Tending the Farm

Interns spend Monday through Thursday working alongside the Banyan Farm team, at an average of 25 hours each week. There is occasional Saturday work at local farmers’ markets. Each day is dynamic, with many opportunities to learn.

While incredibly rewarding, this work is demanding. Interns must be in good physical condition and prepared to work in all weather conditions, rain or shine.

Farm tasks include: seeding, weeding, harvesting, compost making, washing plant material, working at farmers’ markets, CSA gathering, apothecary and dry room maintenance, and general grounds keeping.

In the Classroom

Classes are offered on weekday evenings and weekends throughout the internship, averaging 10–18 hours of learning time each week.

Offerings include: basic Ayurveda training that covers Ayurvedic philosophy, history, and practice; cultivation of Ayurvedic medicinals; wildcrafting; botany; plant meditations; herbal medicine making; nutrition and cooking; yoga; practitioner skills; body systems; Sanskrit; Vedic astrology; Agnihotra; and much more. This curriculum honors indigenous traditions and builds awareness of movements for the decolonization of Ayurveda and Yoga, as well as the universal needs for social, economic, racial, and food justice.

About Our Teachers

LAI teachers include Ayurvedic practitioners, farmers, herbalists, astrologers, yoga teachers, and regional experts. Collectively, they weave their passions and skills into this comprehensive offering.

Cost

Dormitory-style housing is provided in a large environmentally-friendly straw-bale home located on Banyan Farm. A monthly fee of $125 goes toward a communal food fund. Interns are responsible for their own transportation. We strongly recommend interns have health insurance or set aside an emergency medical fund for the duration of the program.