Environmental Sustainability Internships and Volunteer Programs in Iceland

  Iceland

Term: Fall, Spring, Summer, Throughout the year 
Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: summer, spring, or fall

Description: The Environmental Sustainability Internship is focused on specific environmental and sustainability-related projects. These projects vary based on Solheimar's need and applicant/project suitability, but the following is a list of potential projects for interns:

* Expanding environmental education curriculum at Sesselja House

* Waste-water treatment improvement: Research-based project focused on improving the current wetland waste-water treatment area (This is an opportunity for a science/wetland ecology/hydrology student to focus on a project with direct applicability and community need).

* Carbon-sequestration and forestry development in the Solheimar area (Base this on previous research/work and focus on what can be done using biodynamic methods).

* Developing a sustainable car-fleet in Solheimar (researching methane production capabilities and hydrogen-power potential).

* Developing an ecological building database and case-study of Sesseljuhus (This may interest environmental engineering and architecture students. Research traditional Icelandic design and sustainable-building design with development of blueprints for future Solheimar construction projects and database development for sustainable building resources in Iceland).

* Historical Restoration and preservation of Sesseljuhus and Solheimar history (A potential project for a history intern: preserving documents, interviewing Solheimar area residents, and preserving the physical buildings of Solheimar. Intern learns how history plays a role in sustainability.)

* Other projects available in Hydrology (hydro-energy development and production), and Geothermal (geothermal-energy development, production, and implications/potential in Solheimar), electricity use in Solheimar (performing an energy audit and educational presentation on findings for the Solheimar community to better reduce electricity consumption).

* Enhancing community through developing a central community space for everyday enjoyment (to come together after work hours, activities, etc.)

* Another project that combines intern and community interests: all doors are open!

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.

Cost in US$: est. USD250/month

Experience Required: no

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

Participants Travel to Iceland Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Written Application

Sesselja House, Sustainability Center'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