Description

Sesseljuhús is a sustainable building and an educational centre focusing on environmental issues. Educational events take place in a variety of ways throughout the year, such as Study Abroad Programmes for foreign students, educational meetings for the general public and exhibitions. Sesseljuhús is the main supervision for internships in Sylheimar and also for the Sylheimar guesthouse. Interns and volunteers need to bring their own laptop.

We are looking for people that are dedicated to working on environmental issues.

In the year 2012 we are focusing on village environmental planning, landscape architecture and Sustainable tourism. The first topic is so called Energy Park. The idea behind the Energy Park - Clean energy a better world project is to create an educational and amusement show/park regarding renewable energy for tourists and educational groups. Clean energy a better world show / park will be both indoors and outdoors and the centre will be in Sesselja House Sustainability Centre. The indoor exhibition is already on-going and parts of the show materials will also be used for the outdoor exhibition with added material and equipment.

In the outdoor exhibition, it will be possible to view and study the following energy resources: solar energy, wind power, hydropower, geothermal heat and bioenergy. The main goal is to connect all those energy production units with educational and information materials to create a clear and modern form of Clean energy a better world show/park. Here in Solheimar we have solar cells and a windmill and this summer we want to complete the last part of the park, the mini hydro power plant area and geothermal water area.

Regarding the hydro power, we will make a small natural pond (reservoir) and a small dam with a small bridge over the dam. A collage in Reykjavik is making a small hydro power turbine made of wood that will be set up this summer. Also we will need to make some information signs, standing platforms, small walking bridges and walking paths.

Regarding the geothermal area we need to make some platform and information signs. In addition there is need to plant trees, lay grass sods and make walking paths.

Therefore we are looking for an intern that has a landscape architecture background (or similar) or carpentry background and would like to take part in creative and challenging project. If you are independent, hardworking and motivated and are willing and capable to direct people in these tasks, this is a project for you. This is a great opportunity for an intern to get a practical knowledge in the field of gardening, landscape architecture or carpentry.

One of the main exhibitions here in Sesseljuhus is about Sustainable tourism and we are also working on how to make a Solheimar Guest house more sustainable and eco friendly. Therefore we are looking for an intern that has interest and knowledge in Sustainable tourism and also make suggestions which target grouts Solheimar Guesthouse should focus on.

Due to Sesseljuhus being the main supervision for Sylheimar Guesthouse, we are also looking for someone willing to take the time to work as a guesthouse receptionist at various points throughout their internship. They will be expected to help with reservations, serving the guests, answering the phone to guesthouse-related queries etc. as part of their time here. For that reason, we need interns with exceptional communication skills, a good initiative to solve a variety of customers queries and a jolly, approachable character.

Highlights

* Living in an internationally recognized ecovillage; exposure to a unique community that works towards environmental sustainability and explores the potential of special needs individuals

* Participating in some of Solheimar's other workshop programs, such as candle-making, woodworking, weaving, organic horticulture and forestry

* Freedom to explore environmental education and focus on a program that combines your interests with Solehimar's and Seselja House's objectives

* Housing accommodation

* Beautiful surroundings in the countryside of South Iceland

* One hour drive from the capital city, Reykjavik

Qualifications

The Intern Program is open to current students (college undergraduate or graduate level) and non-students (18 and older), but preferance is given to those who demonstrate initiative, enthusiasm, personal motivation, and educational/training background with focus on community sustainability, artistic skills/training, environmental studies, and/or specific research focused on Solheimar's needs.

Intern Types

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing

Program Fees Include:

* Lunch, monday through friday, at the village cantina (both meat and vegetarian options daily)
* Housing: one room in volunteer housing, with bed, desk, dresser, and private bathroom. Volunteer house includes communal living room area and kitchen

Salary/Pay

non

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

The intern program is open to current students (college undergraduate or graduate level) and non-students (18 and older), but preferance is given to those who demonstrate initiative, enthusiasm, personal motivation, and educational/training background with focus on community sustainability, artistic skills/training, environmental studies, and/or specific research focused on Solheimar's needs.

Age Range

over 18

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Independent living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 month

Solheimar Eco - Village's Mission Statement

Sesselja House is a sustainable building and an educational center focusing on environmental issues. We are located in Solheimar, an ecovillage in South Iceland, where the goal is to give every individual an opportunity in a sustainable society. Sólheimar provides home and workplace to 43 individuals with special needs, and in total, more than 100 people live and work in Sólheimar.

Year Founded

2002