Regeneration Field Institute

Program Reviews

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Todd
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A grateful teacher’s prospective

I have been a high school teacher for the past 20 years, and our school’s relationship with the Regeneration Field Institute has truly led to the most transformative learning experiences in the lives of the hundreds of students I have had the fortunate opportunity to travel with to beautiful Costal Ecuador. These experiences are truly life changing, memory making, inspiring, rooted in hope and community, grounded in regenerative practices that re-wild and reintroduce us to the interconnected web of biodiversity that all living creatures call home. It is the most enriching and meaningful type of hands on education that inspires all of my students to be the best versions of themselves. The Regeneration Field Institute is an extended family for our community; one that inspires us to live, build and dream more sustainably. And it encourages us to pursue passions, intercultural connections, and to be the change we want to see in world. I have worked with dozens of international travel organizations, and RFI stands alone on top of the list. I wholeheartedly recommend you give them a chance to change your life as they have done for me and my students.

Pros
  • Beautiful people
  • Beautiful land
  • Beautiful connections
Cons
  • Only having to leave
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Meg
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Excellent opportunity to learn sustainable agriculture systems abroad

RFI is an incredible organization that live up to their values and mission. This is an excellent opportunity to meet and connect with others who share a passion for sustainable approaches to agriculture and building, as well as anyone desiring to learn these methods through hands on workshops and accompanying lectures in a relaxed and beautiful setting. I felt more connected to nature and my peers after completing this program and hope to revisit the farm next year. Highly recommend this program!

Pros
  • Engaging learning material
  • Meet new people
  • Supportive and caring staff
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Ennis
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Awesome experience with RFI

The staff were amazing, always helpful and friendly, and supporting us through our various struggles. The educational value of the program is insane; I learned so much about regenerative agriculture, agroforestry, and bamboo construction. I also learned about environmental issues Ecuador and the world is facing. That's all not to mention how much of a great cultural immersion this experience was. This program has taught me a lot about so many things, even myself, and I'm going to take knowledge I got here everywhere I go.

Pros
  • Wildlife sightings
  • Learning
  • Experiencing life on a regenerative farm
Cons
  • Very hot, humid climate
  • Possible traveler's sickness
  • You'll definitely get covered in dirt many times
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Emily
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

UC Berkeley January 2022 Trip

This experience was truly life changing as it was something I didn’t know I needed/ wanted to experience one day. I had the best time with the best people on the trip as I was able to learn so much about sustainable materials, regenerative agriculture, construction, the natural ecosystem in Chone, and much more. I loved the hands on field work aspect in junction with the lectures as it allowed me to build and utilise what I learned. While I do miss this trip so much, I’m glad I went home with over a thousands photos and videos to look back on! Go on this program if you have the opportunity to!

Pros
  • Too much fun
  • Food and accommodation
  • The people and the experiences
Cons
  • Leaving
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Alina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life changing most incredible experience

My experience at RFI was incredible. Not only was I surrounded with incredible likeminded peers but I got to meet the most generous, most hardworking locals and staff. I learned so so much and regenerative sustainable agriculture, bamboo construction and material and most of all got to experience hard work, and contribute in a positive way to the community. If you love our world and our beautiful natural environment you will love RFI. I felt very safe and guided throughout the I can not recommend this experience more!

Pros
  • Learn so much about agroforestry, bamboo construction, planting
  • Help the local Ecuadorian community by restoring the plant diversity
  • Meet incredible compassionate and hardworking pekpel
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Alex
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

UC Berkeley January 2023 RFI Trip

I took this trip with a group of Berkeley students and had an INCREDIBLE time! I have never been to South America before and this program was a great intro. We got to learn about bamboo architecture and see actual structures like the Los Arboleros farm. We learned about regenerative agriculture, syntropic agroforestry, and soil health. We were working + learning a lot, so be ready for long days! SUPER rewarding + immersive. + I was inspired to pursue food systems + learn more about ag in school!

Pros
  • Got to learn SO much from being on the farm + in the city!
  • The food is amazing! Huge thank you to the chefs for keeping us so well fed! Also very accommodating for vegetarian, vegan, and plant-based
  • All the staff are so welcoming and kind. Super immersive experience.
Cons
  • Only brought one pair of jeans...Definitely bring more than one!
  • I didn't know much Spanish before going...Definitely recommend brushing up on Spanish before you go!
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Isabelle
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The best experience with the best people

I counted the days until this trip for months, and it was the most amazing experience I could possibly imagine. The environment and community there is so supportive and lively. I felt like I was a part of something greater than myself. I learned how to saw bamboo, build erosion dams, and work in subtropical fields. I am so grateful for the opportunity and this is an experience I will never ever forget. I definitely hope to go back as soon as I can. It is a magical place that is filled with so much love.

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Georgia
5/5
No, I don't recommend this program

Best week of my life

This trip was life changing for me. The housing was beautiful and being in the open air facility was so refreshing and made me feel more connected to nature. The food was absolutely delicious. The work was hard but fulfilling and helped me challenge myself and grow as a person. The guides are so incredibly kind and supportive and really shaped the experience for the group I went with. The farm itself is so beautiful. I learned so much about sustainable farming and was able to see these practices first hand. I grew so much mentally and emotionally during my time there. I would highly recommend this experience.

Pros
  • Immersed in nature
  • Great kind people
  • Learned a lot
Cons
  • I wish it was longer
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Lulu
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

absolutely incredible

Los Albeleros farm has my whole entire heart. The place, the people, and the work are absolutely incredible. I have never laughed and smiled more in my life, all the while doing environmental and community work that truly felt meaningful and impactful. A month later and I’m still feeling so full of inspiration, hope, and love. We worked hard and saw our work really translate, but the work never felt like work. I looked forward to waking up every single morning to the sounds of the jungle and music and dancing. The experience we all had was life changing, I am so grateful for Lucas and the RFI!

Pros
  • building connections
  • being in nature
  • being surrounded by amazing people
Cons
  • leaving
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Isabella
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Life Changing Trip To Ecuador

My experience with Regeneration Field Institute is so positive. I've been lucky enough to travel twice there and reconnect with the locals of Chone and Bahia De Caraquez. The location of Chone is truly jaw droppingly beautiful. You are surrounded by miles of stunning wilderness. The sunsets fill the sky with amazing colors each evening as we all eat the delicious meals the cooks prepare us. While touring the expansive farm, we got multiple sightings of howler monkeys and other species of animals you'd never see in the US. There is so much care in the work they do at Los Arboleros Farm. We were surrounded by passionate mentors who were inspiring and so enjoyable to be around. They taught us about solutions to erosion, deforestation, growing healthy soil, and the amazing capabilities of nature. We met a passionate lander conserver called Luis and his friends from a northern region of Ecuador that speak an indigenous language. Learning about other cultures is so important to lower the barrier of ignorance and I believe this experience opened so many eyes to the possibilities beyond where they live in Marin County. This experience brought us together and we continued to make connections when we arrived home too. Many started going to the beach, driving before school to see the sunrise and be in nature. I couldn't recommend this program more, it has filled my life with hope and I have so love for Ecuador. Don't miss this life changing opportunity.