The Twin Oaks community Internship Program introduces people to community life for a fixed, short period of time, typically 2-6 months. Interns live like other Twin Oaks members in almost all ways.
What Does An Intern Do
Both Members and Interns work 42 hours a week in a variety of work areas in the community--this could include jobs like making tofu or hammocks, gardening, milking cows, office work, etc. The main difference between an Intern and a Member is that the Intern has a specific work area in which they spend 5-20 hours a week ie an Intern will spend up to half of their work hours focused in their area of Internship.
Once a person becomes an Intern, all basic living costs are covered (food, housing, work clothing, etc). Interns have full access to Twin Oaks facilities, and to social and cultural events. Minimal health care is provided by the community; interns with regular health insurance should hold on to it.
Why Twin Oaks is an unusual place to intern
Twin Oaks is principally a community, rather than a business. It is based on values of cooperation, non-violence and income-sharing. As an Intern you would spend a significant fraction of your time here doing things other than your specific internship work. This work usually includes making hammocks, gardening, cooking, cleaning, office work, making tofu, and a dozen other things which keep Twin Oaks going. You would live in a private room in one of our residences, which house 10-18 people.
If you are looking for a highly professional internship, Twin Oaks is perhaps a poor choice. If you are looking for something less formal and more diversified than a normal job, in a very relaxed and progressive atmosphere, working with a bunch of diverse and interesting people, then we might be the right place for you. We are happy to answer your questions.
How To Apply to be an Intern
All potential interns must do a Three Week Visit. This is a comprehensive introduction to Twin Oaks. Participants live, work, and play along side community members, plus receive orientations in various aspects of our society and culture. At the end of the three week visit, generally potential interns leave for 10 days. This is a chance for them to think about their experience and for the community to decide on the intern's candidacy. Twin Oaks will help find a place to stay for the intern during the 10 days away if returning home is a hardship. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to request an application form.
Note
If you are interested in interning here during another time of the year, or aren't interested in conference organizing but would like to spend a few months here, please contact Us to ask about our Residency Program. Residents live in the community 2 - 6 months and participate in various aspects of life here.
