(For High School Students)
Viva the Spirit of Service!
Cultural Exchange & Service Program
Session : June 27th - July 16th (20 days)
Average size of group : 18 - 20 students
Grades for session : 9 - 12
Tuition for 20 day program : $3395 (plus RT airfare to Managua)
* This Program Offers Staff Escorted Group Flights
Nestled in the heart of Central America, Nicaragua offers
the opportunity to connect with grassroots organizations ,
explore a landscape exalted with volcanoes and lakes, and to interact with playful and
earnest villagers. Experience this all in our specially designed Nicaragua program for the
student who wants to maximize the community service experience! On this two week
program, we spend 40-50 hours per week working on locally-driven, sustainable projects.
You’ll participate in clean water initiatives and community development
efforts to assist in bettering the quality of life for the residents
of this truly brilliant culture.
Service Projects*
- Earn 80+ community service hours!
- Build water wells and
irrigation systems
- Renovate a rural school building
- Teach English in an elementary school
- Learn how to construct adobe ovens
Adventure and Cultural Activities
- Explore the historic city of Managua
- Bargain for goods in the National
Artisan Market
- Swim in the natural pools and waterfalls of Esteli
- Hike in the Monteverde cloud forest
- Enjoy the sounds of marimba and chicheros
This language exposure program is designed for students of any Spanish language level.
*Please note that some of the projects and activities will change from year to year, however, they will be similar to those listed. A final itinerary will be printed prior to each trip.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Orientation - Managua
(2 days) –
The indigenous Nahuatl people called Managua, Mana-ahuac, the “city surrounded by water.”
We’ll learn quickly how this city earned its name as fly into the city and get our first
glimpse of the majestic Lake Managua. From there, we’ll travel on to colonial city of Granada.
We’ll settle into our hostel and get an introduction to this land of revolution, poetry, and wonder.
A visit to the city center will treat us to a blend of colonial architecture, contemporary art,
and monuments to the national heroes and inspirational leaders of Nicaragua. The spirit of this
city provides the backdrop for us to bond as a group, learn some key Spanish phrases, and prepare
for the community service adventure that lies ahead!
Clean Water and Community Projects in Estelí (9 days) – We’ll depart bright and early and head to Estelí, the site of our first projects. There, Estelimar will be our home for the next week. We’ll settle in to the cozy hostel, and meet with the local organization that will guide us through our clean water initiatives. We’ll spend a week working alongside villagers on community-initiated endeavors to repair and build hand-dug wells and wash stations. We’ll also contribute to on-going reforestation efforts and water sanitation projects, and create English lessons for the young students. Of course, there will be time to play as well, as Estelí is home to Nicaragua’s emerging eco-tourism industry and we’ll find ourselves enveloped in its natural wonder. We’ll spend a day at the Miraflores Reserve enjoying the cascading waterfalls and secluded pine forest. Our time here would not be complete without a walk to view the hundreds of murals that canvas the city, depicting everything Nicaraguan, from its indigenous roots to its modern-day educational reforms. On our last day, we have a farewell fiesta to celebrate our efforts to bring a healthier future to the very same children that we got to know and love!
Community Projects on Ometepe (7 days) (3 week trip only)
– From Estelí, we’ll head to Lake Nicaragua and the island of Ometepe. The island was formed by two volcanoes rising from Lake Nicaragua. Its name also comes from Nahuatl words: ome (two) and tepetl (mountain). The people of the island are stoic and lively, and will be sure to share their love of music, art, and life with us. Here we’ll partner with the local people to assist in their efforts to build and renovate schools, to plant family gardens, and to install clean cook stoves. We’ll be face-to-face with Nicaraguans who are empowering themselves and their neighbors to sustainably address their own needs using the resources that they have available to them. It will be impossible to leave un-touched by the energy and beauty of this location and the people that you meet.
Granada and Travel Home
(2 days) – With a new perspectives, and open hearts, we’ll prepare for our trip to come to an end. Departing is sad, but the final trip back to our hotel in Managua allows us to share our memories before we fly home. A celebratory dinner at a nice restaurant and an ‘awards ceremony’ allows us to reflect upon our last four weeks together. We realize that the Nicaraguan friends we have made will always be with us!
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 "Click to enlarge Nicaragua map.")