A Holistic Expression of Hope
The Internship Program at the Brooksdale Environmental Centre is a residential apprenticeship-style program focused on living out environmental stewardship in practical and holistic ways. Internships include instruction and practical training in a concentration area – Conservation Science, Environmental Education, Sustainable Agriculture, or Food & Hospitality – yet they are so much more than work training! Internships are an invitation into a community, way of life, and expression of faith that seeks the flourishing of both people and places.
Interns live, learn, and work at Brooksdale’s beautiful heritage property in Surrey, BC. Internships run in three three-month terms a year. Consider immersing yourself in this transformative experience for one or more terms this year!
News from the Internship Program
Erin Smith: Beholder of Beauty
by Erin Smith (far right in photo) Three themes emerged during my summer agriculture internship. Beauty, Silliness and Humility. Arriving at A Rocha somewhat weary from a prolonged attempt at making life make sense, I [...]
Emily Quinn Smyth: Community Builder
by Emily Quinn Smyth I came to A Rocha after studying for a Master of Science. I was stressed and just didn’t feel my heart in it. My arrival at A Rocha set me on [...]
Hazelmere House – A New Home for Interns
Sturdy, adult-sized bunk beds have been built. New duvets have been purchased. The kitchen has been stocked. And the sofas have been steam cleaned -- all just in time for the arrival of 15 interns [...]
Program Overview
Interns live at the Brooksdale Environmental Center and participate in all that life and work here has to offer. The program is considered full-time and runs Tuesday – Saturday each week for a three-month term (Spring, Summer, or Fall). Sundays & Mondays & Holidays are off-days and interns are welcome to travel home, explore the local region, or spend some down-time at the center. There are three terms a year and many interns choose to stay for more than one term!
Program Components
Community
The Brooksdale Center is home year-round to four residential families, and also hosts a guesthouse and retreat center. Interns enter into this vibrant intentional community and often express that they feel a sense of family in this place. Interns live together in a home on-site. Meals are shared together with residents and staff 5 days a week for lunch and supper. In addition to their program components interns are welcomed to participate in many of our regular community practices such as a daily contemplative prayer gatherings and weekly music or games nights.
Please note that all people who live on site are also responsible for participating in community life (chores, cooking, hospitality, and assisting with on-site events).
Concentration Options
Conservation Science
Environmental Education
Sustainable Agriculture
Food & Hospitality
Program Details
Location
Dates
We recommend that you apply at least 3-4 months prior to the start of the internship.
- Fall 2019: September 4 – December 8 (arrival date Sept 3, departure December 8)
- Spring 2020: February 5 – May 1 (arrival date February 4, departure May 2)
- Summer 2020: May 13 – August 14 (arrival date May 12, departure August 15)
Cost
Costs for internships include all room and board, training and opportunities related to intern program areas, community experience, and access to an A Rocha vehicle (with proper license) for community related outings.
- Cost of Spring Term: $2,700*
- Cost of Summer Term: $2,900*
- Cost of Fall Term: $2,900*
All prices in Canadian dollars.
*Prices all inclusive.
We are now offering a 10% discount on a second term and a 15% discount on a third term. Consider joining us for all three terms!
Please note we are unable to offer scholarships or bursaries towards the cost of the internship program.
Is This Program For Me?
Over the years we have had interns from all over the world and from all seasons and stages of life. Interns must be at least 18 years of age to apply. We have had singles, couples and even families intern in the past. Internship may be for you if you are:
- In a transitional season (gap-year, recent graduates, career change),
- Looking for a practical outworking of your values and faith,
- Interested in an intentional community learning and living experience,
- An international student looking for an environmental overseas experience,
- Needing to fill internship credits for a university program, or
- Wanting to get work training and experience in one of our concentration areas.
What past interns are saying
“My Internship at A Rocha exceeded all of my expectations! It was one of the best experiences of my life.”
~ Joseph Prescott Sones, Sustainable Agriculture Intern
“Being part of the A Rocha Canada community for a season was really rewarding and gave me a real sense of what working in the conservation field is like. I enjoyed all aspects of my internship and learned a lot about life, God, science, community, and food.”
~ Jennifer Rumley, Conservation Science Intern