Description

Sunseed is based in a beautiful, tranquil village in South East Spain. We aim to develop, demonstrate and communicate accessible low-tech methods of living sustainably in a semi-arid environment. We are a UK charity and a Spanish Association.

Hundreds of volunteers from around the world come to work at Sunseed Desert Technology each year in areas such as: Organic Growing, Dryland Regeneration, Appropriate Technology, Eco-Construction and Maintenance, Environmental Education, Sustainable Living, Mycorrhiza Research and more. We rely on these volunteers for their valuable work and ideas. Volunteers can work in all of our departments and participate in all aspects of life at Sunseed, both in research as well as in community activities. Most visitors thoroughly enjoy their stay and take home with them a better understanding of what a sustainable way of living is truly about.

We have two different kinds of Volunteers at Sunseed:

Part-Time Volunteers usually come to Sunseed for between two and five weeks though we are happy to accommodate shorter and longer stays. PTVs work for a minimum 24hours a week, usually 4 hours a day in the mornings Monday to Friday (Saturday optional) and have the afternoons and weekends free to enjoy the area or of course to continue volunteering if you wish! It takes about a week to orientate yourself at Sunseed Desert Technology so we suggest a minimum stay of two weeks if possible.

Full Time Volunteers usually stay for a minimum of 5 weeks and work for 7 hours a day Monday - Friday, plus occasional weekends. They tend to specialise in one of our departments and frequently carry out their own projects which are suitable for student projects or placements.

Highlights

The chance to try your hand at sustainable living techniques under the watchful eye of experienced co-ordinators. This is fantastic for CV building, or getting an idea of work you might like to become involved in in the future. You will also experience living in a friendly community, there are always people to talk to and frequent fiestas, but plenty of space for solitude too. We have a beautiful environment and inspiring landscape for walking, bird watching, sunbathing, etc; the Rio de Aguas river and pools to swim in (together with the terrapins); and excellent caving and climbing nearby. We also have a big selection of technical and non-technical books and games such as playing cards, chess, etc. There are lots of good bars in our nearest town, Sorbas (7km away) for beers and tapas, as well as the excellent visitors' centre. There is no bus into town, but it's a lovely walk (about 1 ½ hours) or cycle. There are sometimes people driving to and from town who will be happy to give you a lift for a petrol contribution. Taxis cost c.15 euros.
It is possible to go to the beach as well, as we are 20km and 60km far from the beautiful coast Natural Park Cabo de Gata.

Qualifications

No qualifications necessary, except willingness and enthusiasm to learn and share ideas.

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

approx 100 USD a week

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

All sorts! And all ages - from babies to our so-far oldest visitor at the grand age of 87. Children are welcome, with a supervising adult (volunteers between the ages of 16 to 18 should provide consent from a parent or guardian if volunteering without them). Everyone is linked by a common interest in the environment and sustainable living, but beyond that, there's a huge range of interests and characters. One of the best parts of Sunseed for many people is the opportunity to get to know people you may otherwise not have met.

Age Range

Any.

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups

Scholarships are Available

we host students on Erasmus, Leonardo program and independent placements.

Application Process Involves

• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

2 week minimum

Sunseed's Mission Statement

Sunseed aims to develop, demonstrate and communicate accessible, low-tech methods of living sustainably in a semi arid environment. The project is situated in a beautiful rural village near Almeria. Hundreds of working holiday makers, students and long-term volunteers join our friendly, international community to learn about all aspects of low impact living. Students at any level who wish to carry out academic work will find support and guidance at Sunseed. Erasmus, Danube and Leonardo da Vinci participants are welcome.

Year Founded

1986