Art Therapy

Art therapy students from Notre Dame del Demur worked with children, high risk adolescents, women, and elderly on art projects that allowed them to be creative and express their inner feelings, feers, doubts, and gain strength and power.  A wonderful project!

Manhatanville College

In addition to painting a school in one of our target communities, Winter Break students painted this mural in support of our campaign to educate and promote children's rights.

Children's Rights

University of Wisconsin Alternative Break students helped Viva Nicaragua's campaign to promote children's rights by painting a mural in one of the communities we work with.  This, combined with talks about basic rights, is enforcing our work to teach children and adults that kids do have rights too!

Public Health Murals

High school volunteers painted health education murals at two clinics in Granada.  There focus was on the prevention of Dengue, hand washing, and breastfeeding.  Through their observations at the clinics and work on the murals they learned a lot about public health issues in Nicaragua.  Great job!

A FEW OF THE GROUPS THAT WORK WITH US

University of Colorado, Denver – Physical Therapy Program (once a year )
Translation of workshops given by US Physical Therapists to Nicaraguan Physical Therapists, visits to clinics and communities to do testing and work with people in need of therapy, airport pick-up, and homestay arrangement.

University of New Mexico – Economics, Development, and Sociology Courses (2009,2010,2011) Coordination of lectures and site visits to meet each course’s focus and translation services\

University of New Mexico Dental Hygiene Program – (2011)
A one week program involving morning clinical work including cleanings and extractions and afternoon and weekend excursions. We provide airport pick up and drop-off, orientation and tour, coordination of all work and tours, translation service, transportation, and support 24 hours a day for any reason.

Purdue University Service Learning Trips (twice a year)

A one week service learning trip that focuses on Spanish, history, and recreational activities in order to immerse students in Spanish and Nicaraguan history and culture.

University of Michigan– Alternative Breaks  
A yearly service learning program with different community service projects every morning and afternoon/weekend excursions. We provide homestays, tours and orientation, ground transportation, coordination of all activities and community service projects, translation services, and support 24 hours a day for any reason.

Regis University Physical Therapy Program

A yearly program that allows last year Physical Therapy students to work directly with patients in their homes, schools, clinics, and communities.  Lectures and site visits included.   Spanish classes and recreational activities included.

University of Cincinnati School of Social Work

A one week program that works with women, high-risk youth, children, and other social groups to provide education and therapy to community members. 

Notre Dame del Demur Art Therapy Program  

Art therapy with women, children, adolescents, and elderly community members.     Work with local psychologists and educators to incorporate new methods of working with their patients, many victims of violence and trauma.  Lectures, activities, and reflection time also included.

University of New Mexico Medical Brigade (2013)

A group of 50 health professionals that provided a variety of dental and medical services for over 500 patients.  In addition to their daily clinical work, every afternoon they participated in recreational activities including zip lining, boat trips, market visits, and a trip to the beach. 

Map the Gap – 2012, 2013
A gap year program for high school students. We coordinate all aspects of the program including airport transportation, tours and orientation, homestays, activities, internships, lectures, Spanish classes, and provide support, monitoring, and evaluation throughout.

High School Spanish and Cultural Immersion (Several groups throughout the year)

Programs for 16 -18 year olds that focus on different topics, depending upon the class requirements and needs.  Spanish programs, programs for students interested in public health, Nicaraguan history classes, recreational/cultural programs, and many others are coordinated throughout the year.   All programs include family stays, organization of all activities, translation services, lectures, and assistance 24 hours a day. 

And many more….every year we are forming academic relationships with universities to organize these important language, service learning, and academic programs.  Contact us for references.

