This STEM program will take a deep dive into community-driven renewable energy in Nicaragua. Travel around the country to observe solar power generation and usage in rural areas and geo-thermal energy from volcanoes. What effect does renewable energy have on communities in Nicaragua? How does this relate to conservation efforts on a global scale? Find out first-hand in the land of lakes and volcanoes!

The deadline to apply was May 17.
Length Training
Dates		 In-Country
Dates		 Ages Application
Deadline		 Price
Session A 3 weeks

Online training on COVID-19, health and safety, mental health, travel, and AMIGOS history before departure. Leadership and orientation training take place in-country.

June 9–29

 15–19 The deadline for Session A has passed. Please email our Admissions team with any questions at [email protected]

$5,875 – includes all in-country expenses
Session B 3 Weeks

Online training on COVID-19, health and safety, mental health, travel, and AMIGOS history before departure. Leadership and orientation training take place in-country.

July 7–27

 15–19 The deadline for Session B has passed.

$5,875 – includes all in-country expenses
  • Session A
  • Length
    3 weeks
  • Training Dates

    Online training on COVID-19, health and safety, mental health, travel, and AMIGOS history before departure. Leadership and orientation training take place in-country.

  • In-Country Dates

    June 9–29

  • Ages
    15–19
  • Application Deadline
    The deadline for Session A has passed. Please email our Admissions team with any questions at [email protected]
  • Price

    $5,875 – includes all in-country expenses

  • Session B
  • Length
    3 Weeks
  • Training Dates

    Online training on COVID-19, health and safety, mental health, travel, and AMIGOS history before departure. Leadership and orientation training take place in-country.

  • In-Country Dates

    July 7–27

  • Ages
    15–19
  • Application Deadline
    The deadline for Session B has passed.
  • Price

    $5,875 – includes all in-country expenses

About the Project

Project Type

Group-based. Maximum enrollment is 20, with two spots reserved for students from Nicaragua. Students from Honduras will also be joining this project!

Climate

Summer is rainy season! Leon is hot and Nueva Segovia is humid and a bit cooler. Visit a dry forest, a wet rainforest, and a savannah!

College Credit

Get two college credits for this project! Find out more here.

Host Family

Stay with a host family for a little over a week while working with a local organization that directs projects like bioconstruction and community-driven renewable energy!

Slang

tuani = cool
prix = good friend
pulperia = small local store

Food

gallo pinto – a mix of beans and rice prepared together
nacatamales –  corn dough filled with spiced meat and potatoes, wrapped in banana leaves and cooked

Volcanoes

Nicaragua is home to 19 volcanoes! Geothermal energy from the country’s active volcanoes helps power the country.

Service Hours

Earn 30 service hours!

STEM

Make a solar oven and learn how solar panels are built! Explore the limits of conventional energy as well as the challenges and importance of renewable energy in Nicaragua. Learn how people have the power to improve the quality of their lives and employ sustainable, earth-friendly practices to do so.

Somoto, Nicaragua

Cleaner Energy for Local Communities

Solar & Hydroelectric Energy

Explore renewable energy in Nicaragua and how it has impacted communities. During the project, you’ll dive into solar and hydroelectric energy, visiting different locations to see how communities use renewable energy to sustain their lives and livelihood. Learn how to install small solar energy systems in homes! See first-hand how communities build and run their own hydroelectric plants to power their family homes.

 

Bringing Three Countries Together

This year, we have a unique opportunity in Nicaragua to bring together students from three different parts of the Americas: United States, Honduras, and Nicaragua. While the three countries all have distinct histories, customs, and politics, they are all tied closely together through a shared regional history. You’ll explore commonalities and differences, shared struggles and accomplishments, and unique and common histories.

 

Partner Agencies

Support three different organizations who promote appropriate and innovative technologies to improve the quality of life of Nicaraguan families and rural communities. Earn 30 service hours while volunteering on a service project!

 

Example Activities

  • Build a solar oven and install and repair home solar panel systems
  • Grab a tube or a raft and float through Somoto Canyon, a national monument
  • Visit a coffee farm and learn how renewable energy practices are incorporated into production
  • Make your own ceramic piece at a ceramics cooperative
  • Hike in the mountains in northern Nicaragua

A Day in the Life

Days 1–7

  • Wake up and have breakfast in small groups
  • Morning: Rotating schedule of activities, including Spanish classes, orientation, explore topics like renewable energy production and use in the U.S. and Nicaragua. Take a day-long course on renewable energy at a local college!
  • Lunch outside
  • Afternoon: Rotating schedule of activities—Spanish classes, beach cleanup, local community tour
  • Free time to explore the grounds
  • Dinner in small groups
  • After Dinner: free time, fun group activities

 

Day 8–End of Project

  • Wake up and eat breakfast with your host family
  • Morning: volunteer on a community service project, take part in fun intercultural and leadership activities
  • Lunch outside
  • Afternoon: travel to energy plants, create your own piece at a ceramic cooperative, and learn to make a solar oven and solar panels. Bond with your host family!
  • Dinner
  • After Dinner: fun group bonding, free time to relax, spend time with your host family before heading to bed!

Program Pillars

Ethical Service

Learn how to create ethical service initiatives by working with–not for–a community, engaging local organizations and partners, and evaluating the impact of your work. AMIGOS works with trusted local partners that are passionate and committed to working with our volunteers on community service projects.

Cultural Humility

Cultural humility is a process of both self-reflection about your own culture as well as learning about other cultures. You will examine your own beliefs and cultural identity and gain an understanding of how structural racism has impacted societies and the roles that communities can take to lead systemic change.

Leadership

Learn, grow, and discover your leadership potential! Explore your sense of purpose and start to establish your personal goals and values through introspection and inquiry.

Find out more!

Join an online info session

RSVP Here

Why Choose AMIGOS?

Practice Spanish

AMIGOS programs provide a unique opportunity to experience a new culture. Volunteers report increased fluency in Spanish after completing our program. Activities go far beyond the classroom — you’ll lead activities in Spanish, learn local slang, and increase your confidence with real-world practice. You will not believe how fast your Spanish improves when you use it in conversation every day!

Have an Adventure

Travel to must-see spots in your host country! You’ll travel as a group to experience unique destinations like volcanoes, ancient ruins, national parks, and historical sites. You’ll get to see these places from the distinct perspective of someone who has spent time in that country and learned about the culture firsthand. Plus, you’ll bond with their fellow volunteers and have fun!

Travel with Trust

AMIGOS is the industry leader in health and safety management. Our staff is prepared to help you with any situation that may arise. Each volunteer receives a personalized emergency plan, as well as support from local staff teams and a professional 24-hour On-Call Safety Team of travel specialists, doctors, and mental health specialists. A Health and Wellness Coordinator is on staff with the group throughout the duration of their stay. AMIGOS also has an established network of vetted medical clinics and hospitals throughout the region.

Ready to apply?

Click Here

“Those three weeks in Nicaragua gave me the opportunity to step back from my own life and examine my exact place in the world. Yes, I am still small in the face of time and the universe, but I still have my place in it, and it is my job to make that space as beautiful of a garden as I can.”
-Meah, 2021 Alum, Nicaragua

Program Requirements
Resources
Apply Now

Field Notes

Hola desde Nicaragua!

Nueva Segovia, Nicaragua


Read More
Nueva Segovia: An Unforgettable Trip

Nueva Segovia, Nicaragua


Read More
Nueva Segovia: Living in Comunidad Sabana Grande

Nueva Segovia, Nicaragua


Read More

amigos_americas_nicaragua

80

Still deciding?

See more projects like this one!

3 Weeks
Ages 15–19

Panama: Valle y Veraguas


A: June 15–July 5; B: July 13–August 2 (Sessions Closed) Community-Driven Conservation (Spanish Required)
3 Weeks
Ages 15–19

Colorado: Western Slope


July 19–August 8 (Session Closed) Exploring Conservation in the Rockies
SEE ALL PROGRAMS
Latest posts by lyoung (see all)