PDC EXCHANGE

The concept is that students can complete a PDC while doing internships with various participating teachers:

• Your PDC is offered on a modular basis by teachers practicing permaculture at various locations (initially in Australia) who can offer any number of modules, up to a full PDC program.
• You complete your PDC over time by completing modules at these various teacher locations. Teachers sign off on the modules completed. The modules may be class work, practical experience or a combination of both.
• You do not “pay” for your PDC course, but do internship work in exchange for food, accommodation AND participation in the course (much like the “WWOOFers” concept, but with an aspect of additional work to cover the completion of modules for your PDC.)
• Internships can include food & accommodation or only “work-for-kind” (i.e. commute-in, day labour) eg a local student who comes to work on a host property in exchange for tutoring/teaching; this ratio may be 1 to 1 or 1 to 2, etc (1 hour work for 1 hour teaching) - this may vary on a location by location basis. Please see the Scenarios page for possible examples.
• Work exchange is also for the final evaluation, cross-verification and issuing of the certificate. No money involved.

The idea of a non-monetary PDC has been a longstanding and popular one in the environmental movement, but economic realities have meant that it has remained painfully out of reach. Until now.

This is a one-of-a-kind course, and one that I am very excited to watch unfold. This PDC will create the leaders of the future. More...

- Brenna Quinlan, permaculture illustrator and educator (@brenna_quinlan)

A wonderful new way for people to see diverse Permaculture systems, visit new places and learn Permaculture by doing and give back in exchange for the opportunity.

- Robin Clayfield, earthcare education + dynamic groups (www.dynamicgroups.com.au)

There is no classroom to compete with an established permaculture system and no teacher training that can replace years of practical experience. More...

- Meg McGowan, permacoach (http://www.permacoach.com.au/)

• All communication and teaching is done in English.
• Students and teachers need a Google account to be able to participate.

The course structure (curriculum) is provided here: COURSE STRUCTURE