Description

Interested in renewable energy applications for the developing world? Curious about real-world applications for the information you're learning in school?

Join us for a week-long immersion program in Nicaragua and learn first-hand the successes and challenges of renewable energy implementation in a developing context!

blueEnergy will be hosting week-long immersion programs over Spring Break for students interested in renewable energy applications. Participants will work with fellow students from across the country, exploring the topic of renewable energy within the Nicaraguan landscape. Have the experience of a lifetime while participating in blueEnergy's renewable energy program!

blueEnergy is an international non-profit that connects the unserved to clean water, energy, and other basic services to give people the opportunity to improve their own lives.

Program Overview: This one-week immersion program explores different applications of renewable energy technologies in developing countries. Looking particularly at the Nicaraguan context, participants will explore first-hand the successes and challenges of successfully implementing sustainable development projects with renewable energy at the national and local level in Nicaragua. Topics such as effective technology transfer and adaptability, community development, infrastructure design and planning, and the economics and financing behind renewable energy projects will be addressed. Case studies will be presented on rural electrification, appropriate design technologies, and micro-enterprises utilizing renewable energy. Participants will also gain insight into the workings of Nicaragua's largest renewable energy association, Renovables, and will have the opportunity to meet and work with some of the association's leading member organizations.

The week-long program will also provide workshop experience. Working with one of Renovables member organizations, participants will gain hands-on experience in the construction and implementation of a renewable energy technology. Participants will also have the opportunity to work on a research project of their choosing . Research topics will be developed in collaboration with blueEnergy personnel to ensure participants address topics that interest him/her. Example research topics include, but are not limited to the following: development of offshore wind in Nicaragua, rural electrification for development, renewable energy technology transfers to rural communities, and financing renewable energy projects for rural household use and adaptation.

The immersion program also affords time for participants to explore the rich Nicaraguan culture and learn about the complex history of this fascinating country. Cultural outings, including authentic dinners, city tours of Managua and trips to the Nicaraguan Pacific Coast will be incorporated into the program's weekly agenda.

Dates of Trips: March 11th - 17th OR March 25th - 31st

Cost: Fees are 1,600 USD for the 1-week program. The program fee pays for a high quality experience and covers room, board, internet, laundry, emergency medical insurance, and project-based travel. In addition, a portion of your program fee supports the local projects you'll be working on. International airfare and domestic airfare are not covered and are the responsibility of the participant.

Qualifications

There are no specific qualifications for this opportunity. We ask that interested participants be open-minded and come prepared to work and learn throughout the week-long program.

Intern Types

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

1600 USD

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Medical insurance
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Fees are 1,600 USD for the 1-week program. The program fee pays for a high quality experience and covers room, board, internet, laundry, emergency medical insurance, and project-based travel. In addition, a portion of your program fee supports the local projects you'll be working on. International airfare and domestic airfare are not covered and are the responsibility of the participant.

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

18 years of age and older

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 5-8

Application Process Involves

• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

2 weeks

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

Blue Energy's Mission Statement

blueEnergy improves lives in marginalized communities using a holistic approach to sustainable energy and related fundamental services. blueEnergy develops wind and solar energy solutions, solar lighting solutions, communications solutions and provides local capacity building support to communities on the Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua. blueEnergy functions in challenging environments and succeeds because of our connection with the community, commitment to building local capacity, and with the hard work of our international volunteers.

Year Founded

2003