Meaningful Residency Experiences in Sint Maarten

Two ways to join VK (Local Track or Campus Residency)

All participants follow the same campus rhythm—weekly learning sessions, field practicum, heritage circles, and applied projects. The difference is how you participate:

Local Track (Non‑Residential): for Sint Maarten-based participants who live off-campus and join the program for learning + practicum.
Campus Residency (Residential): for regional and international participants who live on campus as part of the cohort.

Focus Areas You May Work In (Track Themes)

Depending on your level and the season’s priorities, residents may contribute through themes such as:

Roots Revival @ Plantation Succour: heritage agriculture, land restoration, and cultural renewal
Community Gardens & Food Sovereignty: Food Farm Gardens (FFG), nursery/seedling systems, and CSA foundations
HAICI Practicum: research, documentation, teaching materials, and knowledge-sharing connected to HAICI

Our Residency Pathways

Our Residency Pathways (L1–L4)

VK pathways are designed as a progression. You can enter at Level 1, or apply for advanced levels based on experience and fit.

L1: Foundations Residency (Heritage Agrarian Foundations)
Build core skills in regenerative growing, land stewardship, and heritage agrarian practice through structured weekly learning and hands-on fieldwork.

L2: Innovation & Incubation Residency
For residents ready to develop an applied project—systems building, research, enterprise prototypes, or community initiatives—supported by mentorship and milestones.

L3: Professional Track Residency
For emerging agrarian professionals and educators. Deepen your practice, build a portfolio, and take on leadership responsibilities within the campus community.

L4: Collaborative Fellowship Residency
For experienced practitioners, VK alumni, and invited experts. Fellows collaborate on high-impact research, curriculum development, campus systems, and partnerships that expand VK’s long-term impact.

What's Included

Included for all participants (Local Track + Campus Residents):

- Participation in the VK campus rhythm (sessions, practicum, circles, applied projects)
- Access to campus gardens, learning spaces, and work areas
- Workshops and skill-building (regenerative agriculture, heritage restoration, food systems, and more)
- Access to HAICI-aligned learning resources and local partnerships (as available)

Included for Campus Residents (Residential Track):

- Shared accommodation on campus
- Daily meals included (provided through residency tuition)
- Utilities and Wi‑Fi

Local Track meals: Local participants may purchase meals when on-site.

Who Should Apply

- Sint Maarten locals seeking hands-on agrarian learning and a pathway into food livelihoods
- Regional and international residents seeking immersive, purpose-driven campus living
- Scholars, educators, and practitioners contributing to heritage agriculture and knowledge recovery
- Changemakers and partners aligned with food sovereignty and land restoration

How To Apply

Ready to join Sint Maarten’s heritage agrarian community?
Apply for a residency pathway or propose a practicum/fellowship collaboration.

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14 Days - Caribbean Community Gardens Residency - Level 1 Module

Become part of Sint Maarten’s living legacy. As a Community Gardens Resident, you’ll:

Join a supportive cohort for immersive, hands-on learning
Design and develop community garden spaces
Implement sustainable growing and permaculture techniques
Train alongside local residents in tropical agriculture
Support and manage our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program
Organize and participate in events at The Keys Market
Participate in weekly agrarian sessions, fieldwork, heritage circles, and applied projects

Program Includes:

Flexible placements from 2 to 12 weeks (November–June, academic year)
Shared accommodation at VK Heritage Agrarian Campus
Healthy daily meals (vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian options)
Agricultural and sustainability training
All campus amenities, utilities, and internet access
Active participation in campus life and community events

Who Should Apply?
For anyone passionate about food security, sustainability, and community development. No prior experience needed—just readiness to learn, contribute, and grow.

Contribution: