the PRACTICAL TRAINING INTERNSHIP
to begin. PROGRAM - additional months will be added to your visa
if you choose the Semester Study Program.
________ January ________ July
________ February ________ August ________ 3-4 months ________ 8-10 months
________ March ________ September ________ 5-7 months ________ 11-12 months
________ April ________ October
________ May ________ November If you have any restrictions to start or end dates for the
________ June ________ December program, write them here. (Example: I need to return to
my country by January 2019 to take exams.)
Semester Study Program Preferences
Select only one. Choices cannot be guaranteed, as timing _______________________________________________
of the Practical Training/Internship must be taken into
consideration. Living Preferences
Choices cannot be guaranteed but are used to assist
 I want to study MAST International in arranging placements.
 I am not sure if I want to study
 I do not want to study Select all preferences you would accept:

 Lodging on/near the training site but outside the

family’s home
 Lodging in the family home
 Placement with trainees/interns from other countries
 I am the only trainee or intern on the training site

7
Personal Goals

The MAST International program has three major features: Practical Experience, Semester Study Program, and Cultural
Opportunities. Please answer the following questions by describing what is most important for you to gain from the MAST
International program.

What are the three most important things you hope to gain from the MAST International program?

1.

2.

3.

Indicate which aspect of the program is most important to you:

(Remember, MAST International is a practical training/internship program; however, this information is used to assist in arranging placements.)
 Practical Training/Internship Experience
 Academic Experience
 Cultural Experience
Why did you choose your answer above?

Health and Medical History

Do you have any sight or hearing impairments that would limit the amount or type of physical labor  Yes  No
and safe execution of those tasks that may be assigned to you while on the placement?

Do you have any allergies that would limit the amount or type of physical labor and safe execution of  Yes  No
those tasks that may be assigned to you while on the placement?

Do you have asthma or other respiratory problems that would limit the amount or type of physical  Yes  No
labor and safe execution of those tasks that may be assigned to you while on the placement?

Do you have any other physical or mental health conditions that would limit the amount or type of  Yes  No
physical labor and safe execution of those tasks that may be assigned to you while on the placement?

Do you take any medications that would limit the amount or type of physical labor and safe  Yes  No
execution of those tasks that may be assigned to you while on the placement?

Do you have any conditions that would be aggravated by repetitive arm motion (e.g. such as  Yes  No
required for intensive transplanting of plants)?

Do you have any special dietary requirements?  Yes  No

If you answered YES to any of the above questions, describe any reasonable accommodations you may need to safely and
effectively perform the responsibilities of your placement. Continue on a separate piece of paper if necessary.

*Reminder: Any pre-existing conditions listed above will not be covered by your U.S. health insurance.*

8
Agreement and Signature

I, __________________________________________
(print your name here)

• Certify that this application is truthful and understand that incorrect information in this application can result in
rejection of my application and/or termination from the program.
• Authorize release of the application and attached information to prospective hosts.
• Will immediately inform MAST International of any changes in my health and understand that any pre-existing
conditions will not be covered by my U.S. health insurance.
• Accept and agree to all conditions for participation in the MAST International program.
• Understand that there may be changes to the MAST International program and will not hold MAST International
responsible for these changes.
• Understand that typing my name in the below signature box confirms that I acknowledge and agree to the above
terms.

________________________________________________ ____________________________________________
Signature Date (month/day/year)
Did someone assist you with completing this application?  Yes  No

If YES, who helped you? ___________________________________________________________________________

How did you hear about MAST International? _________________________________________________________________

9
 MAST International Final Application Checklist

Complete the Application

Send the following REQUIRED documents to MAST International:

 Completed Application Form, including this completed checklist
 Copy of your passport information page
 English proficiency verification documentation – select option below
 Education verification – select option below

Recommend documents that you may also include with your application:
*Note that all documents must be in English or they will not be reviewed with your application*
 Autobiography
 Two References
 Photos
 Resume/CV
 YouTube video (include link on page 3)
 Additional information you feel is relevant to your experience in agriculture and horticulture

Required English Proficiency Documentation

Submit one of the following. Please check  which document you are submitting.
 MAST International Interview & English Proficiency Verification Form (enclosed)
 Evidence of having a degree from a post-secondary institution whose language of instruction is English
 Evidence of citizenship of a country whose official language is English
 Evidence of having obtained the minimum required scores on a recognized English language test
(TOEFLiBT – 45; IELTS – 5.0; PTE – 40; TOEIC 60/120/110; CAE – Level B2; CPE – Level C1)
 Signed documentation from an academic institution or English language school

Required Education Verification Documentation

Check  which situation applies to you and which document you are submitting (if required)
I am a(n) . . . You must submit:
✔ Current Student MAST Education Verification for Current Students form (enclosed)
 Student who has graduated from a
Degree, Certificate, Diploma, etc.
post-secondary academic institution
 Applicant who has not attended a
You are not required to submit educational documents but you must
post-secondary educational
have at least 5 years of work experience listed on pages 2 and 5
institution

What Happens Next?

1. The MAST International country partner assesses your qualifications and sends your application to MAST
International.
2. MAST International staff members evaluate your application. You might be contacted for additional information
or an interview.
3. If qualified, MAST International will attempt to match you with a host trainer.
4. Host trainers review applications to select which trainee/intern they wish to host.
5. If you are selected, you will receive information regarding the placement via email from MAST International or
your MAST representative.
6. If you accept the placement, a package with your Training/Internship Placement Plan and documents to apply
for your US visa will be sent to you in your country.
7. You must visit the US Consulate or Embassy in your country to obtain an entry visa to the United States.
8. After you receive your entry visa, schedule a flight to arrive for the orientation dates indicated in your
placement information. You should send your travel details to MAST International as soon as possible

10
 MAST International Education Verification for Current Students
Educational status verification is required of all students applying to the MAST International program who are current
students at a post-secondary academic institution or who have completed a degree or certificate at a post-secondary
academic institution. If you are a current student, please complete the form below. If you have completed a degree or
certificate, please attach that to your application and do not complete this form.

To be completed by an Academic Advisor or School Official

Liliana Maria Hoyos Carvajal

________________________________________________ professor
____________________________________________
Name of School Official Title

Limhoyosca@unal.edu.co
________________________________________________ + 57 3183659264
____________________________________________
Email Phone Number

Universidad Nacional de Colombia

Name of Institution: _____________________________________________________________________________________

Is this institution is an accredited post-secondary academic institution outside the US?  Yes  No

Street 59#63-20, Medellín, Colombia

Address of Institution: ____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

www.unal.edu.co
Institution Website: _____________________________________________________________________________________

Please answer the following information about the MAST International Applicant

Steven Angel Arango

Student Name: _________________________________________________________________________________________

■ Yes  No
 The above-named applicant is currently enrolled and in good academic standing at this institution.

 Yes 
■ No It is my understanding that this applicant plans to return to this institution to complete his or her studies
upon completion of his or her internship with MAST International.

 Yes 
■ No Applicant must return to this institution by a certain date to continue his or her studies.

If YES, please specify date: ______________________________________

Agronomic engineering
Student’s current field of study_____________________________________________________________________________

03/16/2020
Student’s anticipated date of study completion or graduation____________________________________________________
(Please specify month, day, year)

________________________________________________ ____________________________________________
Signature of School Official Date (month/day/year)
 MAST International English Proficiency Verification Interview Form

English proficiency verification is required of all students who apply to the MAST International program. This interview form is
to be completed if you are not submitting any of the other documents allowed for English proficiency verification. For a
complete list of options, refer to the “Final Application Checklist.”

Applicant name: ________________________________________________________________________________________

Interview
Interviewer: Please conduct and interview in English. You may use these suggested questions/prompts.

• Agricultural skills/experience • Long-term academic/career goals

• Academic coursework (if applicable) • Interests/Hobbies
• Goals for MAST program • Possible difficulties & opportunities of living in the U.S.

English Assessment
Interviewer: Please complete the section below and assess the applicant’s usage and understanding of English.

Comprehension Speaking
 Applicant understood questions asked in English  Applicant responded in English without hesitating
 Applicant required an explanation of the questions  Applicant responded in English but need to think
in English about vocabulary
 Applicant required translation of questions  Applicant responded in mixed English and native
 Applicant did not understand questions asked in language
English  Applicant did not answer in English
Notes/Comments:

English Verification
Interviewer: Please complete the section below to verify the applicant’s English proficiency.

I have interviewed the applicant named above and can verify that s/he possesses sufficient proficiency in the English
language to do the following:

 Yes  No Perform his/her daily training activities

 Yes  No Navigate daily life in the United States;
 Yes  No Read and comprehend program materials;
 Yes  No Understand fully his/her rights, responsibilities, and protections;
 Yes  No Know how to get help if necessary.

I used the following method to interview the applicant:

 In person  Videoconferencing (Skype, Google Hangouts, etc)  Telephone

______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Name of Evaluator

________________________________________________ ____________________________________________
Title Email Address

________________________________________________ ____________________________________________
Signature Date (month/day/year)