Quotes

If I were to take an average of the happiness lever per day, I actually think this month would have the highest in terms of pure enjoyment, sense of purpose, and genuine appreciation for such a lovely group of people that are here in Nicaragua. It's really inspiring all the amazing work you (Viva Nicaragua) do here  and I really hope you know how much this experience has changed my world.  Marisa Campain, Public Health Intern, 2014

A little quote could never express how much I loved my Nicaragua experience. I met the most unforgettable people and had so much fun crocheting and living la vida Nica.. And Carrie is absolutely fabulous! – Lucy Pei, Business and Community Development Intern, 2013

"The people and organization that I got to live with and work with through Viva Nicaragua were way better than I could have ever hoped for.  Viva gave me the opportunity to expand my understanding of the culture in Nicaragua and also how to do things in a sustainable way for a developing country.  Viva Nicaragua gave me the support I needed in order to be able to get things done, but also the space to learn how to do things on my own.  There were many challenging days but the good experiences were completely worth the hard ones!  I would recommend working with Viva to anyone who is wanting to make an impact and looking to experience a unique and fun culture." 

-Travis Bohn, Marketing Intern, 2013

Intern Quotes

A little quote could never express how much I loved my Nicaragua experience. I met the most unforgettable people and had so much fun crocheting and living la vida Nica.. And Carrie is absolutely fabulous! – Lucy Pei,  Business and Community Development Intern, 2013

"The people and organization that I got to live with and work with through Viva Nicaragua were way better than I could have ever hoped for.  Viva gave me the opportunity to expand my understanding of the culture in Nicaragua and also how to do things in a sustainable way for a developing country.  Viva Nicaragua gave me the support I needed in order to be able to get things done, but also the space to learn how to do things on my own.  There were many challenging days but the good experiences were completely worth the hard ones!  I would recommend working with Viva to anyone who is wanting to make an impact and looking to experience a unique and fun culture." 

-Travis Bohn, Marketing Intern, 2013

What program should you choose?

WHICH PROGRAM IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

An internship is done for professional development. It is an opportunity to gain experience
and learn about different careers.  International experience will greatly enhance your resume.

Volunteer work is done for personal fulfillment. It is an opportunity to share with those in need.  It is less rigorous and academic credit is not available.   There are fewer volunteer opportunities available.

The Internship Program is right for you if you:
- Want to enhance your resume
- Need to get academic/internship/coop credit
- Are able to make an extended time commitment
- Are willing to commit to a full-time work schedule
- Want to gain professional experience in your field
- Need evaluations of your work 
- Would like the security of a formal work contract.
- Want to design a concrete project with measurable results and a final product.
- Want the support, advising, and assistance of a professional organization

.

The Short –Term Volunteer Program is right for you if you :- Have limited time to volunteer (1 –2 weeks)
- Would like a less-rigorous but meaningful volunteer experience
- Would like a more flexible schedule (3 -5 half days a week)
- Would like more time to travel and explore while volunteering
- Want to donate your time and resources to supporting community projects

Recommended Readings and Links

News, Politics, Latin America

• www.motherjones.com
• www.thenation.com
• Latin American Working Group: www.lawg.org
• Washington Office on Latin America: www.wola.org
• North American Conference on Latin America: www.nacla.org
• Center for International Policy: www.ciponline.org
• Economic Policy Institute: www.epi.org
• www.truthdig.com

Central American news

• www.nacion.com
• www.elnuevodiario.com.ni
• www.laprensa.com.ni
• www.envio.com
• Departamento Ecuménico de Investigaciones: www.dei-cr.org
• Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales: www.flacso.org
• University of Costa Rica newspaper, El Semanario: www.semanario.ucr.ac.cr

Trade, Labor, and Human Rights

• Public Citizen Global Trade Watch: www.citizen.org/trade
• Fair Trade Labelling Organization (FLO): www.fairtrade.org/sites/news/news.html
• www.alianzaportusderechos.org
• Act Now to Stop War and Racism: www.internationalanswer.org
• www.oneworld.net

Development Issues

• www.foodfirst.org
• www.grupoadela.org
• World Watch Institute: www.worldwatch.org
• Federación Ecologista (Costa Rica): www.feconcr.org

SCHOLARSHIP INFO

Did you know that scholarships are available?

