Granada, the oldest continuously inhabited city in Latin America, is a small, colonial gem that still retains an old-world ambience with its cobblestone streets, horse drawn carriages, and lovely churches.  Yet, Nicaragua is the second poorest country in the Americas and despite its charming veneer, all of the problems of this little country – widespread poverty, low levels of education, lack of social services – can be found in Granada as well.   

On a study-work trip, students have the opportunity to contribute to this country’s great needs by volunteering in a variety of ways.  Intensive Spanish language study is also part and parcel of the experience and students often comment that they have progressed more in a couple of weeks than they did in an entire semester.

Whether or not students complete a trip for credit, the benefits of a work-study field trip to a developing country are priceless.  The world is becoming connected in every possible way, and an international volunteer experience helps students gain a global perspective that will serve them well on a personal level, as well as in their chosen career paths.   Some of the advantages of volunteering while studying a foreign language include:

• Gaining a better understanding of another culture, expanding one’s world-view, and increasing empathy for others;

• Improving foreign language competency, thereby increasing the ability to cope with and adjust to new cultures and challenging environments;

• Making a difference in the lives of others, which often helps define future commitment and direction;

• Learning more about one’s own culture and its relationship to other countries, leading to a greater understanding of global issues and the North American role on the world stage.

TYPES OF VOLUNTEER WORK:

         There are many types of volunteer work available, including:

• Helping children with their studies;
• Teaching sports;
• Arts and Crafts for children;
• Working in an orphanage;
• Helping out at a free veterinary clinic;
• Translating;
• Helping in the free lending library;
• Teaching English;
• Special projects such as painting a school, helping build a house, or cooking.
  

On a work-study trip, participants also have the chance to travel and have fun.  Visit the scenic,  tropical Pacific Coast beaches, stay in a cabin on beautiful Laguna Apoyo, formed by the caldera of an ancient volcano, shop in the arts and crafts markets of nearby Masaya, learn about rural life on a typical Nicaraguan coffee farm, kayak through the many little islands off the coast of Granada in Lake Cocibolca, explore one of the nearby volcanos, fly through the forests of Volcano Mombacho on a canopy tour......and more. 

    

 

• Work/study trips for credit, as arranged by the college or university: 10 minimum.
  
• Work/study trips which include homestays can be arranged by individual groups, 7 minimum.
• Trips designed for your own particular needs:  as much or as little studying, work and travel as you want; minimum 4. 
  

       Minimum age:  18.