VISIONS Nicaragua

  Nicaragua

Jinotega

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: June 29 - July 26

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 (Asociación 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.

Cost in US$: 4,600

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 14-18

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Nicaragua Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Scholarships are Available.

Application Process Involves:

• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Visions Service Adventures's Mission Statement: 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.

Year Founded: 1989