The Esalen Institute was founded in 1962 as an alternative educational center devoted to the exploration of what Aldous Huxley called the "human potential," the world of unrealized human capacities that lies beyond the imagination. The mission of Esalen Institute is the expansion of the human potential and the creation of new personal and cultural forms. The 28 -day Work Study Program at Esalen is for people who are interested in participating in service and study within the Esalen community; an opportunity to transform "work" and "study" into a creative contribution to your life and others.