FAQ
Aloha! We’ve tried to anticipate as many questions as possible, but if you can’t find the answers here, feel free to contact us.
What is Permaculture?
The word permaculture was coined by Bill Mollison in the mid-1970’s to describe an integrated, evolving system of perennial or self-perpetuating plant and animal species.
A more current definition of permaculture, which reflects the expansion of focus implicit in Permaculture, is ‘Consciously designed landscapes which mimic the patterns and relationships found in
How can I best prepare for the course?
Please review our Reading and Watching List. Once you have registered we will send you a more comprehensive syllabus of the course curriculum. Please apply yourself to the course content before you arrive in January. Enjoy!
What should I bring?
What will the weather be like?
I’ve never been to the tropics. Are there poisonous things I should know about?
It says we’ll be doing lots of hand-on projects. Should I bring work clothes and/or tools?
Do we have time off, and what can we do?
What kinds of meals will you be serving?
What does a typical day in class look like?
We believe in using all the different kinds of learning, so will divide the day between lecture, interactive class projects, and hands-on skills.
8:00 – 8:45 – Breakfast
9:00 – 12:00 – Lectures, guest speakers, interactive student projects
12:00 – 12:45 – Lunch
1:00 – 5:00 – Hands-on Projects
6:00 – 7:00 – Dinner
8:00 – 9:00 – Optional movie or documentary
Some days will be field trips to other farms and permaculture sites around the island. The schedule is approximate and subject to change based on location and environmental conditions.
Can I earn college credit for what I learn in this course?
Evergreen students may be able to earn credit from Evergreen if they are doing an SOS, individual study, or internship with the sponsorship of an Evergreen faculty member who agrees to review and assess their work.
Are there scholarships, worktrades, Kama A`ina rates, or discounts available?
- We are working with The Evergreen State College for scholarship money for veterans, and Student Activity money for other students, although that will have to be initiated by the students themselves.
Worktrades are possible if you have a real skill to offer (CAD work, research, business plan development for a project, office and computer skills, marketing, etc.), a place to stay while you areworktrading , and your own transportation. Please send a resume with yourworktrade request, your availability, and references.- Kama A`ina rates are available – contact Jenny Pell through the contact form.
- We are soliciting scholarship money from the community. Encourage people to Donate here.
I don’t understand how the Internship program works? Can I skip the course and just do the internship?
The Internship Program is only for students who complete the month-long Permaculture Design and Sustainable Farming program. We are working with different farmers and projects all over Maui to provide 5-week internships to students who want to complete their Winter Quarter (Evergreen State College).
The host farm will provide all your meals and you will work with them on whatever needs they have on their farms. Each farm will have different requirements of you as an intern, but generally it will be 25 – 40 hours/week, some days off each week, meals with the other interns or the ohana, and basic agreements that make you a good community member! Some will have camping, others will have private or shared rooms.
We will be offering special workshops throughout the 5-week internship period, that will be open to other locals.
Jenny Pell and Spencer Oneal will be mentoring the interns, offering weekly programs and fun field trips, and serving as Field Supervisors.
Where do I fly to, and will you pick me up?
You will fly to Kahului Airport on Maui (OGG). One way tickets usually add up to the same price as round trip if you want to stay longer and not have a specific return date. Best deals are found through travel sites such as Kayak, Cheap-O Air, and sometimes at Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines.
We will have scheduled pick-ups and drop-offs on the days just before and after the course. If you come early or stay late you will be expected to find your own accommodations and transportation until the course begins! Contact us if anything comes up and you need assistance!
Can friends visit during the Program?
Is marijuana legal on Maui?
I want to stay longer on Maui. Can I do a longer internship?
I’m an older student. Is this a good program for me?
Is this program a safe and inclusive environment for indigenous people, people of color and LGTBQ?
Can I get a refund if I want to leave part-way through the program?
Is Maui a safe place to travel and camp?
Will I receive a Permaculture Certification when I finish, and what can I do with it?
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