Click here for a list of opportunities to get involved with local U.S. solidarity and sister city groups.
So you want to go to Nicaragua?
Below you will find links and contact information for a wide variety of programs and resources in Nicaragua and Central America for volunteers, students, socially conscious tourists, and others. Some of these organizations focus solely on Nicaragua, others have programs throughout Central America and the world.
We are always updating these listings. If you have comments on any of the programs or resources, please email nicanet@afgj.org to let us know. A listing does not constitute a recommendation by the Nicaragua Network.
Contents
* Brigades, tours, and short term volunteer opportunities
* Long-Term Volunteer Opportunities
* Eco-Tourism
* Study Abroad Opportunities
* Guest Houses & Other Lodging
Brigades, tours, and short term volunteer opportunities
Nicaragua Network
The Nicaragua Network organizes periodic delegations to Nicaragua.
Nicaragua Network
1247 E street, SE
Washington, DC 20003
T: (202) 544-9355
nicanet@afgj.org
Ayudanica
Offers several work and cultural tours to Nicaragua for teens and adults. For more information please contact them at:
Ayudanica
917 South Bodine Street,
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Email: info@ayudanica.org
Bridges to Community
This is a non-profit organization whose mission is to take groups of volunteers to developing countries to work, learn and reflect. Through the process of living and working with local communities on construction, health and environmental projects, Bridges promotes cross-cultural learning, a deepening awareness of our global interdependence and commitment to the common good. The majority of their work is in Nicaragua, where they currently have three on-going project sites and expect to open up a fourth in the next few months. Their trips are short-term (7-9 days).
For more information:
Bridges to Community
95 Croton Avenue
Ossining, NY 10562
T: (914)923-2200
Email: info@bridgestocommunity.org
El Porvenir
Each year, El Porvenir offers one-week and two-week work trips to Nicaragua. Small groups of 10 people or less work in a village assisting Nicaraguan families in the construction of water, sanitation, or reforestation projects. Up coming trips: Work trips for people over the age of 55 as well as educational tours are also available. For more information:
1420 Ogden Street, #204, Denver, CO 80218
T: (303) 861-1499
Email: info@elporvenir.org
Global Exchange
What this organization calls Reality Tours “give travelers hands-on opportunities to explore the crucial issues facing the world and examine how the US’s economic and foreign policies impact other countries.” It organizes trips of about two weeks about once a year to several countries including to Nicaragua.
Habitat for Humanity
Ongoing opportunities for volunteers as well as career professionals
For more information:
Habitat for Humanity International 121 Habitat St.,
Americus GA 31709-3498
T: (800)HABITAT
habitworld@habitat.org
Jubilee House, Center for Development in Central America
Hosts construction brigades to Nicaragua.
Also looking for individual or group volunteers skilled in “agriculture, medical fields, business management or appropriate technology,” but accepts other volunteers as well.
For more information:
Jubilee House Community, Inc.
c/o 352 Carly Lane
Rock Hill, SC 29732-7750 T:(828) 251-4409
Email: jhc@ns.sdnnic.org.ni
Natural Doctors International
This organization is dedicated to providing healthcare with natural medicine to under-served populations. They work in collaboration with the Ministry of Health on the island of Ometepe to provide naturopathic medical care by doctors who serve for one year terms. They host 10 day volunteer brigades to learn about the health effects of globalization and work with local farmers. For more information, write chelita@riseup.net
New Haven/Leon Sister City Project
The project offers internships, long-term volunteer opportunities (between a month and a year), and organizes delegations in Leon, Nicaragua. For more information:
New Haven/León Sister City Project 608 Whitney Avenue
New Haven, CT 06511
USA T: 203-562-1607
nh@newhavenleon.org
Contact en Léon: nhleon@ibw.com.ni
Nicaragua Solidarity Campaign
A London-based organization that organizes brigades, study tour and delegations to Nicaragua.