Fund for Education Abroad

FEA scholarships were designed by professionals in the field of Education Abroad to meet the

growing need for financial resources to enable more students to go abroad. Scholarships will be up to

$5,000 per semester and are not

limited to specific programs, destinations, or fields of study.

For more information visit http://fundforeducationabroad.org/applicants/

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

The Gilman International Scholarship Program offers a competition for awards for

undergraduate study abroad and was established by the International Academic Opportunity Act of

2000. This scholarship provides awards for U.S. undergraduate students who are receiving federal Pell

Grant funding at a 2-year or 4-year college or university to participate in study abroad programs

worldwide. Deadlines are mid-March for the Fall or Academic Year, and early October for Spring.

For more information visit http://www.iie.org/programs/gilman/index.html

Hispanic Scholarship Fund

Each year, the State Farm Companies Foundation provids $2,500 scholarships to 20 Hispanic

college students who are pursing a teaching career. Applications are available from August 1 and the

deadline to submit an application is October 16 (must be postmarked by October 16). To obtain an

application and selection criteria, please contact the Hispanic Scholarship Fund at:

For more information about application and selection criteria, contact the fund at

Hispanic Scholarship Fund

55 Second Street, Suite 1500

San Francisco, CA 94105

1-877-HSF-INFO (1-877-473-4636)

OAS Fellowship

The Inter-American Agency for Cooperation and Development (IACD) of the Organization of

American States (OAS) administers one of the hemisphere’s largest multinational fellowships and

training programs. Every year, the Agency provides fellowships for undergraduate studies at

universities through the region and awards for specialized, short-term training at educational institutions

and training centers in OAS Member and Observer States. Scholarship amount vary.

For more information visit

http://www.educoas.org/portal/en/oasbecas/about.aspx?culture=en&navid=44

Global Studies Foundation Grant

Designed to support foreign language training and other academic studies abroad, this grant

provides supplemental funds for American students who already are studying abroad under the

auspices of an official study abroad program conducted by an accredited academic institution. GSF

seeks to support a formative experience abroad for the recipient, who also must share this experience

with others upon his or her return – ideally, with multiple audiences and varied media. They are

particularly interested in funding the study of strategically significant countries and languages.

Applicants must be US citizens and currently enrolled full-time and in good academic standing in an

accredited secondary or postsecondary institution. Among the most significant selection criteria are

academic performance (as indicated in courses, grades, recommendations, and other achievements),

program merit, and outreach potential. Grant recipients will be expected to acknowledge GSF's

support, to report on their experiences, and to work with GSF to share those experiences as widely as

possible.

For more information visit

http://www.globalstudiesfoundation.org/ShowContents.cfm?CategoryID=64

Golden Key International Honour Society International Student Leader of the Year

The International Student Leader of the Year Award recognizes one exceptional Golden Key

member for outstanding commitment to the Society and display of effective campus and community

leadership while maintaining superior academic performance. The recipient of the International Student

Leader Award will receive an award of $1,000.

For more information visit

http://www.goldenkey.org/GKIHS/MemberBenefits/ScholarshipsandAwards/

John T. Petters Foundation

The John T. Petters Foundation seeks to increase study abroad opportunities for students who

might otherwise not participate due to financial constraints. The Scholarship is open to undergraduate

college students, in good academic standing, who meet the following criteria:

The Applicant must be pursuing a study abroad program that has a focus on international

business.

The Applicant must be applying to or been accepted into a study abroad program eligible for

credit by the student’s home institution.

The Applicant must have financial need for scholarship funding.

The Applicant must be a United States Citizen.

For more information visit

http://www.johntpettersfoundation.org/apply/application_information.asp

Osher Scholars Summer Study Abroad

Students may use this award to help pay for a summer study abroad program of their choosing.

The length of study program can vary from two weeks to three months. All projects should relate to the

students’ academic interests and/ or career goals.

