About the Organization

The eco-lodge: Rainforest Retreat is a unique project that combines sustainable tourism with sustainable agriculture and environmental education. The eco-lodge (6 rooms) is situated on a Certified Organic farm in the rainforests of the Western Ghats of Karnataka state. We cater to environmentally conscious travelers who want to experience a harmonious existence with nature. We also organize and host workshops and educational programs with emphasis on organic farming, sustainable living, rainforest ecology and biodiversity for students and special interest groups such as organic farmers. We are recognized as one of India's leading eco-lodges and received a 1st prize award from Eco-Club International in 2005. We have also been featured in several articles.

The farm: The Mojo Plantation spice farm is located in one of the highest rainfall zones of Kodagu District, Karnataka. At 1100m altitude, we receive 3500-5000mm (200 inches) of rain annually, most of it between June and September. The plantation is also densely forested with native trees. While this environment places limitations on the types and quantities of crops we can grow, it creates its own unique flavors which are reflected in the excellent quality of our organic produce. Our crops are: cardamom, coffee, black pepper, vanilla, kokam, fruits and some tree spices.

We welcome and encourage all forms of organic farming whether it be revival of traditional practices (such as panchkavya), biodynamic farming, permaculture or natural farming; they all result in alive and healthy soils which are the foundation of a strong agri-ecosystem. We have endeavored to develop this plantation along the principles by which Nature "manages" land and water resources. Our aim has been to strike a balance between time-tested traditional practices and modern scientific approaches.

The NGO (WAPRED): WAPRED was established in 1996 to raise environmental awareness and develop sustainable means of agriculture for this fragile environment. Until now the major research project has been to develop and field test botanically derived pest control agents and integrate them with both scientific and traditional methods of organic agriculture. We are now encouraging local small farmers to adopt these sustainable techniques and we have formed an association of local growers (Galibeedu Organic Association). This project was selected for the 1st prize award from Eco-Club International in 2005 and is being implemented by our NGO. We provide the members with both material and technical inputs, and help them to market their organic produce in order to encourage the adoption of sustainable methods.

The different crops produced by the members are coffee, cardamom, tea, paddy (rice) and an assortment of vegetables and fruits.

The founding members of this NGO are Drs Sujata and Anurag Goel. Sujata has a PhD from the Botany Dept of Delhi University and Anurag has grown up and completed his studies (PhD in Molecular Biology) in Toronto, Canada. Together, we left behind the rat-race of academic research and urban living to explore an organic way of life and a more harmonious existence with nature. After extensive travels throughout India, we chose the Kodagu District of Karnataka State (which lies in the heart of the Western Ghats) to establish a natural farm. The unique and most attractive feature of this area is that the local crops such as cardamom and pepper (which are indigenous to the W. Ghats) and coffee (which was introduced) are grown under the shade of rainforest trees. Therefore, much of the biodiversity can be preserved. Most plantations in Kodagu are abundant with birds, reptiles, and a fascinating array of insects. Our previous research experience in the field of biological sciences includes botany, plant biochemistry, genetics, ecology and molecular biology.Because of our science backgrounds, we are in a position to help design and supervise Msc or PhD research projects.

In addition to cultural experience of rural India, the intern would gain a valuable experience and learn about sustainable livelihoods in rural India, fragile and complex rainforest eco-system, conservation vs development issues, eco-tourism etc.

Job Description

There are two types of internships offered:

1) Hospitality and tourism - Manager/Naturalist Apprenticeship This position is for someone in the hospitality/tourism sector who wants to gain some practical 'hands on' experience in managing a well established small eco-resort. basically, they would be required help out in all aspects of management including supervision of house-keeping, kitchen, office (accounts, internet) public relations and conducting interpretive tours of the property and discussing ecological issues (after receiving adequate training from us). some science background is useful but not essential as long as the person has an interest in nature/ ecology/ agriculture. Other requirements are physical fitness, computer proficiency, good communication skills (in English), self-confidence and sense of responsibility. after a suitable training period, the candidate will be expected to independently manage and supervise overall smooth functioning of the retreat. Free accommodation and food will be provided and because this is the equivalent of junior manager position a stipend of up to rs 5000/month can also be given if required. No language requirement other than English. Duration of 9- 10 months, from September to June (5 months of January to June is also possible).

2)Intern in ecology/agriculture/sustainable development

In addition to the cultural experience of rural India, the intern would gain a valuable experience and learn about sustainable livelihoods, organic agriculture, fragile and complex rainforest eco-system, conservation vs development issues, eco-tourism etc. There is always a need for helping hands with the farm, NGO and guesthouse activities. The specific duties will be determined by the background and interest of the intern but they should be willing to help out wherever needed. The activities are quite diverse and can include general farm work (landscaping, gardening, maintaining nursery), visits to local farms, research, documentation, packaging and marketing of organic produce, teaching English, helping with educational workshops, conducting interactive interpretation tours of the farm with student groups and guests of the retreat.

# of Positions per term

1-2

Start Dates

Internships available between September and June

Duration of Internship

3-10 months

Academic Background

We welcome interns from any academic background. Students with backgrounds in biology, agriculture, ecology, development are obvious candidates but there is good scope for creative persons with arts/design and crafts (pottery, carpentry) skills.

Skills/Experience

Must be sincere, enthusiastic and have some interest in nature/agriculture and sustainable living.

Language Ability

There is no specific language requirement (other than English) but a willingness to learn will be an asset. The local language is Kannada and the national language is Hindi.

Other Requirements

Total costs vary depending on how long you plan to be abroad, where you will be living, your personal spending habits, and current exchange rates. The following estimates will give you a ballpark figure for this internship. Get help with the math from our handy Cost Calculator.

IE₃ Program Fee

The program fee for the first term of any internship is $2,750 - $2,950. You do not pay tuition in addition to the program fee. Visit your University's IE₃ page for details, costs for additional terms, and campus administrative fees.

Estimated One-Time Expenses

Expense Type	Price
International Travel	$1400-$2000
Visa Fees	$100
Recommended Immunizations	$250-$450

*See Additional Cost Information below.

Estimated Monthly Expenses

Expense Type	Price/month
Housing	free
Food	$50*
Local Transportation	$50
Recreation	$75
Personal Expenses	$75

Compensation

Up to 5000 Rs per month may be paid to management interns.

Additional Expense Information

• Room and board is provided by the eco-lodge, but interns will want to take some additional money for expenses when off the site.

Visit the Rainforest Retreat website: http://www.rainforestours.com/.

The Western Ghats of India are internationally recognized as one of the 18 Biodiversity hotspots in the world that need to be preserved and kodagu district is considered a 'micro-hotspot' of biodiversity within the western ghats. This small district of kodagu which has over 85% tree cover, has over 1350 species of flowering plants/trees (including medicinal plants and orchids) many of which are endemic to the western ghats) and over 350 species of birds. Among the animals occasionally spotted here are wild boar, jackal, civet cats, squirrel (including Malabar Giant), mongoose, porcupine, and the rare deer. More common are many species of snakes (rat snake, vine snake, wolf snake, cat snake, Malabar pit viper, water snake, and even a king cobra sighting) and lizards, scorpions, and many rare amphibians such as cecelians and tree frogs (including the Malabar gliding frog). We have an incredible diversity of birds and some of India's most beautiful butterflies and moths (including the Atlas moth- largest in the world). There is also an incredible range of spiders and insects (dragonflies, beetles, wasps, and fireflies), many of which are yet to be identified.

We encourage naturalists and researchers to document some of this rich diversity and to interact with the guests of the retreat to enrich their experience.