For more information:
Nicaraguan Solidarity Campaign
129 Seven Sisters Road
London, N7 7QG, England
email: nsc@nicaraguasc.org.uk
Pastors for Peace/ IFCO
Material aid caravans and construction brigades to the Atlantic Coast and other parts of C.A. Caravans can last up to a month and brigades last between 2 and 3 weeks.
For more information:
402 W 145th Street
New York, NY 10031
ifco@igc.apc.org
Potters for Peace
Brigades to work with Nicaraguan potters.
Annually organized visits with a very exciting itinerary, allowing potters from the US and Nicaragua to converse.
For more information:
2216 Race St.
Denver, CO 80205
T: (303)377-7998
Email: potpaz@igc.org
The Putney Student Travel
This program offers a wide range of community service opportunities around the world, including in Nicaragua. Students completing grades 9th through 12th work with local people on several projects that the community identifies as most useful for about a month during the summer vacation. Knowledge of Spanish is useful but not required.
For more information:
345 Hickory Ridge Rd
Putney, VT 05346
T: (802)387-5000
Email: info@goputney.com
Seeds of Learning
A number of work brigades to Nicaragua and El Salvador.
For more information:
585 5th St., West
Sonoma, CA 95476
T: (707)939-0471
Email: info@seedsoflearning.org
Spanish Through Leadership
A summer program for high school language students that provides them with greater opportunities to interact in the lives of in Nicaraguan and Costa Rican children. For more information: Nicaragua - Costa Rica Summer Exchange 1650 Monroe St. Madison, WI 53711
Email: info@highschoolspanish.org
Travel Alive
Complete language and cultural immersion in Ocotal, Nicaragua. Study Spanish, live with a local family, and volunteer in social services, healthcare, agriculture, environment, or community development! Travel Alive can also help you plan and implement individual, family, and group service projects. Our missions: To provide meaningful travel experiences for international volunteers and language students in exchange programs that greatly benefit both the volunteers and the people they meet.
For more information and to learn more contact:
Travel Alive
Adventure, Language & International Volunteer Exchange
T 708.434.0448
F 866-551-1989
Toll Free 866-380-3042
Wisconsin Coordinating Council on Nicaragua
Delegations and study tours to Nicaragua.
For more information:
PO Box 1534 Madison, WI 53701
T: (608)257-7230
wccn@wccnica.org
Witness for Peace
A variety of delegations are organized by WFP; long term volunteer opportunities are offered as well.
For more information:
3628 12th Street NE. 1st Fl.,
Washington, DC 20017
202.547-6112
Long-Term Volunteer Opportunities
Foundation for Sustainable Development
FSD provides college students, graduates, and professionals with the opportunity to gain practical hands-on experience through long-term as well as short-term volunteer opportunities and internships. Programs are offered in six countries in Latin America and Africa, including in Nicaragua. For more information:
870 Market Street, Suite 321
San Francisco, California 94102
USA T:/F: (415) 283-4873
Email: info@fsdinternational.org
Jubilee House, Center for Development in Central America
Looking for volunteers skilled in “agriculture, medical fields, business management or appropriate technology,” and also accepts other volunteers.
For more information:
Jubilee House Community, Inc.
c/o 352 Carly Lane
Rock Hill, SC 29732-7750
1-848-251-4409
Email: jhc@ns.sdnnic.org.ni
The New Haven/Leon Sister City Project
The project offers internships and long-term volunteer opportunities that range in time between a month and a year.
For more information:
New Haven/León Sister City Project 608 Whitney Avenue
New Haven, CT 06511
USA T: 203-562-1607
Email: nh@newhavenleon.org
Email contact in Léon: nhleon@ibw.com.ni
The NEST Trust
Teach English for tourism in a local community. You’ll need some Spanish. Minimum four - six month commitment and teaching experience preferred. There are some opportunities to teach computer skills and also to work as a short-term volunteer July / August on intensive courses. For more information, contact: info@thenesttrust.org.uk
Potters for Peace
Long term placements - “interns” with Nicaraguan potters. Interns must have a good grasp of Spanish.
