Description

This trip takes you throughout the country's tropical ecosystems on eco-excursions and to the Chacocente Nature Reserve. For the first half of your experience, you will be stationed at the reserve while you volunteer, helping with sea turtle conservation and community development. When your volunteer work is done, spend time with your fellow volunteers, taking part in exciting eco-excursions, such as volcano boarding, surfing, and horseback riding. 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 the Chacocente Nature Reserve. Once there, enjoy a welcome dinner where you will be introduced to your fellow volunteers.
* Day 2: Orientation for your volunteer project
* Day 3 -16 Volunteering: Sea turtle conservation and community development at Chacocente Nature Reserve
* Day 17: Transfer to Leon
* Day 18: City Tour and volcano boarding
* Day 19: Beach day including surf lessons and surfboard rental
* Day 20: Leon to Miraflor Cloud Forest Reserve
* Day 21: Hiking, horse riding to the Miraflor Cloud Forest Reserve
* Day 22: Transfer from Miraflor to Finca Esperanza Verde in Matagalpa
* Day 24: Transfer from Matagalpa to Granada
* Day 25: Zip lining on Mombacho Volcano and exploring Granada
* Day 26: Masaya, Pueblos Blancos and Laguna de Apoyo
* Day 27: Transfer from Laguna de Apoyo to Ometepe
* Day 28: Hiking Maderas Volcano, kayaking or relaxing
* Day 29: Transfer from Ometepe to San Juan Del Sur. Afternoon at the beach followed by goodbye party
* Day 30: Travel to Managua for your return trip home

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, unique location to study!

Highlights

Volunteering: Chacocente Nature Reserve

This nature reserve was formed in 1983 by the Nicaraguan government in order to conserve both the coastline and unique tropical dry forest. The area of the reserve is about 12,355 acres and protects 5 nautical miles in the sea.

Chacocente is especially important for conservation for a number of reasons. Firstly, it shelters one of the biggest patches of dry tropical forest in Central America. This habitat is now considered to be endangered in Nicaragua, with only 2% of the initial forest cover remaining. Many species depend on this habitat to survive; parrots, monkeys, iguanas and snakes are frequently sighted within the park boundaries. Secondly, the reserve possesses two important sea turtle nesting beaches. Tens of thousands of Olive Ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) nest at Chacocente every year. This species demonstrates a special reproductive behavior where thousands of turtles come and nest together, in Spanish this phenomenon is called arribada (arrival) and it only happens on several beaches around the world, two of which are in Nicaragua. The arribada can only be described as one of the most spectacular natural events that take place in nature. Also nesting on the beaches of Chacocente is the Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) and the Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas). The Pacific Leatherback is critically endangered and could go extinct within 20 years due to fishing practices and poaching. Therefore, it is vital to make every effort possible to protect every single turtle and their nests.

This volunteer organization is incredibly safe, well established, and is 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.

In cooperation with Seattle Central Community College, we have created this unique study abroad program that incorporates volunteering and exciting activities. This combination provides a hands-on learning experience every day with local Nicaraguans. The program runs five days a week, giving you the opportunity to take part in the wide variety of activities throughout Nicaragua on the weekends.

This is truly a life changing experience where you are guaranteed to walk away with in-depth knowledge of Nicaraguan culture.

Travel Types

• Birdwatching
• Canoeing
• Climbing
• Eco Tours
• Ecology
• Environmental Studies
• Fishing
• Geology
• Horseback Riding
• Kayaking (River)
• Kayaking (Sea)
• Nature Tours
• RainForest Tours
• Scuba
• Snorkeling
• Surfing
• Tours

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 2,100.00 (1 month)

Cost Includes:

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

Program Fees Include:

* Full tuition and fees for 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 project location and back
* Welcome dinner
* Full on-site orientation led by program director and project staff
* Accommodation throughout the program
* 3 meals a day
* 24-hour support from the NicaEco on-site staff
* 3 weekend activities/excursions (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 in some locations

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Eco-tourism
• Environment
• Marine Conservation
• Wildlife Surveying

Age Range

18+

This Program is open to

American Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays
• Other

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment