Is there a minimum age
requirement?
Yes, the minimum age for the program is 18.
What qualifications do I need to
have?
Because this is a very physically demanding program with production fieldwork, communal
living, and an intense schedule of classes, you need to be both physically and mentally fit.
The strongest applications come from candidates that are well rounded in three respects
equally:
- Can demonstrate a sincere interest in herbalism
- Have some experience in production farming, working outdoors, and doing repetitive tasks
- Have lived in communal house settings
What is the level of the formal
instruction?
You can expect to have roughly 135 hrs of formal instruction. The classes cover a wide range
of topics and give interns a broad look at herbalism as a whole. Due to the diverse range
of backgrounds and levels of experience this program draws, classes range from introductory to
intermediate. You can expect to be exposed to both clinical/scientific, as well as
subtle/energetic approaches to herbal medicine. Although we are not accredited, some
colleges have accepted our program for credit.
Can I come late or leave
early?
Our Herbaculture Program is a synergistic experience and requires start-to-finish
participation from all the students. To be considered you must be able to attend for the
entire duration of the program.
Can I take other classes, work, or
participate in other programs while I am at Herb Pharm?
No, you should not plan on any other commitments. The combination of field work, program
classes, communal household life, and needed time for reflection and rest makes for a full
schedule.
My partner and I both want to apply,
can
we do so together?
While you are welcome to apply together, each application is considered independently; you
will be asked to indicate whether you would accept the position alone.
Can I apply for the Spring Session
and stay for the other two sessions?
No. You may only attend one session per year.
May I bring my pet? Can they stay in
my
vehicle instead of the onsite housing?
Domestic animals are not allowed on the Herb Pharm farm properties. We ask that you arrange
for care of your pets for the duration of the intern program.
Can I get a job or volunteer at the
farm
after my session ends?
On rare occasions, opportunities do arise though you should not plan on this.
What is the difference between the
sessions?
The curriculum for the classes largely remains the same for each session. The three sessions
do differ in the types of work you will be primarily doing on the farm, the plants you will be
working closely with, and the weather conditions you will be working in.
Spring and Fall can be wet and cold; Summer can be very hot and dry (and occasionally
smoky due to local forest fires). All sessions include planting, cultivating, harvest and some
herb processing such as drying, garbling and cleaning, as well as landscape work such as
weeding, transplanting and pruning.
Do you accept international
applications?
Yes, if you can arrange for the appropriate visa.
What do most of your students do
afterwards?
There is an array of career opportunities available for students who have studied diverse aspects
of herbalism. Past students have gone onto other herbal programs, naturopathic or medical
schools. Some have pursued midwifery, advanced plant sciences, Agroecology and conservation of
at–risk plants, herb farming, landscape horticulture, massage therapy and community service.
Do I need a car?
No, but without one you will only have easy access to the few shops in Williams and be
dependent on others if you wish to go to "town".
If I am not driving, how will I get
to
the farm?
Local Airport: Medford, OR
Greyhound: Medford or Grants Pass, OR
Interns are fully responsible for coordinating, arranging, and paying for their own travel to and
from the program. This includes transportation to the internship site at the beginning of the
session and departure at the end.
What computer access will I
have?
There is WIFI in the communal house as well as one computer.
What phone access will I
have?
There is very limited cell reception at the house. The house and farm are located rurally
with cell service about a mile down the road. The house is equipped with landlines.