OSU PDC Student

I recently completed the Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC Pro) online course provided by Oregon State University, led by instructor Javan Bernakevitch. The course focuses on permaculture design principles, offering a solid understanding of landscape and organism interactions. I discovered this course through one of Andrew Millison’s videos, which sparked my interest in permaculture. My goal was to better understand the landscape and its organisms to develop a site that aligns with its possibilities and my needs. The course was well-structured, with modules, assignments, and interactive sessions. Applying the concepts to my own project and receiving feedback from Javan and fellow students worldwide was valuable, and connecting with local permaculturists and other students enriched my experience.

This course provided a more structured understanding of permaculture concepts, boosting my confidence and creativity. The clarity of Andrew Millison’s videos and practical examples tailored to my tropical climate were especially helpful. Interactive elements like office hours and assignment feedback fostered engagement and deeper understanding. The course significantly impacted my personal and professional development. I now feel more confident in site analysis and design. I recommend the PDC Pro online course to anyone planning to buy land, new property owners, or long-term residents looking to integrate elements within their property creatively and holistically. Curiosity and a holistic approach to problem-solving are the only prerequisites.

I am truly grateful for all you taught us in the PDC course. I had no idea how much it was going to help me in my new role in designing and implementing in my nursery.

Permaculture is the best method to analyze a place, taking into account the multi-dimensionality of the site and being able to understand its potential, analyzing its pros and cons, from a point of view with common sense and its relationship with others. Coming to an OSU permaculture course opens the door to finding the potential of the site as well as asking many useful lifelong questions. Thank you very much to the instructor Javan for his words and his effective way of communicating, seeking to enhance the positive side and broaden the horizons of the designs. A highly recommended course for all those who want to expand the world in a holistic way, learning from the designs of others and enhancing their own perception of space and oneself.

The course presented its fair share of challenges, but the rewards were immeasurable. It gave me a deep understanding of the core principles of permaculture, which serve as a blueprint for crafting sustainable and resilient systems.

I dedicated substantial time and effort to mastering these principles through hands-on assignments. These assignments were not just tasks but opportunities for growth and learning. They allowed me to explore and apply the intricate nuances of permaculture in practical scenarios.

One of the highlights of this course was the chance to review my peers’ permaculture projects. This collaborative learning process was nothing short of fantastic. It broadened my perspective and instilled a sense of community and shared purpose.

Coming from a background in Electronics, this course was a paradigm shift for me. It broadened my horizons and deepened my appreciation for sustainable living and design. It provided me with a new lens through which to view the world.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Andrew Millison and the dedicated staff at Oregon State University for curating this life-altering experience. Additionally, I want to offer a special thanks to Javan K. Bernakevitch for his invaluable assignment reviews, constructive feedback, and unwavering support throughout the course.

In retrospect, I can confidently say that this Permaculture Design Course was nothing short of life-changing. I consider myself fortunate to have embarked on this journey, and I’m deeply appreciative of the profound impact it has had on me. I wholeheartedly endorse the Permaculture Design Course at Oregon State University to anyone seeking to explore permaculture or to build a more sustainable and resilient life. It’s an opportunity not to be missed.

Thanking you,

Overall it was a great experience.  The template provided was new and very helpful. It pointed out the essential learning objectives and acted as a guide. When starting the course I thought this course would turn myself into a professional. However, after deep diving into the world of permaculture for the first time, I realize that each aspect of permaculture such as water management, soil, vegetation & ect requires additional study time. I wasn’t able to thoroughly look at all the reading material provided. Looking forward to doing that one by one. All in all the course left me with a great guide to work from and a study guide to follow through with.

I enrolled in this course one week late, making the decision hastily just hours before the enrollment deadline. I knew that if I considered the time commitment and the potential impact on my family and myself, I would find numerous reasons not to proceed. Yet, I chose to quiet my rational mind and listen to a deeper, non-rational awareness. I had an inner “knowledge” that this course was exactly what I needed at that precise moment. I obeyed this voiceless wisdom, often ridiculed or belittled as irrational or irresponsible by our Western mindset.

I am utterly happy I took this class. From the moment I decided to enroll, to this juncture of completing the course, I have been excitedly and humbly accepting the fascinating glimpse this course has given me into the permaculture world. I approached all the materials with childlike curiosity, diving into research and rabbit holes that sometimes took me away from the assignments. However, I allowed myself this freedom, understanding it as part of a beautiful web of interconnected information.

I commend you, Javan, and the rest of the OSU and permaculture community for building and sustaining a top-notch course with knowledgeable, meaningful, and comprehensive materials.

In my humble opinion, permaculture principles are applicable to our sites, our jobs, our interpersonal relationships, and especially in our relationship with ourselves. Thank you for gifting me a new set of tools!