In my search to start formally studing Buddhism, I stumbled upon a temple in my state (Buddhist temples are hard to come by in New England). I’ve arranged to stay there for two weeks, doing landscaping, carpentry, gardening, odd jobs, etc. in exchange to stay there and attend a retreat and have independent study! I am so happy! I go in August! 
Sounds like you’re in for a great time, and exchanging your services for the retreat is a great way of doing it. I’ve visited the Mahayana Buddhist Temple near Cairo, NY several times, and the place just resonates serenity.
In case you’re not familiar with the book, you should check out Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism by Chogyam Trungpa. It’s good reading for one starting out on their path. You might also find http://www.tricycle.com interesting. It presents articles and such on Buddhism, with the occasional political slant.
Have fun!
I want to learn vicariously through you sandalfoot! What a fantastic opportunity you sought out. Have an amazing time!
What (if anything) are you doing to prepare?
well, i’ve done a great deal of reading up on buddhism since i was 10. I was raised a strict catholic , but never once did I belive it(Know the religion pretty much inside/out though).
One of the instructors seems somewhat impressed with my studying on my own, basically There I’ll be having guided independent study. And I’ll also be taking part in a three day retreat on meditation and yoga.
I’m very happy becuase know i have somewhere to be for part of the summer(theres a thread on my crazy family situation). Also, I’ve wanted for years to have some formall instruction on buddhism, now I’m finally getting it!
oddly enough, to prepare, i need to see a doc about my back. got in a horrible, horrible car accident last summer, and recently i’ve developed back problems. i need to get it sorted out before I go.
What kind of Buddhism is it? Any idea of the country of origen or is it more a pan-buddhist thing?
Anyhoo, that should be way cool. I’ve spent a lot of time in Tibetan Buddhist monastaries. I tell you, there is nothing like waking up in the dark crystal clear skies with the brightest stars you’ve ever seen, hearing the great long horns echoing around the hills as they call monks to the first chant, going to the big prayer halls illuminated by warm light of hundreds of yak butter candles, half seen frescoes and statues in the shadows (often very demonic looking), and a hundred monks in long rows doing the tantric chanting in unison. I used to sit in the back mesmerized for hours. Incredible.
Hope you enjoy your experience.
tibetan buddhism, athough since the temples here in the states, i’m pretty sure it wont be very much like the temple you’ve described, sounds really neat 