» Internship Program
Research and work 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. International experience looks great on your resume!
• 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  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/co-op credit in an international
   setting.
• Students conducting research and in need of contacts and logistical support.
• People who would like to improve their Spanish or learn new vocabulary for their profession.

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 /Permiculture
• Housing
• Environmental education
• Women’s health
• Domestic Violence
• Conservation projects
• Wildlife management
• Veterinary medicine
• Psychology
• Human Rights
• Criminology/Forensic medicine
• Law
• Micro-lending
•Drug abuse and rehabilitation
• Sports
• Labor rights
• Elementary education
• Web design
• Translation services
• Cooperatives and community development
• Gender
• Reproductive Health

*We also provide methodological and logistical support for students conducting pre-and post- graduate research projects.

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

- Conduct a community needs assessment in order to better implement development and social projects.

- Help coordinate a radio program focusing on women’s issues and domestic violence.

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

- Organize groups of teenage health promoters to help educate their peers about reproductive health and intimate partner violence. 

- 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 (2) create academically rigorous and enriching experiences and to (3) 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.
• Readings, lectures, and cultural events
• Resolution of any problems that may arise during the internship.
• Assistance in designing programs, developing projects, making necessary
   contacts, and   acquiring needed supplies/materials.
• Research  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 based upon your preferences.
• Airport pick-up and drop off.
• Orientation/safety information.
• Weekend/after program travel assistance.
• Emergency assistance.
• Staff available 24-hours a day to meet any need.
• Re-entry adjustment information.
• A doctor with a fully equipped clinic (laboratory, x-rays) available  for any
   medical need (medical expenses and insurance NOT included)

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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.  Participants may elect to enroll in our Internship + Spanish Program which allows interns to study Spanish while working.  

• While the internships are not paid, they are serious work commitments.  Interns must be prepared to commit to a full-time work schedule 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. 

All interns must keep a journal and submit a final written report of their experience and summary of their work.

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 DATES AND DURATION

We accept interns throughout the year.    

Please note that many of our collaborating organizations are closed from December 15 – January 15th to observe religious holidays. 
Placements are limited during this time

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
Interns stay with carefully screened and experienced local families.   All interns have their own room and we only allow one intern per family. Family stays are the best way to integrate into the culture and immerse yourself in the language.  Three meals a day and laundry service are included.

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PROGRAM COSTS

Viva Nicaragua! is more than a placement organization.  We are committed to providing enriching educational experiences and to  supporting social justice and sustainable development efforts in Nicaragua. When you intern with us, you not only support development  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, cell phone rental, passport and/or visa fees,  weekend travel expenses, return transport to airport, any accrued medical expenses, and departure taxes.

Why pay to intern?

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

Longer stays (one year maximum) can be arranged.

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APPLICATION PROCESS

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

2) Submit your resume and two original or scanned copies of recommendation letters. 

3) After receiving your application material, we will send you a confirmation letter  and begin the application review process.    

4) 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.

5)  If accepted, you will then receive a placement confirmation and letter and an invoice for the program deposit.

6) Mail a signed copy of your application along with your deposit to:
Viva Nicaragua!
P.O. Box 210
Granada, Nicaragua
Central America

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.

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

 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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