The Green Scholars program provides long-term hands on learning opportunities for those interested in learning more about the skills and principles of sustainable living.  By addressing sustainability through building, energy, and agriculture, scholars will receive both a high level understanding and hands-on skill sets, from experienced professionals in each field. Students will also be working and living with local Nicaraguans, practicing cultural integration and the Spanish language.

Scholars will start with a weeklong orientation, introducing them to Nicaraguan history, economy and culture, including Spanish lessons. Each of these areas will be presented through the lens of global citizenship and sustainable community development.

As well, students will have the opportunity to interact with locals in their free time via organized activities in the community of Limon Dos, and two overnight excursions to visit other Nicaraguan cities and sustainable projects in the region.

Applications for the 2012 program will be available July 2011. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why should I be a Green Scholar?

Students who participate are guaranteed to grow their:

• Sustainable Skill Sets in Three Different Fields
• True Environmental Stewardship
• Gratitude for Cultural Diversity
• Enhanced Spanish fluency
• Cultivated Leadership Skills

Am I eligible to apply?

All students able to commit to the entire 8-week program are welcome to apply to the program. Participants are not required to speak Spanish. We are encouraging the application of scholars at least 18 years of age, with a high school diploma or equivalent, exceptions may be made.

Where will I be staying?

Scholars will spend Week 1 in a family homestay during orientation. They will be able to return to the community and their same family each weekend, able to leave their belongings secure for the entire eight weeks. Students may be placed alone or with other scholars in their homestay placement.

From Week 2 – Week 8, scholars will be camping in shared accommodation at Casa Verde.  Accommodations on the farm will include, single sex long-term camping accommodations, a local cook providing 3 meals a day, private composting toilets and an outdoor shower with running water. Scholars will be staying at Casa Verde Monday through Thursday night for the last 7 weeks.

Monday morning through lunch on Friday will be spent camping and working on site. Friday afternoon through Monday morning will be free time in Limon. An activity will be offered every weekend, and are optional. Most will be in the area, with two overnight excursions to San Juan del Sur and Granada. These are included in the cost for students.

How much does it cost?

The program fee is $US3945 and £UK2945.  This tuition includes a one-week intensive orientation and Spanish lessons, guides and coordinators 24/7, materials and professional instructors for all three workshops, all food and accommodations, weekend activities, two overnight excursions, travel insurance, roundtrip airport transfers, local transportation, use of a personal bicycle for the entire program and more. Tuition does not include airfare or visa fees, personal spending money or alcohol.

If you participate in the Green Scholars programs, and you refer another student who participates you will receive 5% off your total Program Fee.

When should I apply?

December 20, 2011 is the deadline to apply to the spring 2011 program. There is a $35 application fee, however if you apply before December 1st your application fee will be waived. If you are not accepted, your application fee will be returned.

Once you apply, we will review your application, and conduct a phone interview with you. If we find that the program and the applicant are a good match, the candidate will be informed within one week, and a $500 deposit will be required upon acceptance.

January 15th, 50% of total Program Fee is due. The remainder of Program Fee is due March 1st.

You can decide not to participate at any time, and you will not be required to pay further payments. No payments are refundable, as other students, teachers, and materials are dependent upon your commitment; however, they can be applied to any future program for the next three years.