» Internship Program
Gain work experience in your field of study

Guided academic/professional internships for students and professionals who want to contribute to development efforts while gaining practical field experience in Central America. This program is designed for:

• University students who would like to gain “real world” international experience in their   field of study.
• Professionals who would like to donate their time and expertise to the specific needs of   organizations and communities.
• Individuals considering an international career.
• Individuals who want to work towards social justice and sustainable development in   Central America.
• High school graduates/university students looking for a meaningful gap year experience.
• College students undecided on or thinking about changing their major but would like to   gain experience in a field before making a decision.
• Students seeking internship/independent study credit in an international setting.
• Students conducting research and in need of contacts and logistical support.

We work with you to match your interests and skills with the needs and objectives of social and environmental organizations in urban and rural areas in southwest of Nicaragua. We collaborate with numerous groups working in many areas, including
(but not limited to) the following:

• Public health – in either a clinical or community setting
• Disabled persons/special education
• Youth and adolescents – especially high risk youth and street children
• Ecotourism
• Vocational training including English, computation, mechanics, construction, etc.
• Art, theater, dance, and photography
• Agriculture
• Housing
• Environmental education
• Women’s health
• Domestic Violence
• Drug abuse
• Sports
• Labor rights
• Alternative energy design
• Elementary education
• Web design
• Translation services
• Cooperatives and community development
• Gender
• Reproductive Health

SAMPLE PROJECTS:
We work with you to design a project based upon your skills and interests and the needs of the host organization. The following is a partial list of available projects:

- A socio-economic analysis of a community to be used in the campaign against the sexual abuse of children

- Accompany medical professionals in rural areas to provide health education, vaccinations, and pre-and post-natal care.

- Work with the campaign to reduce cervical cancer. Give lectures and workshops and accompany medical staff.

- Teach rural women how to make handicrafts that can be sold in the tourist marked to contribute to the household income.

- Work with youth and women on micro-lending projects.

- Coordinate theater or dance troop for street children or high risk youth

OUR ROLE
We are dedicated to promoting sustainable social, economic, and environmental development in Nicaragua.  We strive to (1) meet the needs of qualified individuals desiring practical work experience and to (2) support the efforts of social and environmental organizations and institutions that host interns.     

Viva Nicaragua! is committed to ensuring a positive and rewarding internship experience for both the intern and the host organization.  To guarantee this, our role extends beyond the actual internship placement to providing many additional services and support. 

We provide the following services:

• Academic/professional internship placement based upon careful assessment of both the   needs and skills of the intern and those of the host organization.
•Application review and submission of applicant’s profile to suitable organizations in order   to ensure that the internship is right for the intern and that the intern’s skills, background,   and interests match those needed by the host organization. This helps guarantee a   positive and productive work experience for both the intern and the collaborating   organization.
• A work/learning contract signed both by the intern and the collaborating organization.
  The   contract details the responsibilities of the intern and host organization and the
  concrete project(s) that the intern will implement during a specified time frame.
• A stipend for materials needed by the intern to complete his/her project.
• Continued supervision and guidance throughout the internship to ensure that both the   intern and host institution are complying with their contracted responsibilities.
• Resolution of any problems that may arise during the internship.
• Assistance in designing programs, developing projects, making necessary contacts, and   acquiring needed supplies/materials.
•A research library with materials useful for designing educational programs,
  workshops, or research projects.  If we don’t have it – we will help you find it!.
• Evaluation of the intern upon program completion. Useful for students trying to get   independent study credit or when applying for a job or graduate programs.
• Monetary and material donations given to each collaborating organization for each intern   hosted.

In addition, we provide the following logistical support:

• Pre and post arrival orientation.
• Assistance for those trying to get academic credit.
• Family placement OR, for individuals desiring more independence and when available,   assistance with alternative housing/accommodations.
• Airport pick-up.
• Cultural and/or recreational activity.
• Orientation/safety information.
• Weekend/after program travel assistance.
• Emergency assistance.
• Staff available 24-hours a day to meet any need.
• Re-entry adjustment information.

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REQUIREMENTS

• Spanish
Some, but not all, placements require a certain level of Spanish proficiency.  We recommend at least one-year of college Spanish for most internship placements.  The amount of Spanish you have is an important factor in the internship placement process.   Interns with limited Spanish may have a difficult time integrating into the community, their family, and the internship.   However, those with limited Spanish should  not be discouraged.  We will work with you to find the best internship for your Spanish level.  We also can provide (at an additional cost) Spanish training before you begin your internship, or during the hours that you are not working.

