Description

Visions offers teenagers opportunities for ambitious service work and cross-cultural immersion in the United States and abroad. We work with and for intercultural communities that lack financial and other development resources. Through service, authentic experience, and active exploration, we encourage new perspectives and dynamic learning.

Visions is home-based in the highland city of Jinotega roughly 100 miles northeast of Managua, the capital city. In the 'cloud forests' where the climate is cooler than the lowlands, Jinotega nestles at the base of a forested mountain range that surrounds the small city. Oak and pine trees, ferns and moss thrive here-as well as coffee beans. Jinotega Province is renowned for its coffee production in the higher slopes.

Our local projects partner is AVODEC (Asociacion de Voluntarios para el Desarrollo Comunitario), a grassroots NGO that supports rural community organizations by providing materials, labor and expertise for a variety of sustainable endeavors such as potable water systems, compost latrines, plant nurseries and other environmental projects. You also may volunteer in an orphanage helping to teach handicrafts and building skills. The service projects in Nicaragua are a mix of construction, reforestation, agriculture, internships with micro-businesses and more.

Nicaraguans embrace life with openness and equal measures of tranquility and optimism. Fortunately, we spend much of our free time with our hosts and friends eating dinner together, dancing and karaoke nights together, talking about culture, customs, and history. From our bus drivers the Blandon brothers and their families to Victorino, Alex and more AVODEC friends to many other Nicaraguans you'll meet, authentic insight into Nicaragua's history, culture, and dramatic beauty are assured.

Highlights

Recreation includes traveling to the countryside with local families to visit their home villages. Our explorations include an overnight stay on an ecological coffee farm, hiking in Reservas Datanli and up to La Peña de la Cruz to the panoramic view that takes in all of Jinotega, perhaps a fishing tip to Lago de Apanás. We'll visit the oldest colonial city in Central America, Granada, with its tree-lined plaza, cobblestone alleys and vibrantly restored colonial-era homes. The sprawling Masaya artisan market featuring wares from all over the country is a must-see stop.

Travel Types

• Volunteering
• Language Immersion
• Eco Tours
• Student Tours

Type of Programs

• Adventure Travel
• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Cultural Exploration
• Language Immersion
• High School Study Abroad

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

5,050

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• Written materials pre-departure
• Travel while in host country

Experience Required

yes

Two years high school Spanish or equivalent

Volunteer Types

• Community Development
• Community Organizing

Age Range

14-18

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups

Scholarships are Available

Application Process Involves

• Written Application
• Physical Exam/Health Records

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 week or less

Visions Service Adventures's Mission Statement

Through service work and dynamic experience, Visions offers new perspectives and deep learning while working for and with under-resourced communities. Through construction-based and other service and on-site living, Visions introduces teens to cultures very different from their own. Participants are challenged to grow thoughtfully and intentionally within a community of peers and adult leaders. The service work accomplished is a gift to local hosts who welcome Visions participants into their homes and lives. Visions assists organizations that serve under-resourced communities. We provide labor and raw materials for projects designated by communities. Depending on the duration and size of a program, Visions provides USD 3,000 to USD 7,000 for each location's projects, which we fund in full or by adding funds to local funding sources for projects.

Year Founded

1989