Global Permaculture Program 2025
Our internship programme is an extremely rare opportunity to experience permaculture in action and gain invaluable skills from one of the leading experts in the field.
Global Permaculture Program 2025
Our internship programme is an extremely rare opportunity to experience permaculture in action and gain invaluable skills from one of the leading experts in the field.
Global Permaculture Program 2025
Our internship programme is an extremely rare opportunity to experience permaculture in action and gain invaluable skills from one of the leading experts in the field.
Internship
invitation
Mentors
Geoff Lawton, István Márkuly and more
Locations
Hungary, Australia, Jordan
Application
price, timeline
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3 climates 3 locations 3 continents
Permaculture-In-Action Internship
with Geoff Lawton
Are you passionate about permaculture? Ready to learn how permaculture principles can be adapted and applied in diverse environments? Join us for a 7 month internship program with Geoff Lawton and his team, spanning three different climates on three continents!
These selected three climates cover 80 percent of the territory of the Earth, thus wherever your journey may lead you after the programme, you most probably have learnt what permaculture techniques could be best applied on the given climate. Such an immersive journey would not only offer practical skills but also foster a deeper understanding of global ecological systems and the interconnectedness of environmental challenges and some of the solutions.
The Permaculture-In-Action internship programme is designed to empower individuals, who are keen on experiencing the practicalities of running permaculture farms and sites in very different climates, such as
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continental climate in Hungary at Eletfa Permakultura,
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humid subtropical climate in Australia at Zaytuna farm,
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desert climate in Jordan at Greening the Desert.
During the internship programme, not only you learn permaculture ‘by doing’, but will have a chance to build relationships and potential partnerships within the network of like-minded people at the Global Permaculture Research Institute.
Our world is changing
We are facing enormous challenges and changes in the world on a scale never seen before in human history – increasing climate extremes, social and economic crises, wars, and unrest. Time is running out, and the way our life is transforming every day there has never been a better time or indeed a greater need for us to work together to make the necessary changes to try and make the world a better place. It is crucial for us to recognize our collective responsibility and navigate our world towards a liveable future and also sow the seeds for a worthwhile future for our children.
"You can solve all the world’s problems in a garden"
As Geoff Lawton would say, "you can solve all the world’s problems in a garden". Over the past decade and beyond, we have devoted much of our time and energy to realize Geoff’s goal – in Hungary alone, the lives of more than 600 individuals have been transformed, having acquired the necessary skills to implement change by attending our Permaculture Design Certificate Courses.
We believe the time has come for those of you, who wish to join us on our next journey to help humanity on a larger scale, whereby we participate in and learn effective processes in three different climates. To achieve this goal, with the Permaculture Research Institute we have designed the Permaculture-in-Action programme to train experts, who become members of our team, to empower the next generation of mentors in permaculture across continents and climates, and also to equip with the necessary skills those, who wish to build partnerships with other like-minded people thrilled to make a change and have an impact on our future – even as a mentor.
Take action
As a participant in the internship programme, you will learn about permaculture in three very different climates to gain the necessary experience and expertise. You will study
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in continental Europe at the Eletfa Permakultura in Hungary,
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in subtropical Australia at the Zaytuna farm in Northern NSW, and
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in the desert of Jordan at the Greening the Desert Project in the Al Jawfa area in Western Jordan.
Is it for you?
The Permaculture-In-Action internship programme is for you if,
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you are genuinely interested in making that first step towards becoming part of the solution.
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You would like to intern side by side with Geoff Lawton and his international team.
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You are looking to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in permaculture.
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You would like to learn how to transfer your knowledge to others.
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You would like to gain practical experience through real-life examples.
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You would like to become a team member of the Permaculture Research Institute.
If you answered ‘Yes’ to any of the above, we look forward to hearing from you!
The Permaculture-In-Action internship programme can be your investment into your future. Our aim is to spread permaculture enabling people with a ‘can-do’ attitude. You can have great networking opportunities while partnering with the Permaculture Research Institute. During the internship you do not only learn about farming in several climatic environments, but you can establish your career path and also become a teacher on the way. Throughout the process you will be equipped with our support.
