Boomers Abroad

Highlights

Development Issues Addressed by FSD Nicaragua
As both the largest country in Central America and the least populated, Nicaragua has the opportunity to enforce environmental protection and conserve its natural resources. However, a variety of forces are driving deforestation and quickly increasing pollution. The conversion of forests to agricultural land and commercial logging with little or no government regulation is having a severe environmental impact. Currently, around seventy-five percent of Nicaraguan forests have already been transformed into crop and pasture land while pesticide use is steadily rising. Another major land issue in Nicaragua stems from the lack of comprehensive waste management systems. Not only are there no forms of municipal support for waste collection, but the lack of regulations for businesses creates a situation where many of Nicaragua's most important water sources are becoming increasingly polluted.

FSD partner organizations in Nicaragua often seek to maximize their influence by combining areas of environmental focus with other areas, such as youth education, health, or community development. FSD interns support environmental initiatives within local nongovernmental organizations that span a vast array of subjects that address resource usage. Whether you offer trainings in sustainable agriculture, educate youth on pollution and deforestation, or support organic farmers make use of micro-credit, FSD will provide you the training and guidance for your efforts to make a lasting impact on a community.

Minimum Education

High School

Intern Types

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

Depends on Program Selected; See FSD Website

Cost Include Description:

Your contribution fee covers all program costs (excluding airfare) and is 100% tax deductible for U.S. residents. Included in the fee is: a one-week orientation; family homestay will all meals provided; language lessons (not available in Latin America); development trainings and workshops; group sessions; midterm retreat (9+ weeks only); final debriefing session; on-going in-country support from FSD site team and U.S. staff; USD 200 mini-grant; eligibility for additional project funding up to USD 500, medical evacuation and limited health insurance; and pick-up from the airport.

Credit Available

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

FSD supports participants who boldly wish to initiate the change they believe is necessary in the developing world. Interns are passionate about sharing their practical knowledge, heart-felt enthusiasm, and economic resources with communities abroad that suffer unnecessary hardship. They wish to gain hands-on, grassroots development experience because they believe change is most powerfully cultivated on a community level. The aim is to experientially learn how their work can empower the community toward applying sustainable development solutions, rather than increasing reliance on foreign aid. Participants choose FSD because the program structure enables them to design and implement their own sustainable projects in collaboration with their host organization and the FSD Site Team. They are able to test their ideas and theories in the most direct way possible, giving them the experience and knowledge they seek. The flexibility of the host organizations allows for participants at all stages and levels of experience in international development to participate, thus opening the programs to a diverse group of capable applicants.

Age Range

18-75

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participant. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel to Nicaragua

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Phone/Video Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 months

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

Foundation for Sustainable Development's Mission Statement

Founded in 1995, the Foundation for Sustainable Development (FSD) supports the efforts of more than 300 grassroots, community-based partner organizations throughout Africa, Asia, and Latin America. FSD's programs provide multi-faceted support that relies on active community participation to mobilize lasting solutions. FSD programs include:

• Capacity Building: Our professional field staff provides on-site training and networking opportunities to more than 300 community-based organizations worldwide.
  
  
• Training Programs Abroad: FSD provides comprehensive training and immersion programs for interns and volunteers who seek hands-on development experience.
  
  
• Grantmaking: Donations and grants given to FSD are used to support sustainable projects led by our partner organizations.
  
  
• Engaged Philanthropy: FSD Giving Circles organize groups of donors who pool their time, talent, and resources to make international grants to our partner organizations.

Year Founded

1995