Advertorial: Findhorn College

The Findhorn Foundation is an experiment in unfolding human consciousness and creating a positive and sustainable future. We welcome approximately 3000 residential guests from around the world each year to this unique experiential learning centre set in the beautiful landscape of northern Scotland. We have seen some evolutionary community developments over time, yet our founding principles remain unchanged. We work with the skills and senses of inner listening, connection with all life, and inspired action to inspire and empower people to be the change that they want to see in the world.

In this time of global challenge and change our work is more relevant than ever. Our experiential and holistic approach to education offers a unique opportunity to study and spend time in a centre that is a living model for a sustainable future. Our core workshops and programmes, collectively called Essential Findhorn, are based on 48 years of experience, and encourage deep self-discovery in a community where everyone is part of a lively and supportive learning environment.

Experience Week is the beginning of an educational journey that gives practical experience of how to apply spiritual and holistic values in daily life. Continuing the blend of practical spirituality and conscious living, we also offer courses like Ecovillage Training and Ecovillage Design Education - Training of Trainers. Both of these courses have institutional support from the United Nations Institute for Training and Research

The Findhorn Ecovillage was established in 1985 and has the lowest recorded ecological footprint for any community in the industrialised world. Incorporating the internationally recognised Permaculture Design Certificate syllabus, our Ecovillage Trainings share concepts, tools and techniques for creating sustainable human settlements. With modules focusing on Permaculture, renewable energy systems, deep ecology and local organic food production as well as time spent on group building and global networks, Ecovillage Training provides a practical forum for learning and for the development of vital sustainability driven action plans.

Accredited further education, vocational training and professional development is available through Findhorn College courses. Working closely with the Findhorn Foundation, Findhorn College offers students and educators experience of the Foundation's ethos, applied to higher education. The College runs university level programmes including the Findhorn Community Semester, an undergraduate programme accredited by the University of Massachusetts. A recent addition to our portfolio is the innovative MSc Sustainable Community Design, accredited by Heriot-Watt University, which contains a three-week intensive residential module at Findhorn.

The College also offers a diverse and inspiring range of field study visits and short courses, offering students an exciting opportunity to experience applied sustainability in action, for anything from a half-day visit to a week or more, in co-created and tailor-made programmes of activities, tours, lectures and work experience. For the last three years we've worked together with St Andrews University to host both their undergraduate and postgraduate students on field study visits as part of their BSc and MSc Sustainable Development curriculum. Our short courses are equally popular, attracting leading and respected figures in their academic fields.

At Findhorn, we believe that our holistic and grounded approach to education sparks the potential within each student, creating inspirational world servers and leaders. Participants continue to find our educational approach empowering and engaging, and it is always fantastic to hear the many ways in which this learning is lived and carried out into the world.