We look for individuals who
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are independent, resilient with a positive attitude,
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speak conversational English,
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are available for at least one month,
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trust in our programme and happy to be part of our community, and
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are willing to live in a communal setting.
Permaculture is a design system for creating sustainable human environments.
Bill Mollison - researcher, writer, scientist, teacher and biologist
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continents
Mentors
World-famous permaculture consultant
Geoff Lawton is a world-renowned permaculture consultant, designer and teacher. He obtained his PDC in 1983 with Bill Mollison, widely regarded as the "Father of Permaculture". Since 1985, Geoff has specialized in permaculture education, design, implementation, system building, administration and community development. Working in over 50 countries, Geoff has taught over 15,000 students.
He founded the Permaculture Research Institute of Australia and Zaytuna Farm, home to Geoff and Nadia's family. As an award-winning permaculture designer, Geoff's main goal is to encourage the creation of self-replicating educational demonstration sites around the world.
More mentors
Istvan is an active member of the permaculture network in Ireland, particularly in West Cork. He is regularly invited to design and teach in other parts of Ireland, Europe, Africa and Asia. He gained his experience through many years of international internships, during which he has been exposed to a wide range of cultures and ecosystems, from wetlands to desert landscapes. He obtained a Sustainable Horticulture/Permaculture degree from Kinsale College in 2015. He completed a number of international training programmes led by some of the most well-known consultants in the field. His masters include Warren Bush, Paul Taylor and Geoff Lawton. As the co-founder of Earth Environmental Education, he is committed to make permaculture principles, its philosophy and practice accessible and popular, so that more people can make them part of their everyday lives. He is the founder of Eletfa Permakultura in Hungary.
Gabor graduated as a horticultural engineer. He worked for five and a half years in vegetable seed cultivation and breeding, then worked as a project coordinator at a food industry company. Gabor completed the Permaculture Design Certificate Course with the Eletfa Permakultura in 2020. Putting what he learned there into practice, he transformed the garden of an office building in Budapest using a permaculture approach and continued to work on the foundation of this area for the following two years. His main areas of interest include soil revitalization, plant ecology, selective breeding, building bridges between cultures, and shaping the attitudes of future generations.
All the World’s Problems Can Be Solved in a Garden.
Geoff Lawton - Permaculture advisor
Phases
The Permaculture-in-Action internship programme is structured into phases, each designed to optimize interns' learning experience.
Phase I
29th August - 26th September
Eletfa Permakultura, Hungary
During the first phase, you will be engaged in practical daily work such as soil preparation, planting, mulching, composting and water harvesting. The second part of the internship will involve theoretical learning based on Bill Mollison's book.
We will close the phase with an assessment to evaluate your experiences, identify areas of strength and areas for improvement and see what the next steps are in your journey.
Phase II
5th October – 4th December 2025
Greening the Desert, Jordan
The second phase will take place in Australia at Geoff’s home Zaytuna Farm.
Phase III
5th January 2026 - 2nd March 2026
Zaytuna Farm, Australia
The third phase will take place in Jordan at the Greening the Desert site. Here you will learn about techniques in the extremely dry desert climate.
Details
Activities
What farm activities will you be involved in?
At the three locations you are invited to learn and participate in small and large animal system management, market gardening, and many other activities, including but not limited to the following:
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sheep and donkey management
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feed and stock management
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beef and kettle dairy production
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cleaning and feeding the animals
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maintaining and moving the animal cells for land preparation
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poultry management
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building and managing chicken tractors
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processing animals
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developing the composting system
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food forest system establishment and maintenance
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eco-building constructions and renovations
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earthworks and water management systems
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tree and plant nursery
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medicinal herb production
Please bear in mind that these topics can vary based on the needs of the farm you are living on at the time. If you have a passion about a topic that is not included, please let us know and we will do our best to include it in the programme.