For more information contact:

Ms. Elly Hanauer

Institute of International Education/ West Coast

Osher Scholars Summer Study Abroad Program

530 Bush St. Suite 1000

San Francisco, CA 94108

Phone: (415) 362-6520 x214

E mail: ehanauer@iie.org

Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant

There are thirty-eight $1,000 grants awarded each year to help support undergraduate study

abroad. The grant is open to Phi Kappa Phi members as well as non-members in all fields of study.

Student must attend an institution with a Phi Kappa Phi chapter, have a cumulative GPA of 3.5/4.0 and

have a minimum of 56 credit hrs and a max of 90. Study abroad program must commence in May and

end in June of the following year. Applicants must submit a letter of acceptance into the study abroad

program and have at least 2 remaining semesters remaining in the home institution after the completion

of the study abroad program.

For more information visit

http://www.phikappaphi.org/Web/Scholarships/studyabroad/studyabroad_faq.html

The Elie Wiesel Ethics Essay Contest

The Elie Wiesel Prize in Ethics Essay Contest is an annual competition designed to challenge

college students to analyze the urgent ethical issues confronting them in today's complex world.

Students are encouraged to write thought-provoking personal essays that raise questions, single out

issues and are rational arguments for ethical action. $5000-$500 prize.

For more information visit http://www.eliewieselfoundation.org/prizeinethics.aspx

The Marion Wright Edelman Scholarship

The Marion Wright Edelman Scholarship is a $1,000 award offered to a person of minority

background who had a history of commitment to the creation of a just and peaceful world, ability to

follow through with projects which work with and toward world community and, concrete evidence that

others will benefit from the experience of the scholarship winner.

For more information visit http://www.lisleinternational.org/www/schola.html

Vincent L. Hawkinson Foundation for Peace and Justice Scholarship Award

Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded $27,000 in scholarships to 28 students,

enabling them to pursue undergraduate and graduate studies here and around the world. These

students are inspired by the same ideals that Pastor Hawkinson, the inspiration for this scholarship,

embodied. The scholarship is funded by donations from friends and members of the Foundation and by

endowment earnings. Past scholarship recipients have come from many faiths, including Christianity,

Buddhism and Islam. The scholarship is intended for women or those with disabilities.

For more information visit

http://www.grinnell.edu/Offices/financialaid/schopportunities/includes/hawkinsfinal.pdf

Or e-mail graceuniv@juno.com

The Christianson Grant

The Christianson Grant is open to applicants who have sought out and arranged their own

programs. Proposed programs must be at least sixth months in length and emphasize a work

component. The grant program does not support independent research projects or academic study

abroad programs. Amount awarded ranges from US$2,500 - US$10,000

In addition, interested participants must meet the following requirements:

* U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents

* Between the ages of 18 and 28

* Participating in a work, internship, or volunteer abroad program

* Committed to a program duration of at least 6 months

* Willing to submit a written report upon completion of their program.

For more information visit http://www.interexchange.org/grants/christianson-grant.html

LIVFund Scholarship

The scholarship competition is open to anyone over the age of 18 interested in learning, interning or

volunteering abroad in Latin America.

Candidates may apply for the LIVFund Scholarship at any time, beginning six [6] months in advance of

their program start date.

Applicants who are awarded the scholarship must agree to post at least three [3] blog entries on the

LIVFund blog detailing their abroad experience.

For more information, visit: http://www.livfund.org/

FEA Rainbow Scholarship

This scholarship will be awarded to a deserving LGBT student who aims to participate in a high-quality,

rigorous education abroad program. Applicants must meet general FEA scholarship eligibility

requirements & preferences. Students interested in being considered for this annual scholarship should

indicate this through their application forms.

For more information, visit: www.fundforeducationabroad.org

Some more links…

http://www.studyabroad.com/forum/financial_aid.html

http://www.studyabroadlinks.com/search/Study_Abroad_Resources/Scholarships_and_Financial_Aid/

index.html