Mexico – 2023-2024
The IAEFO in Puebla, Mexico is currently receiving applications on a rolling basis through May 15, or until the final of the eight fellowship positions is awarded. Please contact cip@missouri.edu with any questions.
The IAEFP-Mexico webinar was held Feb. 27. Watch the recording.
The International Agricultural Education Fellowship Program (IAEFP) is recruiting fellows from the U.S. to promote agriculture among youth in Puebla, Mexico. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and implemented by the University of Missouri and the educational leader UPAEP in Puebla.
The fellowship will support and train eight fellows to be based in a high school for an academic year to promote agriculture and leadership among the students and community.
The IAEFP seeks individuals with a bachelor’s degree in an agriculture-related field to expand agricultural engagement with youth in Puebla, Mexico. The fellows will support hands-on education using 4-H Clubs and related project curricula that facilitate youth’s learning and leadership in agriculture and the many skills necessary throughout food value chains. While fellows may lead some activities in the classroom, their main focus is extracurricular activities.
IAEFP Fellows will bring their agricultural and youth development knowledge to a community and work with its youth. The fellows will have potential impact in a school community and its food security, as well as the career and leadership paths of young people and agricultural producers.
The fellows will also grow their own capacities and knowledge with the lessons they will learn in a different cultural, language, and natural environment, the many opportunities for exploration and learning in the IAEFP. The cohort of eight fellows will have the opportunity to grow strong friendships among the cohort and the program team, and will benefit from the growth potential from mentorship of a faculty member.
Beyond these benefits, the nine-month agricultural education immersion in Mexico will give fellows a distinct advantage for being hired to work as an extension specialist in the U.S., where cultural competence with diverse audiences, including Latino/a newcomers, is a growing necessity.
Location
The IAEFP Mexico fellowship is anticipated to be in Puebla City and nearby communities in the mountainous central Mexican states of Puebla and Tlaxcala. These are gorgeous areas just southeast of Mexico City, characterized as subtropical highlands with a breadth of diverse microclimates across altitude and geography. Puebla has large-scale horticultural production, medium-scale farms, as well as small-holder activities and eco-tourism. The state of Puebla currently boasts 6.5 million residents, and its capital city was founded in 1531. The state has several industries including agriculture, manufacturing, education, textiles and a growing food processing sector. While many parts of Mexico have safety issues, the states of Puebla and Tlaxcala have been relatively safe and the implementing partners prioritize security for all involved.
Other IAEFP programs will be hosting fellows in Uganda and in Ghana and Guatemala this and next year.
Application Process
Please see the full call for applications (PDF) for details on eligibility, the application process, etc. The IAEFP in Puebla, Mexico is currently receiving applications a rolling basis through May 15until the final of the eight fellowship positions are awarded. The fellowship has an estimated start date of July 24, 2023.
Required Attributes
- Bachelor’s Degree in agriculture-related field
- U.S. Citizen
- Nine-month commitment
- Spanish language skills
- The program requires Spanish language skills that are at least “Limited Working Proficiency” and prefer “Minimum Professional Proficiency” level or stronger.
FAQs
Check out the IAEFP Mexico frequently asked questions to get more information on the implementing partners, what to expect as a fellow and other logistics of the program.
If you have any questions or concerns contact Lindsey Sanders, CIP@Missouri.edu