For more information:
2216 Race St.
Denver, CO 80205
T: (303)377-7998 potpaz@igc.org
Pro-Nica
This is an organization that allows volunteers to provide meaningful work assisting the people of Nicaraguan. Volunteers must dedicate at least six months and should be proficient in Spanish.
For more information:
130 19th Ave. SE,
St. Petersburg, FL 33705-2801
T: 727-821-2428
Email: info@ProNica.org
Campus California TG (CCTG)
CCTG is an international non-profit institute that trains and; places international volunteers/ activists at humanitarian & environmental projects abroad. Current humanitarian development projects are in Mozambique, Nicaragua, Malawi, Zambia, Namibia and Botswana.
Fellowship of Reconciliation Task Force on Latin America
Six month and longer term placements
For more information:
2017 Mission St. #303
San Francisco, CA 94110 T: (415) 255-7296
F: (415) 255-7498
Si a la vida
This program is orientated towards working with street kids in Nicaragua. Volunteers typically work directly with the kids in sports, arts, handicrafts and tutoring, as well as pursuing activities that take advantage of specialized skills such as health care, construction and agriculture. A commitment of a minimum of six months is required, as well as a fluency in Spanish. For more information:
Bob & Millie Royce 513 Madrona Way, NE Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 (206) 842-8517
Email: bomiki@bainbridge.net
Witness for Peace
Long term volunteer opportunities are offered by WFP.
For more information:
110 Maryland Ave. NE, S 304
Washington, DC 20002-5622
T: (202)544-0781
Eco-Tourism
The International Eco-tourism Society defines eco-tourism as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people
Finca Esperanza Verde
Finca Esperanza Verde eco-lodge, organic coffee farm, and nature reserve is located in the mountains of central Nicaragua with accomodations for 26 guests. Includes a butterfly house, waterfalls and hiking trails. A project of the Sister Communities of San Ramon in the U.S., all profits go to benefit the community of San Ramon, Matagalpa. For more information, contact: fincaesperanzaverde@gmail.com or call 919-489-1656.
Rancho Esperanza
Rancho Esperanza offers simple living, in harmony with nature and the community right on the sea at Jiquilillo, the northernmost beach town in Nicaragua. Volunteer opportunities give you the chance to get involved in community work and development. For more information, rancho.esperanza@yahoo.com or call 011-505-879-1795
UCA Miraflor
Travel by horseback or hike through the four ecosystems of the Miraflor Nature Reserve. Stay with local families; learn about organic coffee production, watch for birds. More than 150 species of orchids to enjoy. For more information, miraflor@ibw.com.ni, Tel. 011 (505) 713-2971.
Nicaragua Butterfly Reserva
This reserve is open for visitors to learn more about butterflies and birds. There is also a nice collection of orchids. Rated by La Prensa in the top 50 places to visit in Nicaragua. For more information, janefoulds@yahoo.com or call 011-505-895-3012 in Granada.
Study Abroad Opportunities
Visit the web site of Transitions Abroad to learn about a number of schools. And also see below.
Escuela Horizonte
School offering Spanish language classes, activities, and homestays in Estelí, Nicaragua.
For more information:
Aptdo 007; Super Mercado Hogar,
2 c al Este; 1 1/2 c al Norte,
Estelí,
Nicaragua
T: 011-505-713-4117,
Email: horizont@ibw.com.ni
Hijos del Maiz Campesino Spanish School
Study Spanish in El Lagartillo, a rural community in the Department of Esteli. $130 per week includes classes, meals and lodging. At least 20% of weekly cost is invested in community projects. For more information, mazorca@hijosdelmaiz.net Tel. 011 (505) 713-4819.