Commitment
In the Permaculture-In-Action internship program we expect you to commit to an average of 40 hours of work per week, from Monday to Thursday, which consists of 27 hours of self-managed work on the farm, and 13 hours of theoritical training. Hours may vary due to the nature of work, ongoing project or other circumstances. Extra working hours are compensated. There is also dedicated time to rest and to recharge.
Accommodation and food
Accommodation and facilities vary depending on the location of the internship program.
At Eletfa Permakultura in Hungary you may opt to sleep in a yurt, at the Zaytuna farm in Australia in one of the natural and eco friendly buildings, at the Greening the Desert in Jordan in an eco lodge – depending on availability.
Fresh food is grown on all three locations and is available to everyone during the internship programme. You will be expected to do your own cooking, washing and keeping your living area nice and tidy.
If you have any special dietary concerns, please let us know via the application form and we will do our best to cater for you.
Travel & Visa
Hungary
You can travel to Hungary visa-free from most countries, for up to 90 days.
Nearest airport - Budapest
Jordan
If you are from any of the following countries, you can enter Jordan visa-free:
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Egypt
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Saudi Arabia
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Kuwait
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Palestine
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Turkey
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Qatar
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United Arab Emirates
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Oman
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Bahrain
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Lebanon
All other citizens will need to apply for a single or double-entry visa. More information can be found here.
Nearest airport - Amman
Pick up / drop off arrangements can be made for an additional cost.
Australia
You are required to obtain a work and holiday visa to participate in the internship program in Australia. More information can be found here.
Nearest airport - Sydney or Brisbane
Pick up / drop off arrangements can be made for an additional cost.
Your days
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6.00-7.30 - Breakfast
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7.30-8.15 - Tidy up
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8.15-12.30 - Program
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12.30-13.15 - Lunch
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13.15-13.30 - Tidy up
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13.30-17.00 - Program
Free time: Self-care is one of the three ethics in permaculture. We designed the program to make sure that everyone has some free time to rest and recharge.
Fees
400 EUR of deposit will be required to secure your place in the programme. For refunds, please see our cancellation policy.
Phase I
29th August - 26th September ~ 4 weeks
Eletfa Permakultura, Hungary
Fee: €920
Includes:
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Full access to the farm and its facilities
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Accommodation
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Daily lunch
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On-site workshop participation
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Certificate of Permaculture Internship
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One-to-one mentorship from Geoff Lawton and his international team
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Guidance in becoming a mentor yourself
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Networking with like-minded people
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Potential membership of the Permaculture Research Institute team
Phase II
5th October – 4th December 2025 ~ 9 weeks
Greening the Desert, Jordan
Fee: €2,350
Includes:
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Full access to the farm and its facilities
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Accommodation
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Food from the farm so you can prepare your own meals
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On-site workshop participation
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Certificate of Permaculture Internship
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One-to-one mentorship from Geoff Lawton and his international team
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Guidance in becoming a mentor yourself
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Networking with like-minded people
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Potential membership of the Permaculture Research Institute team
Phase III
5th January 2026 - 2nd March 2026 ~ 8 weeks
Zaytuna Farm, Australia
Fee: €1,840
Includes:
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Full access to the farm and its facilities
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Accommodation
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Daily lunch
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On-site workshop participation
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Certificate of Permaculture Internship
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One-to-one mentorship from Geoff Lawton and his international team
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Guidance in becoming a mentor yourself
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Networking with like-minded people
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Potential membership of the Permaculture Research Institute team
Application
Timeline
You must complete Phase I of the program in order to secure a spot in the next two phases.
Application timeline:
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16 June, 2025 - Applications begin and video interviews begin
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15th August, 2025 - Applications and evaluation close
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29th August, 2025 - Internship programme starts
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The trial phase kicks off in August 2025.
Process
Application process:
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STEP 1: Submit your application form
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STEP 2: Interview with the mentor(s) online, or in person if possible.
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STEP 3: Confirmation of acceptance
Please start the application process as soon as possible due to the fact that we have 15 places available at a time per location.
The trial phase kicks off in August 2025.
Please read our cancellation policy carefully.
The trial phase kicks off in August 2025.
Application form