Live Extended Education Program (LEEP)

LEEP is an immersive, multi-week residential program combining rigorous coursework, community service, and transformational experience. Participants spend 2-4 weeks at Esalen engaging in thematic study, service to the community, and personal growth work.

Program Structure

• Duration: 2-week or 4-week options
• Format: Residential; participants live on campus in dorm-style housing
• Housing: 4 LEEP students per room, gender-inclusive

Key Pillars

1. Study: Thematic, rigorous course of study led by world-class faculty 2. Service: Required service hours each week in operational departments 3. Transformation: Through direct experience and community living 4. Connection: Living and learning in cohort-based community

Study Component

• Daily deep dives led by world-class faculty
• Areas of study: Gestalt practices, massage, somatics, yoga, leadership, and more
• Structured thematic curriculum

Service Component

• Required service hours each week
• Assignments to core operational departments
• Projects focused on campus beautification and maintenance across 120 acres
• Possible work areas: kitchen, housekeeping/CABinS (Conscious Aware Beings in Service), grounds
• Physical activity expected; campus is rugged

Eligibility

• Open to individuals seeking personal and professional growth
• Ideal for those in life transitions, between jobs, post-retirement
• Target audiences: Those going through breakups/divorce, seeking career changes, wanting seasonal experiences
• Ages 18+

Tuition & Fees

• 2-week program: $1,600 total
• 4-week program: $2,900 total
• Non-refundable application fee: $20 (applied to deposit if accepted)
• Deposit (2-week): $480 non-refundable
• Deposit (4-week): $870 non-refundable
• Includes: Housing, meals, full access to property (hot springs baths), workshop

Financial Aid

• Scholarships available for those demonstrating financial need

Geographic Scope

• Based in Big Sur, CA (120 acres on central California coast)
• Rural, rugged environment
• No nearby shopping or services; closest major town is Monterey (~1 hour)

What's Included

• Dorm-style housing
• All meals
• Full access to campus facilities including hot springs baths
• Faculty-led workshops and coursework
• Community living experience

Contact Information

• Phone: US: 1-831-667-3000
• Email: info@esalen.org
• Address: Esalen Institute, 55000 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920

Additional Notes

• Program on hold; check website for updates
• Physical accommodations vary; some involve climbing multiple flights of stairs
• Designed for personal transformation and skill development
• Community-driven, cohort-based model

Application Process

1. Click "Apply Now" on LEEP program page
2. Submit Application Materials:
- Pay $20 non-refundable application fee
- Complete application form
3. Upon Acceptance:
- Submit non-refundable deposit ($480 for 2-week; $870 for 4-week)
- Deposit holds your space in the program
4. Processing: Allow time for review

Application Requirements

• Demonstration of interest in personal growth and transformation
• Ability to commit to full program duration
• Willingness to engage in service work
• Physical capability for physically demanding work in rural environment

Financial Obligations

• $20 application fee (non-refundable)
• Deposit (non-refundable)
• Full tuition payment
• Scholarship applications available for those with financial need

Additional Notes

• Currently on hold; subscribe for notification when applications reopen
• Applications must be received within specified deadlines prior to program start