Volunteer Nicaragua
Internships - Spanish - Experiential Learning Programs in Nicaraguahttp://www.nicaraguainternships.com
SPANISH
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» SPANISH - ONLY PROGRAM
Language instruction for individuals who want to make a difference

Viva Nicaragua’s Spanish language program strives to give students a comprehensive understanding of not only Spanish but also the culture, history, and socio-economic conditions of Nicaragua.  Classroom conversation focuses on current events and social issues.  To integrate even more into the culture and community, students may participate in organized community service projects.    

Our Spanish program is geared to the needs and abilities of each program participant.  Instruction is personalized with individual classes and lessons structured to the level and interest each student.   Placement tests, given on the first day of classes, assess the level of the student in order to better structure a learning plan.  Participants can study for two to four hours daily, depending upon their needs and interests.

Our program is one of the most academically rigorous programs in Granada. All of our instructors have university degrees and many years experience teaching both native and non-native speakers.

“The course was very helpful as my focus was on improving grammar…and my professor was very receptive to my needs…He was also very knowledgeable and good at explaining things.” – Jessica McFadden, 2011

 

Program Overview

Schedule: Students may start classes at any time.  It is recommended to arrive one day prior to your start date.  Classes are held for two to four hours daily, either in the morning or afternoon, depending upon the needs of the student.   Typically, students study Spanish in the morning, and use the afternoons to travel or do community service work.  In months with high enrollment (typically May – August), Spanish-only students may attend periodic lectures, sight visits and discussions. 

Most Spanish-only students stay for one to two weeks.   

Community Service:    Students may collaborate for two or three afternoons per week with current community service projects.  Work varies depending upon project needs,  but usually includes work with children, youth , art, sports, or teaching English.  

Living Arrangements:   Most Spanish-only participants arrange their own accommodations at local hostals or hotels.  Homestays with experienced Nicaraguan families can be arranged  at an additional cost.

Airport Transportation : Upon request, one of our staff members can meet you at the airport and take you directly to your hotel or homestay in Granada.  Please contact us for prices and more information.   

Costs:

Please contact us for current program costs. 

Application Process:  Please Contact us for more information or go to

www.nicaraguaspanishclasses.org
www.nicaraguaspanishcourse.org



“The support was great! Whenever I had a question or a problem I felt very comfortable asking for help or advice from Carrie and Marion.” – Jessica, Public Health/Nursing, 2011


“This program allows you to see the context of the people you are serving and really see social justice issues as multifaceted and interrelated while making tangible contributions to the community.” – Cristina, 2011


“Viva Nicaragua is a great opportunity to view the reality of the world. ...At the end of the day, you learn so much more on your own and you feel like you YOURSELF, have made a difference. “ – Mary , 2011


“It (my homestay) was amazing! Martha (my homestay mom) made the effort to sit down and talk with me…and the entire family made the effort to make me feel comfortable”. – Jessica McFadden, 2011

Nicaragua Internships
The opportunities are endless and you are really given the freedom to bring all of your skills, abilities, life experiences, etc. and creatively contribute them to your project  A beautiful and unique opportunity.
Morea Steinhauer
- July 2009

Voluneering NicaraguaIt (the program) is such a life changing experience.  You learn a lot about what you are capable of achieving, your ability to adapt to different cultures and environments and potential career opportunities.  Living, even for just a short time, in a developing country places a whole new perspective on the world and the conditions that many people live in everyday.  It really is an amazing learning opportunity and overall a fantastic experience.
Kathlyn Parr
- Summer 2009

Volunteer NicaraguaIt is great because you receive a cultural experience with a built in network of peers going through the same things and your work is tailored to meet your interests.
Graham Robertson
-Summer 2009

Volunteering in nicaragua!
"I received more than enough support from Carrie.  Whenever I needed any assistance or help, she was always there with resources and helpful ideas.  It is actually amazing how much she devotes to the program.  Her time, life, mental and physical health, are at the disposal of Viva! Nicaragua interns.
Trista Budzynski,
- July 2008

Nicaragua Internships
“Most mornings we work on micro loans for youth; in the afternoons we plan workshops, visit neighborhoods, or do random errands.  At night, we teach English classes in the outskirts of the city.  Our classrooms are dirt roads between houses.  Students drag out plastic chairs and we teach as dogs run by…After class we often gather in a circle and they tell us myths and legends, or we play games in the road.  Since many kids can’t read or write in Spanish, our teaching style has become increasingly more creative.”
Viva Nicaragua!  Interns,
- July 2008

Viva Nicaragua!
Working with a Nicaraguan NGO, I accomplished more than I ever would have been able to back home. My college leveled skills were greatly
appreciated and I was quickly given responsibilities and respect. I proudly watched my individual work have a direct affect on the people of the local communities. I even had someone stop me on the street to thank me for volunteering in Nicaragua.
Greg Contente,
- August, 2007

Volunteer Nicaragua
“Yesterday  we piled in a jeep and drove down the packed sand beach of Lake Nicaragua, past coconut trees and wooden boats to spend  the day in a remote village providing health care, armed with only a  stethoscope, bathroom scale, and duffel bag full of cough medicine and antibiotics.” 
Viva Nicaragua! 
- Intern, June 2007

Carrie also has cooperative relationships with many Nicaraguans running charitable efforts in the area of Granada and often works closely with them in providing opportunities for students.  Many of these are women running cooperatives, orphanages, clinics, and food programs and are remarkable people.  We very much admire Carrie's approach, in that she works hand-in-hand with the Nicaraguans' efforts to help themselves and each other, and doesn't "overrun" their efforts with her own.

 

Carrie is approachable, careful, thoughtful and professional in all her dealings with students and those in the community; she is well-respected there.

 

It’s a wonderful program for anyone who is looking to be creative, independent, and integrate into a community and society.

 

 

Comparative Program: Costa Rica and Nicaragua