Newbie looking for advice or possible Internship...

Hi all,

As you can see I am a total newb to the forum and to the permaculture world. I'm looking for whatever advice or pointers people wish to give someone who is beginning to delve into this multi-faceted community. I am mostly looking for work, but anything people want to throw out there is also much appreciated!

A bit of background: I just finished my degree in general agricultural science in Ireland and I know next to nothing about organic or sustainable food production, it was all high input-high output systems that we learned about. I feel its time I broadened my knowledge base and seeing as I learn best by doing, it looks like I should go and get my hands dirty!
I'm looking to get into either a farm or an organisation where I can learn about organic production/permaculture/sustainability. Relocating is not a problem (as long as I get a visa for wherever it is, obviously) and hard-work is not an off-put.

So any and all advice or contacts would be much appreciated. If anyone has any questions you can either post them here or private mail me.

Thank is advance!

I spent a week in Ireland about 6 years ago. Saw Ballymaloe. Spent a few days around Cork and Kinsale, then headed west for the Dingle Peninsula and the Cliffs of Moher. It was right when I was first becoming interested in farming, and everyone seemed to be talking about farm-to-fork. So many sheep, and stone fences around fields. I can't imagine why anyone would want to give that up for high input-high output farming. And, apparently, neither can you.

Anyway, I have a small 4 acre (less than 2 hectares) permaculture farm in Northern California. I don't think we're knowledgeable (nor have sleeping quarters) enough to provide an internship, but if you're ever in the area, look me up and come for a visit. We're learning as we go.

Best of luck!

Welcome Helena to permies! So happy we can help you!

Here are some places I recommend for finding internships and work:
1) World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms works like a work-exchange; you offer your time and hard work for their knowledge, experience, food, and housing. Be sure to read their rules and guidelines before wwoofing.
2) HelpX is kinda like WWOOF, just a smaller network.
3) Shared Earth connects gardeners with land owners.
4) On the Travel Ideas post I replied to on permies, there is a much longer list of resources.

Here is a short list of resources that I would like to introduce you to for starting your permaculture education:
1) Paul Wheaton's Youtube Channel It is full of tons of information! I really think his keynote on permaculture is a very good introduction to permaculture.
He also has tons of articles and podcasts to read and listen to.
2) Permaculture News is the host website for the Permaculture Research Institute, and it has tons of articles and videos to read up on. I also recommend signing up for their emails and seeing their video list, too.
3) Geoff Lawton's website has a lot of informative videos on permaculture!
4) Bill Mollison has an entire online lecture series about permaculture.There is also the Global Gardener Series on YouTube.