Social
Concerns
Summer Fellowship
Bethany Land Institute
Location Details
Description
Inspired by Pope Francis’ Laudato Si, Bethany Land Institute (BLI) trains and equips young people (Caretakers) as leaders to address poverty, care for creation and promote human dignity in the rural communities in Uganda. BLI realizes this through a program of formation in sustainable agriculture, ecological education and economic opportunities for young people. In addition, BLI runs a number of outreach programs, where BLI caretakers work with schools, communities and various groups in programs of creation care, environmental education and regenerative agriculture.
Student Role
The role of the intern is to be part of BLI’s learning community of integral ecology. The interns will shadow and accompany the caretakers in their programs of formation in integral ecology. The program rotates the caretakers through three learning centers: (a) Mary’s School: training in regenerative and sustainable agriculture; (b) Lazarus Forest: for reforestation and ecological education, and (c) Martha’s Market: economic and business enterprise. We also prefer that the interns spend some time visiting local Parish schools to occasionally teach and provide an American perspective and experience to our local eager students.
Work Schedule
Assignments typically follow a Monday–Friday schedule, with flexibility for weekend activities depending on seasonal farm work, outreach events, or community visits. The student will be integrated into the BLI learning community, following the daily rhythm of the Caretakers that blends work, study, prayer, and community life: • 6:30–10:00 am: Rise and morning rotations through the different sections (Mary’s school, Lazarus Forest, Martha’s market) • 10:00 am: Morning tea shared with smiles and conversation • 11:00 am: Classroom learning at Mary’s School • 1:00 pm: Lunch together, often with fresh food from the farm • 2:00–3:30 pm: Afternoon classroom sessions and activities • 3:30 pm: Afternoon section rotations in the field hands on farming, forestry, or agribusiness • 5:00 pm: Free time for sports, rest, or informal community life • 7:00 pm: Evening prayer, a moment of reflection and gratitude • 7:30 pm: Dinner shared in fellowship • 8:00–10:00 pm: Free time, community evenings, storytelling, or quiet study Interns are encouraged to engage deeply with BLI’s learning spaces, balancing structured tasks with relational learning, ecological reflection, and spiritual growth.
Orientation
Orientation will provide information regarding the site as well as the expectations of the interns. This will be provided by the program director, who will also answer any questions the prospective interns might have. Orientation will also include interaction with a previous student intern, who will give their own experience of living at BLI and answer any questions.
Housing Information
Shared accommodation will be on site, in the “intern house” next to St. Francis House, which is the residence for the administrator. Breakfast, lunch, and evening meals will be shared with the administrator at St. Francis House.
Spanish Language Proficiency
Not Applicable
Student Preferences
Flexibility –able to adapt well when schedules shift or plans change. Approachable personality –friendly, open, and excited to meet new people. Eagerness to learn –willing to grow through both classroom lessons and hands on service. Passion for the environment — interest or experience in ecological studies, regenerative agriculture, or conservation. Commitment to community — enthusiasm for grassroots nonprofit development and working alongside local partners. Curiosity and openness — ready to embrace rural setting, simple living, and new cultural experiences. BLI is not just a placement, it’s an experience. You’ll leave with new skills, lasting friendships, and memories. Come Learn, Serve, and Grow at BLI.
Start And End Dates
Any eight consecutive weeks between May 20 and August 8, 2027