Internship and Volunteer Program

  Nicaragua

Granada,  Masaya,  Rivas

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months, 7-12 months and 1-2 years
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks

Description: Guided academic and professional internships and volunteer programs for motivated individuals dedicated to working towards social justice and sustainable development. 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.   

Nicaragua is the poorest Central American country, with 43.8% of the population living below the poverty line.   Government resources are not enough to improve the country's crumbling infrastructure and improve people's access to formal employment, potable water, education, and adequate health care.   The country has some of the highest rates of infant and maternal mortality, infectious diseases, and illiteracy in all of Latin America.   The conditions of poverty feed social problems such as teenage pregnancy, sexual and physical violence, emigration, and alcohol and drug abuse.   With limited resources, the government recognizes and depends upon the efforts of non-governmental and international aid organizations to confront the multi-faceted problems of poverty and underdevelopment.   

We collaborate with many different programs working to improve social and environmental conditions, including (but not limited to) the following:

* Public health centers
* Disabled persons/special education
* Child nutrition centers
* Youth and adolescents especially high risk youth and street children
* 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
* Elementary education
* Web design
* Translation services
* Cooperatives and community development
* Gender
* Reproductive Health

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.

Highlights: Viva Nicaragua! collaborates with both public and non-profit organizations working towards social justice and sustainable development. We are 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.

To accomplish our goals, 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.

* Formal review of internship application and submission of applicant's profile to suitable organizations in order to insure that the internship is right for the intern and that the intern's skills, background, and interest match those needed by the host organization. This ensures 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.

* Monetary and material donations given to each collaborating organization for each intern hosted.

* A stipend for materials needed by the intern to complete his/her project.

* Continued supervision and guidance throughout the internship to insure 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

* 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.

In addition, we provide the following logistical support:
- Pre and post arrival orientation.
- Pre-arrival assistance for those trying to get academic credit.
- Family placement OR, for individuals wishing more independence and when available, assistance with alternative housing/accommodations.
- Airport pick-up
- Cultural and/or recreational activities.
- Orientation/safety information
- Weekend/after program travel assistance.
- Emergency assistance
- Staff available 24-hours a day to meet any need
- Re-entry adjustment information

Qualifications: 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 work schedule, in accordance with the work hours of the host organizations. Individuals desiring a less rigorous experience, should consider a short-term volunteer program.

Interns must be at least 18 years old.

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!

Cost in US$: $500 - $2900

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.

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: This program is designed for: - Professionals who would like to donate their time and expertise to the specific needs of organizations and communities. - University students who would like to gain "real world" international experience in their field of study. - Individuals considering an international career. - Individuals who want to work towards social justice and sustainable development in Central America. - 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 conducting research and in need of contacts and logistical support.

Age Range: 18 +

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Nicaragua Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad

Viva Nicaragua! Center for Social Justice and Cultural Understanding's Mission Statement: We strive to (1) promote the efforts of both public institutions and non-governmental organizations working to promote social justice and sustainable development in Nicaragua and (2) facilitate cross-cultural learning by recruiting motivated individuals to participate in volunteer, educational, and internship programs.

Year Founded: 2007