Are you a SAGE alumnus/alumna seeking to join MESA’s Next Level Program (NLP)? Carefully review this page.

MESA’s SAGE fee is $1850*. Your SAGE or NLP fee is paid in two steps:

• $500 SAGE or NLP Deposit: $500 of your $1850 program fee is due when you accept a US Host placement invitation and return your Steward Agreement to MESA. MESA will then confirm your placement, and issue and deliver your visa documentation so that you may schedule your visa interview at the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. The SAGE/NLP deposit is non-refundable.
• $1350 SAGE or NLP Fee Balance: This fee is due only upon J-1 visa approval. It is non-refundable once your J-1 visa is approved.

*MESA’s shorter, 3-4 month SAGE Program hosted by an education-based nonprofit partner costs $1350. This option typically includes $200-$300 monthly stipend for incidentals.

What do my program fees include?

MESA is a non-profit, educational organization. Steward SAGE fees support these services and program benefits:

• Steward application processing and promotion
• US Host recruitment, screening and Training Plan
• US Host assignment to match your training objectives
• J-1 Visa application documentation delivery & Pre-arrival Instructions
• Assistance to prepare for J-1 interview at US Embassy*
• J-1 Program sponsorship – maintain active visa status and notify SEVIS of any changes
• Online Orientation: review Steward online Classroom, handbook, program objectives, and receive an introduction to American culture & institutions
• Monthly check-ins with MESA staff
• Free US lodging, utilities & food (unless otherwise specified in the Host Training Plan)
• Comprehensive medical insurance, including tele-health
• Stipend for incidental expenses: Most placements offer $800 USD/month, minus 14% federal tax requirement (stipend may be lower if you accept an education-based, nonprofit placement)
• Full-time Coordinator Support
• Up to $150 educational enrichment reimbursement to attend a farmers’ conference, online course, and/or farm workshop(s)
• SAGE Certificate of Achievement (upon successful program completion)
• “SPRIG” mini-grant eligibility for Steward alumni-initiated home country projects
• Memebership for the US Department of State J-1 program Alumni, includes more opportunities for professional development, networking, travel, and grants!

Refund Policy

Your $500 non-refundable SAGE deposit is due only upon confirmation of your US Host placement.

The $1350 balance of your SAGE fee is due only upon US Consul approval of your J-1 visa. No refund is given once your visa is approved. If you are denied J-1 visa authorization by US Consul, MESA may assist you to re-apply and issue new visa documentation free-of-charge up to 365 days from the original start date listed on form DS-2019.

Other Required Costs

1. $220 SEVIS I-901 fee, due before your US Embassy interview date. In most cases, MESA can file and pay your SEVIS I-901 fee for you and add it to your SAGE deposit invoice. You must bring your SEVIS I-901 receipt to your US Embassy interview. This fee is non-refundable, but remains valid for 1 year.
   
2. $185 Nonimmigrant visa applicant processing fee. This fee must be paid to the US Embassy when you schedule your visa interview. This fee is non-refundable, and must be paid again if your visa is not approved at your first interview and you want to try again.
3. Round-trip Airfare to/from your US Host placement, Cost varies by dates & from/to locations.

Global Partner Fees and Online Certificate Course Options

MESA authorizes Global Partners (GPs) to charge up to $75 to schedule an interview for SAGE consideration. 

Some NGO partners offer a 10-week Sustainable Global Food Systems (SGFS) course, resulting in a professional certificate signed by the NGO and MESA officials. GPs may charge up to $150 for the course, which will include the interview for SAGE. The course and/or interview fee is usually paid directly to the NGO partner or trusted MESA representative. The SGFS certificate course promotes professional development and does not require application to SAGE. For those seeking to join the US SAGE Program, SGFS includes your preliminary interview, screening and consideration for SAGE. 

Global Partners (GP) and official MESA representatives may charge additional service fees for U.S. program preparation, J-1 visa application assistance and/or other pre-arrival services. Please ask MESA’s GP or representative for documentation of any required or optional service fees, plus refund policy, before applying. MESA current regional GPs and reps are listed here.

Additional Considerations

Do not request an interview or apply unless you have the personal resources or funding required to cover ALL above costs!

Steward fees only help cover a portion MESA’s program services. Most US Host partners also pay a monthly Host fee to support our program. MESA also raises funds via individual donors and foundations.

Notes

• If a Host invites your participation, carefully review the Host Training Plan for stipend plus non-monetary compensation, including housing, food, etc., offered before accepting the placement.
• MESA charges an additional fee of up to $600 if you request relocation or want to extend your original training period at a new Host assignment (US training cannot exceed the 12-month maximum).

Next: J1 Visa Eligibility