Nature of the Learning Journey

A core philosophy of Gaia RDI is derived from our educational pedagogy: action learning. To affect lasting, positive change, we believe it is critical to cultivate a dynamic balance between action and reflection—between dreaming and doing. The “change” we are promoting is regeneration of the earth and human culture.

Insights from the ecological design system of permaculture influence the core curriculum as well, reflecting Gaia University International Co-Founder Andy Langford’s role as pioneer of the UK Permaculture WorkNet program in the UK.

Co-founder Liora Adler is an internationally recognized ecovillage founder and networker. She was a founder of HuehueCoyotl artisans ecovillage in Mexico, is a UN representative of the Global Ecovillage Network, and a longstanding board member with the Ecovillage Network of the Americas organization. Many of Gaia University’s regional centers are based out of ecovillages, providing a conduit to transmit the profound insights emerging from these “living laboratories” of ecologically designed human communities to the broader culture.

Other models explored through Gaia University’s programs are Spiral Dynamics and Otto Sharmer’s Theory U. Spiral Dynamics provides a larger canvas to explore current evolutionary themes playing out across the planet’s many societies—and a greater appreciation for the multitude of personal and cultural contributions that can be made toward positive change. Where the action-learning pedagogy offers a practical system for “learning by doing,” application of Scharmer’s Theory U helps learners to infuse their process with great “presence,” thus deepening and expanding their capacity to effect change within themselves and the world around them.

Our Programs and Pathways

Gaia University offers bachelors and masters degree programs as well as graduate diplomas. We will soon be offering doctoral degrees as well. People who have done a master's degree or graduate diploma with Gaia University will be eligible for the doctoral program.

One of the significant aspects of Gaia University is that entrance into a bachelor's- or master's-level program is less dependent on your prior formal education as on your experience and the level of strategic responsibility you take for the "whole system."

If you believe you qualify for accreditation for Prior Learning and Experience (APL & E), please indicate so on your application form.

See Degrees and Concentrations for more information.

How Gaia University Works

Current Gaia U programs at RDI begin with an eight-day orientation and a four-day content-focused extension workshop. These residential workshops are held at the Commonweal Garden in Bolinas, CA, home of the Regenerative Design Institute.

After the residential workshops, you return "home" to work on the projects you have self-designed with the assistance of your advisors. You may stay on in the learning center as an apprentice or travel to other learning centers to do your project work. You can also return to your work and continue to do your projects while engaged in income-producing activities.

Learning to be an effective documenter is one of the key goals of your study time with Gaia University. The capacity to articulately share our knowledge and experience is a key tool for positive world change. During each year, you are responsible for completing six output packets, which describe the content and process of your learning and unlearning. These output packages are uploaded onto our Gaia U E-Learning site (GEL site) and are both self and advisor reviewed. Output packages can include any media that can be viewed over the Internet.

For effective support, evaluation and accreditation, you will be connected to international advisors who are graduates of Gaia University. These advisors meet regularly with you by telephone, skype or face-to-face, and are an important part of your support network. In addition, you can use funds allocated from your tuition fees to contract specialist advisors for added content support.

You will also be assigned to a peer group, known as an Action Learning Guild. These groups meet monthly to share successes and challenges. Our GEL site also provides forums and other learning spaces to share information and experiences.

At the end of each learning year, you gather together again for a residential intensive during which you share your years' project work and either graduate or attend a new content workshop as the beginning of their next year's program. A good deal of fun is always on the agenda!

Please see Overview of a Year and The Learning Village for more information.

We manage our applications through the Gaia University International Web site.