Living Routes Permaculture at Crystal Waters

  Australia

• Queensland: 
Queensland

Term: Summer 
Dates: May 23 - June 14

Description: Learn ecological design in Australia, where Permaculture began. Permaculture is a system of applied design for the creation of sustainable human habitat. It is the use of ecology as the basis for designing integrated systems of food production, housing, appropriate technology, and community development. Permaculture is built upon an ethic of caring for the earth and interacting with the environment in mutually beneficial ways.

You culminate the program in an unparalleled location: Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world. At this World Heritage Site, the majestic remnants of a tall rainforest grows on sand, and fully half the world's perched freshwater dune lakes are found inland from the beach and the Great Barrier Reef. The combination of shifting sand-dunes, tropical rainforests and lakes make it an exceptional place for students to experience Australia's natural beauty and efforts at ecological preservation.

Highlights:
* Visit rainforests home to endangered flora and fauna.

* Enjoy a three-night excursion to Fraser Island, a one-of-a-kind sand island with rainforests and pristine beaches.

* Experience wildlife at Crystal Waters, including rare birds, kangaroos, and wallabies.

* Learn about green building techniques, renewable energy, and sustainable organic agriculture and their viability in different settings.

* Create your own ecological design & become a Certified Permaculture Apprentice.

Crystal Waters Permaculture Village was founded in 1987 on the subtropical east coast of Australia, Crystal Waters is an established ecovillage, home to over 200 permanent residents and abundant wildlife on 640 acres of land. In 1996, it received a UN World Habitat Award for its "pioneering work in demonstrating new ways of low impact, sustainable living." Residents' eco-homes demonstrate a variety of styles of building, from straw bale to rammed earth, pole house to mud dome and avoid using rainforest timbers and toxic chemicals. Students are housed in a combination of bunkhouse and cabin accommodations and have use of the state-of-the-art EcoCentre which has rammed earth walls, photovoltaic power, rainwater collection, and a Biolytic waste system.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: 3,300

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Australia in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 10 - 15

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad