Living Routes Low-Carbon Living at Sadhana Forest

  India

Auroville

Term: Winter 
Dates: December 29 - January 19

Description: Leave behind the Western, competitive and consumerist lifestyle and learn what it is like to live well, more lightly and more sustainably at Sadhana Forest. Dedicated to veganism, appropriate technologies and simple living, the community works to regenerate the Tropical Dry Evergreen Forest near Auroville, India. Sadhana is an ideal environment to learn to measure and reduce your Carbon Footprint and contribute to indigenous seed and tree planting, contour bunding, organic gardening, natural fence building, and compost and soil management with Effective Microorganisms (EM).

Come prepared to wake early, work hard, live simply, learn a lot, and leave inspired. Both theory and practice of ecological living and habitat regeneration will be emphasized along with community building and personal development. There are countless opportunities for mentorship and learning practical strategies for living in a post Peak-Oil world.

The mission of Sadhana Forest is the reforestation of 70 Acres of severely eroded Tropical Dry Evergreen Forest in Tamil Nadu, India. This forest type is found only in South India and Sri Lanka (only 0.01% of the original habitat remains) and provides rare biological richness due to its very high species abundance. The Sadhana Forest community, founded in 2003 by an Israeli couple, Aviram and Yorit Rozin, pumps water by hand, prepares vegan meals, powers itself via solar, and is comprised of simple thatched huts (built by community members) and a beautiful natural swimming hole. This is an experience of what Auroville was like 30 years ago during its pioneering days! Sadhana, a new community of Auroville, enjoys strong community spirit and excellent and cooperative relationships with its local Tamil neighbors.

Highlights:
* Learn about conservation forestry through hands-on projects that make a difference

* Engage with committed professionals in the field of sustainability

* Participate in a lively community focusing on simple living and ecological restoration

* Visit people and projects within Auroville, one of the world's leading ecovillages

* Experience a sacred grove forest with indigenous Tropical Dry Evergreen Forest species

Auroville as "Ecovillage" was founded in 1968 with the intention of realizing human unity, and is now home to approximately 2,000 individuals from over 40 nations around the world. Vibrant community culture and its expertise in renewable energy systems, habitat restoration, ecology skills, mindfulness practices, and holistic education make Auroville one of the best places to study abroad in India.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: 1,675

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to India in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 10 - 15

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad