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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Caribbean Food Systems & Farm-to-Table Residency Track

Discover the true meaning of farm-to-table dining in the Caribbean. This isn't just a cooking class—it's a complete culinary immersion where you harvest, prepare, and feast on the flavors that define Sint Maarten's food heritage.

Each morning, you'll walk through our gardens and aquaponics systems, selecting fresh ingredients for the day's meals. Learn traditional Caribbean cooking techniques passed down through generations, then add modern twists using innovative growing methods. By week's end, you'll understand not just how to cook Caribbean cuisine, but where it comes from and why it matters.

Your Culinary Experience:

Daily Activities:

Harvest fresh ingredients from our permaculture gardens and aquaponics systems
Master traditional Caribbean dishes (callaloo, johnny cakes, fresh fish preparations)
Learn heritage cooking techniques from local community members
Prepare three meals daily using what you've grown and harvested
Understand Caribbean food history and cultural significance
Visit local markets and learn ingredient sourcing
Participate in a traditional Caribbean BBQ celebration

Hands-On Learning:

Catch tilapia from aquaponics tanks and prepare fresh
Pick herbs and vegetables minutes before cooking
Use solar ovens and traditional Caribbean cooking methods
Create sauces, seasonings, and preserves from scratch
Learn food preservation techniques for tropical climates

What's Included:

✓ 7 nights in our eco-lodge accommodation
✓ All meals (which you'll help prepare!)
✓ Cooking workshops and cultural food experiences
✓ Market visits and local food sourcing trips
✓ Recipe collection and growing guides
✓ Cultural heritage site excursions
✓ Homebrewed rum tastings
✓ Airport pickup and drop-off
✓ WiFi access

Perfect For:

Food lovers • Home cooks • Chefs seeking inspiration • Culinary travelers • Anyone interested in Caribbean culture and sustainable food systems

Pricing:

$825 per person

Limited to 8 participants for an intimate culinary experience.

What You'll Take Home:

Complete recipe collection • Growing guides for Caribbean ingredients • Food preservation techniques • Seed samples • Cooking confidence • Unforgettable flavors and memories

Ready to Cook?

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Questions? WhatsApp us or email

$ 825 per Person

Important Booking Information:

✓ Deposit: Non-refundable deposit required to confirm
✓ Payment: Full payment due 30 days before program start
✓ Cancellation: Non-refundable within 30 days of start date
✓ Age Requirement: 18+ years old
✓ Insurance: Travel insurance strongly recommended
✓ Transportation: Airport pickup/drop-off included on program dates

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By booking, you agree to our Terms & Conditions for 7-Day Programs.

Validity 05/01/2026 - 22/06/2026