Exchange Programs

Cochran Fellowship Program 2009

The Cochran Fellowship Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It provides U.S.-based agricultural training opportunities for senior and mid-level specialists and administrators from public and private sectors that are concerned with agricultural trade, agribusiness development, management, policy, and marketing.  Since the Cochran Fellowship Program began, it has provided U.S.-based training for over 12,000 international participants from 101 countries worldwide.

Training Focus

The program offers short-term training opportunities, most ranging from two weeks to three months, depending on the objectives of the program. Participants meet with professionals in their fields, participate in field observations and industry visits, experience on-the-job training, and attend university courses and seminars.

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. The priority will be given to potato production, with focus on improvement of seed potatoes. 

Selection Process

All individuals interested in participating in the program should submit their application to the U.S. Embassy in Bishkek, located at 171 Prospect Mira before August 14, 2009. Download the application form in pdf format.

The applications should be sent to the attention of Zamirbek Shaiykov. Upon receipt of the application, selected applicants will be assigned an interview time. A Cochran Program specialist will conduct interviews in early September, 2009.

International Travel

The Cochran Fellowship Program covers expenses for its participants, including air tickets, food and lodging.

For more information on the program please contact:

Zamirbek Shaiykov
Economic Section
U.S. Embassy Bishkek
171 Prospect Mira, Bishkek 720016, Kyrgyz Republic
Telephone: (996-312) 551-241, ext. 4411
Fax: (996-312) 551-264
E-mail: ShaiykovZM@state.gov