Description

Nicaragua is the new eco-destination for alternative study abroad in Central America. Tropical climate, untouched beaches, active volcanoes, and crater lakes make Nicaragua a truly beautiful location. This trip takes you to the northwest part of the country to Leon and offers opportunities to explore the rest of the country on unique excursions. Four days a week, you will be enrolled in Spanish classes at a local language school to increase your proficiency. In the afternoons, do your part to help change the lives and environment of Nicaragua by volunteering. On free days, spend time with your host family and fellow volunteers, exploring the town and nightlife, relaxing on the beach or taking part in exciting excursions, such as volcano boarding, surfing, eco explorations and historic tours. This 4-week adventure will earn you 3 semester credits from our American partner university, Seattle Central Community College.

Here's a look at what your schedule will be like:

* Day 1- On Saturday you will be met at Managua airport by our on-site program staff and transferred to Leon. Once there, enjoy a welcome dinner where you will be introduced to your host family and fellow volunteers. The following day, take a city tour of Leon to get you oriented.
* Day 3 - Orientation for your language class begins in the morning, where you will meet your instructor. In the afternoon you will be introduced to the volunteer project.
* Day 3 to Day 29 - Study Spanish and volunteer this program is four days a week. During the free three days a week we organize a variety of exciting activities and excursions to help you maximize your time in Leon and Nicaragua.
* Day 30 - Travel to Managua for your return trip home.

Highlights

Learn Spanish and contribute to the community in Leon! Four days a week you will be enrolled in Spanish classes at a local language school to increase your proficiency. In the afternoons, do your part to help change the lives and environment of Nicaragua by volunteering. You will be simultaneously enrolled in Seattle Central Community College's course called International Cooperative Education (ITL 197). It engages students in responsible and challenging volunteer activity for the common good, while helping them gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop the necessary skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world.

Languages

• Spanish

Languages Used as a Medium of Teaching

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

USD 2,175.00 (1 month)

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Medical insurance
• Travel while in host country

Program Fees Include:

* Full tuition and fees at Dariana Spanish Language School and Seattle Central Community College
* Official transcript from Seattle Central Community College upon successful completion of the program (you must request it through Seattle and there is a minimal charge of USD 3.50)
* Volunteer placement, monitoring, and evaluation
* Airfare
* Airport transfers to Leon and back
* Welcome dinner
* Full on-site orientation led by program director and project staff
* City tour of Leon
* Housing and 3 meals a day with a host family
* 24-hour support from the NicaEco on-site staff
* Two weekend excursions: 1. Volcano surfing and beach trip with sunset barbeque and optional surf lessons 2. Overnight trip to Granada and Laguna Asososca. All meals, transportation and accommodations are provided on excursions
* Bilingual guide
* Basic health and accident insurance
* Optional pre-paid cell phone rental
* Wi-fi available at Dariana Language School and Internet cafes throughout Leon

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Three weeks before departure, our student's are notified of their volunteer placement. Placement is carefully determined, based on each students interests. All volunteer organizations are safe, well established, and are always monitored by on-site NicaEco staff. No prior knowledge of Spanish in required, but students are encouraged to learn. Throughout the volunteer program students will regularly have check-ins where they will be asked to provide feedback. We offer a variety of volunteer organization for placement, such as children's education, environmental preservation and community building.

Age Range

18+

This Program is open to

American Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment