Farm Study Program
Having second thoughts about going back to school on campus? Taking your semester online? As many students are exploring their options for the upcoming semester, Gita Nagari Eco Farm and Sanctuary is excited to offer an alternative setting for online university. A non-profit organization established in 1974, Gita Nagari Eco Farm and Sanctuary is home to the first and only USDA certified slaughter-free dairy farm in North America and an established organic vegetable farming operation and CSA. Run by a diverse team of volunteers whose vision is to accelerate global transformation through compassionate living, the farm is well equipped to host your next immersion in nature. Students going online are welcome to study, work and live alongside us. Being rooted in the principles of compassion, environmental justice and animal welfare, our farm offers a peaceful space in which students can serve, relax, introspect, and return home with new perspectives. Fill out an interest form and find out if this is a good fit for you!
Join us from January 6 – May 6, 2022 (16 weeks)!
APPLICATIONS FOR THE SPRING OPEN NOW. FILL OUT AN INTEREST FORM HERE!
Please stay in touch with us via Instagram to learn more about what we are doing! If you are not a college student and interested in working with us, please take a look at our profile on WWOOF.
Live
Our farm consists of 350 acres of rolling green hay fields, pastures and diverse woods, bounded by the Tuscarora Creek on the east side. We are home to 15 joyful volunteers, herds of peaceful cows/oxen, 1 goat, a flock of about 40 peacocks, and an adorable cat named Gopi. Gita Nagari offers kayaking, biking, and beautiful hiking trails to all of its residents. The farm also has a volleyball net and we encourage students to bring any other sports equipment they might want, including bikes. Our Farm Buffet serves three delicious meals a day to all who live here, which are completely plant-based aside from our own farm-produced dairy and honey.
Work
Students will be expected to work approximately 12 hours a week, in shifts that can be broken up however works best for their schedule. There are many different jobs on the farm – cows/dairy production, field work, cooking communal meals, CSA packing, honey production, bookkeeping & managing our nonprofit, and much more. We are dedicated to helping you create the schedule that best suits your needs.
Study
We understand that every schedule is different and are here to support students however they need. All accommodations have a study area for students to work in and we have reliable WiFi all throughout the farm. We are excited to provide a nurturing and communal environment where students can thrive academically.
Farm Opportunities
Students will have an opportunity to: milk cows, work with trained oxen, work in the garden, pack CSA shares, learn to cook vegetarian food in the kitchen, and learn beekeeping. Students will be expected to work 12 hours per week on the farm as service to the community.
Pricing
Pricing varies per room type. Fill out our interest form for more information.
Accommodation Options
Choose from our variety of shared and single rooms. All rooms come with a bed, desk, chair, and storage. We will provide 2 vegetarian/vegan meals a day, with snacks available. We provide access to laundry facilities, basic toiletries, cleaning supplies, groceries, and access to all of our facilities. All buildings are outfitted with WiFi. A virtual tour of the accommodation is available on request to help you decide.