Institute for Central American Development Studies (ICADS)
Programs in Costa Rica and Nicaragua, with the options of studying or doing an internship abroad. Spanish is taught with an emphasis on learning about the politics, social conditions, environmental issues, and human rights in Central America today.
For more information:
Apartado 300-2050
San Pedro de Montes de Oca
Costa Rica, Centro America
T: (011) (506) 225-0508
Email: info@icads.org
Nica Spanish Schools
This organization offers study abroad programs in three different schools. It allows students to be completely immersed in a Spanish speaking community and family, as they even have the option of doing a private homestay.
For more information:
T: (805)687-9941
Email: nss-pmc@prodigy.net
Ave Nicaraguita Spanish School
Learn Spanish at the Red Cross in Granada. We tailor courses according to student’s needs and facilitate insertion into family life, social contacts and cultural context. We build partnerships in the community with social justice groups. For more information, write infonica@avenicaraguita.com
School for International Training
Semester study programs, which run both in the spring and in the fall.
For more information:
Kipling Rd.
PO Box 676
Brattlebopro VT 05302-0676
T: (888) 272-7881
Email: studyabroad@sit.edu
Guest Houses and Other Lodging
Casa Canadiense
Location: El Dorado, Managua. Calle Principal,
del restaurante El Dorado 1/2 al Lago, Casa # 326
Mailing address: Apdo E.C. #76 Managua, Nicaragua
Telephone/Fax: (505) 249-5542
Email: casacana@netport.com.ni
Alternative email: casacana@sdnnic.org.ni
Dormitory with 10 beds, 2 shared baths (20 beds more among neighboring houses if needed); US$10 per foreign person per night; C$40 per Central American person per night. 10 min. by taxi from CIPRES and Metro Centro
Casa San Juan
Telephone: 278-3220
Singles, doubles, triples; bath in room, air conditioning. US$20 per person per night. Maximum capacity 30.
El Viajero
Telephone: 228-1280
6 rooms with private bath, near Tica Bus, US$6 per night per person. Fans only
La Quintana
Telephone: 254-5487 or 254-5492
Shared rooms (2-4 people) with bath down hall; US$5 per person per night. Fans. Maximum capacity 16 persons.
Los Felipe
Location: Tica Bus, 1 1/2 c. al oeste
Telephone: 222-6501
Singles or doubles; bath in room; US$10 per person per night with fan. With air conditioning, US$15 per person per night; Maximum capacity 60 persons
Nicaragua Guest House
Operators: Oscar Fonseca and Elena Borgen
Location: Bello Horizonte VI, Etapa 217
Rotonda de la Virgen, 2 Cuadras al Sur, 2 1/2 Abajo, Managua
Mailing address: Apartado 3701, Correo Central Managua
Telephone: 249-8963
Email: oscar3701@yahoo.com
Alternative email: oscar3701@tmx.com.ni
“Stay at our family owned and run Guest House in an elegant suburb of Managua, amid a picturesque tree-lined setting just 10 minutes away from the international airport and bus terminals!”
Quaker House
Location: Barrio Las Brisas. De la entrada del Hospital Lenin Fonseca, 5 c. al lago, 75 varas arriba, casa 14, mano izquierda, penultima casa.
(Translation: In the neighborhood Las Brisas, from the Lenin Fonseca Hospital, 5 blocks north or to the lake and 75 yards east or to the right. Second to the last house on the left; number 14.)
Mailing address: Apdo. 5391, Managua, Nicaragua
Telephone: 266-3216 or 266-0984
“Located in a quiet residential neighborhood, Quaker House offers dormitory style accommodations and features a fully equipped kitchen, washing machine, telephone, day/night neighborhood security and limited parking.
“Quaker House is perfect for witness trips, work brigades, delegations and other solidarity groups interested in Nicaragua. It is available for small meetings or workshops and meal catering can be provided. Quaker House is convenient to shopping, banks, restaurants, and public transportation.”