• While the internships are not paid, they are serious work commitments.  Interns must be prepared to commit to a full-time workschedule in accordance with the work hours of the host organization.  Individuals desiring a less rigorous experience should consider a
short-term volunteer program.

• Interns must be at least 18 years old. (or be accompanied by an adult or  have parental consent).

• The only additional requirement is that you are an independent and motivated individual, dedicated to making a difference!

• Professional are welcomed – the skills of medical professionals, teachers, engineers, carpenters, mechanics, computer techs, etc, - are always needed!

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INTERN RESPONSIBILITIES
While these are unpaid internships, you are required to maintain a certain level of professional etiquette.  Be on time (even when others in the organization are not), dress appropriately, and let your supervisor know if you are ill and unable to work.  Taking time off to travel is not accepted.   You must fulfill your entire contracted work commitment.  If you decide to end your project early, you will not be reimbursed. 

Throughout the internship, Viva Nicaragua! staff evaluates the work and effort of the intern.  If  the intern is not fulfilling his/her work contract, he/she may be dismissed without reimbursement. 

Motivated individuals looking for a less rigorous volunteer experience, should consider our Short-Term Volunteer Program.

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PROGRAM DURATION
We require a minimum time commitment of four weeks. Some placements require a longer commitment. Individuals who are unable to make this commitment but would still like to volunteer should consider our short-term volunteer program.

Is Academic Credit Available?
You may be able to obtain independent study credit for the Internship Program.  Talk to your college advisor before arrival.  Viva Nicaragua! will assist by providing project descriptions and mid-term and final evaluations. ...Learn more

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HOUSING/ACCOMODATIONS
Most interns stay with  local families.  This is  the best way to integrate  into the culture and  language.  Family stays include 3 meals a day and laundry service.   For interns traveling with their families or those who would like more independence, we can find other accommodations in hotels or  hostels.  Costs are higher than family stays and meals and laundry are not included.  This option is not available in all areas and not recommended for all interns.  Family stays are the best way to maximize the experience.

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PROGRAM COSTS

Viva Nicaragua! is more than a placement organization.  We are committed to supporting social justice and sustainable development efforts in Nicaragua..  A portion of your placement fee is donated to the internship organizations.  We maintain a fund that is donated annually to new development and research projects.     When you intern with us, you not only support these efforts with your time and  knowledge, but also provide much needed economic support.   

Program fees include the following:

• Internship placement services
• Lodging with 3 meals a day
• Pre -  and post - arrival advising and orientation
• Monitoring and evaluation throughout the internship
• Airport pick-up
• An on-site coordinator available for any need that may arise
• 24 – hour emergency assistance   
• Stipend for materials/supplies
• Donation to  the internship site   

Items not included in the cost: Meals and laundry if not living with a host family, return transportation to the airport, airfare, passport and/or visa fees,  weekend travel expenses, any accrued medical expenses, and departure taxes. 

Why pay to intern?

Family Stay Option (includes three meals a day at homestay)

4 weeks           $1200
6 weeks           $1500
8 weeks           $1800
10 weeks         $2050
12 weeks         $2300

Applicants must submit a $200 non-refundable deposit with their program application.  Deposits are applied to the total placement fee, which is due upon arrival.

Longer stays (one year maximum) can be arranged.

Spanish classes are available at an additional cost.

Program fees for those staying in hotels or hostels are slightly higher and do not include meals and laundry.  Please contact us for current rates. 

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APPLICATION PROCESS

1) Download and submit your application to apply@nicaraguainternships.org

2) After receiving your application, we will send you a confirmation letter and deposit request.

3) Mail a signed copy of your application along with two letters of recommendation to:
Viva Nicaragua!
P.O. Box 02-5640, Nica 867
Miami, FL 33102-5640

4) Upon receipt of your signed application and non-refundable deposit, we will send a confirmation letter along with important country and program information.

5) Upon careful review of your application, we will notify you if you have been placed. You are not officially accepted into the program until you receive a placement confirmation letter. This process usually takes one week to ten days.

6) Complete cash payment is due on or before your program start date.

7) There will be no refunds after the program has begun. In the event of a personal emergency, we will review the situation and may issue a partial refund.

 DOWNLOAD APPLICATION

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 ADVICE FOR A SUCCESSFUL INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE

  WHICH PROGRAM IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Questions? Contact us!

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