Dates

14 March - 11 April 2009
27 June - 24 July 2009
17 October - 13 November 2009

This is a unique and dynamic four-week College programme that gives you the opportunity to improve your English while integrating personal development and living in a spiritual community. The course provides a stimulating learning environment in which body, mind and soul interact to build language and social skills. It also includes the equivalent of the Findhorn Foundation Experience Week.

English in Community is a study focused programme. You’ll spend the mornings in a classroom with tuition by qualified and experienced teachers, and outside the classroom you’ll have time for self-study and opportunities to improve your conversation skills. As well as structured English lessons, the programme also includes self-development sessions, working with community members in areas such as the garden and kitchen, participating in group-building activities and community events, and outings into the local area.

After completing English in Community, many of our participants join Living in Community, a long-term programme focused on work. This requires a basic level of English.

Living and learning in community can be a powerful and transformative experience. This unique and wonderful combination of language development and heart opening experiences, may lead you to find that being here is a turning point in your life.

The course provides an opportunity to experience living in this community and to develop your skill and ability to communicate in English. The course is taught by experienced and qualified teachers.

You require some knowledge of English, for example:

Can you ask for directions?
Can you order in a restaurant?
Could you read a bus time-table?
Can you talk about where you come from?

The Findhorn Foundation is at the centre of a working spiritual community. We are dedicated to bringing love into everything we do, especially into our relationships with each other. We recognise the truths behind all major spiritual traditions and believe in the sacredness of all life. We aim to support each other in our spiritual growth. The courses provide a unique opportunity to learn and practice the English language and develop skills for life. The emphasis in the classroom is on communication, though all other aspects of language learning are included in the course, both in the classroom and in the self study periods.

If you would like to apply for the programme please ask someone to help you to ensure that you can completely understand all the information. HOWEVER WE ASK YOU TO FILL IN THE QUESTIONNAIRE AND WRITE THE REQUIRED INFORMATION WITHOUT HELP. This will enable us to assess your level of English accurately so that we can make the best decision as to how appropriate the programme will be for you.

Living here is an exciting and rewarding adventure. We do hope you will be able to join us.

COURSE CONTENT

The 4-week course includes:

- Formal and informal teaching and practice in learning English
- An introduction to living here and to the spiritual principles on which this community and Ecovillage are based.
- An opportunity to be part of a supportive group and engage in a wide variety of activities and experiences as part of our international community
- An opportunity to learn more about yourself and your relationships with other people

Other features of the course:

- Formal language study for half a day from Monday to Friday in the mornings (there are usually 2 groups but on smaller courses the group may be a range of levels with some additional input given for specific needs)
- Working in departments such as the gardens, kitchens, homecare, etc (decided upon by a meditation process)
- An introduction to different aspects of the Ecovillage, such as the community farm, food production and ecohousing
- Participation in community activities, celebrations, the arts, dance, meditation, music, sauna, hot-tub, classes and interest groups
- Outings to explore the local area
- Group-building exercises and the chance to share personal experiences
- The opportunity to integrate into the community at meals, other activities and in spending a little time each week contributing to the communal work (eg looking after your own room, helping with the kitchen clean-up once a week)

ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS

Accommodation will be provided in Cluny Hill College, a large and comfortable ex-hotel that stands in grounds surrounded by woodlands and gardens. It is located on the outskirts of Forres and is 8 km from The Park (Ecovillage). We have our own regular free bus service connecting Cluny with The Park.

Accommodation is shared in bedrooms of between 2 to 4 occupants.* Bathrooms are also shared. Bed linen and towels are provided.

* If you would like a room on your own it may be possible but there is a charge of 14 GB pounds per night (approximately 400 GB pounds for the month).

Meals are vegetarian.

Cluny Hill College has laundry facilities, pay phones, internet access, shop and sauna.

THE LOCAL AREA

Forres is a small and attractive Scottish Highland town with all amenities including a swimming pool, shops, pubs and restaurants and a post office. The high street is a ten minute walk (1 km) from Cluny Hill College. There you will find banks and cash dispensers.

Inverness is about 40 km away and is the capital of the Highlands. It is the gateway to Loch Ness and other places of interest.

The Park eco-community is situated on a peninsula, bounded by Findhorn Bay and the Moray coastline. Within walking distance of The Park is the beautiful fishing village of Findhorn. The surrounding countryside is typical of the Scottish Highlands, with a variety of coastal villages and open moorland. The nearest cinemas are in Elgin and Inverness (30 minutes and 45 minutes respectively by bus).

Brochure

Download our brochure in PDF format.

You can apply online

For further information email us

Price:

£1,665 for those with low income
£1,820 for those with medium income
£2.100 for those with high income

Price includes tuition, food and accommodation