Backpacking in Nicaragua?

• Nicaragua is not yet overrun by mass tourism. This makes it a good destination for adventurous backpackers looking for an authentic and budget-friendly travel experience. There is plenty to do: from climbing volcanoes and surfing in the Pacific Ocean to ziplining through the rainforest and kayaking on volcanic crater lakes. Bonus: Nicaragua is known for its excellent surfing.
• Features: laid-back atmosphere, generally safe destination, budget-friendly, beautiful nature

Traveling in Nicaragua?

• Cities to spot: León (colonial city with a vibrant art scene), Granada (on the shores of Lake Nicaragua: volcanoes, boat trips), San Juan del Sur (surfer and beach lover’s paradise), Managua (capital, metropolis with a rich culture and history).
• Activities to spot: popular surf destinations León and Popoyo (with waves for all levels), Isla de Ometepe (large volcanic island: climb volcanoes, swim in waterfalls, hike through the rainforest and kayak), Somoto Canyon (long gorge with steep walls: rafting, climbing, kayaking, ziplining)
• Nature to spot: Bosawás Biological Reserve (largest and most biodiverse area in Central America), Volcán Telica (active volcano; hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking), Indio Maíz Reserve (mangrove boat trips, rainforest hikes), Isla de Ometepe (nature lover’s paradise), Reserva Natural Península de Cosiguina (nature reserve on a peninsula in northwestern Nicaragua, with active volcano Cosiguina)
• Animal spotting: jaguars, monkeys, sloths and numerous bird species in Bosawás, Indio Maíz Reserve (among others monkeys, sloths, jaguars, pumas, tapirs, snakes and frogs), Volcán Masaya Nature Reserve (monkeys, sloths, coyotes, foxes and deer), Refugio de Vida Silvestre Río San Juan (one of the most important nesting sites for sea turtles in Central America; also monkeys, sloths, crocodiles and caimans).

Study in Nicaragua?

• Language: The official language of Nicaragua is Spanish, so this is the language most commonly spoken in higher education. Some universities offer programs that are taught partly in English, or are bilingual. Here too, a basic knowledge of Spanish is often useful.
• Studies: broad study opportunities, but additional opportunities in the field of business administration (growing economy), tourism (important sector in the Nicaraguan economy), agriculture (agricultural land), international relations and sustainable development (environmental protection, environmental management).
• Study cities: Managua (largest city and the most important centre for higher education, large number of universities), León (colonial city, lively, art scene, nightlife; number of renowned universities), Granada (a popular city for both national and international students due to its location on the lake), Estelí (coffee plantations, rich culture, number of universities)
• Learn Spanish: Granada (colonial city with many language schools), Léon (progressive, music & art are often discussed), San Juan del Sur (beach town)

Internships in Nicaragua?

• Internships: many directions possible; above all in the areas of tourism (important sector in the Nicaraguan economy), agriculture (agricultural country: agricultural technology, sustainable agriculture and rural development), education (shortage of qualified teachers in Nicaragua), environmental protection (rich biodiversity, environment is under pressure), development aid (many international NGOs active)
• Internship cities: Managua (capital, largest centre for higher education and businesses), León (education, sustainable development and environmental protection), Granada (popular city with a number of NGOs and international organisations), Estelí (agricultural sector, tourism and sustainable development), San Juan del Sur (hotels, restaurants, tour operators)
• Characteristics: always be respectful and polite to managers (hierarchy!), remain formal in dealing with colleagues (at least until you receive other signals), regularly adapt to changes in schedules and priorities (also: work extra hours or pick up tasks last-minute), slow decision-making due to more focus on consensus and consultation.

Volunteering in Nicaragua?

• Volunteer projects: plenty of opportunities in almost all sectors; also education (qualified teachers), environmental protection (national park, sea turtle conservation, tree planting), health care (hospital, clinic, orphanage, education), development aid, construction (houses, schools or clinics in poor communities), agriculture (helping on a farm or cooperative, teaching agriculture)
• Animal/nature projects: animal welfare (shelters, dog shelters) and wildlife rehabilitation, environmental and nature conservation, sustainable agriculture, ecotourism, seal sanctuaries, horse rescue (abuse or neglect), sea turtle conservation,
• Features: volunteer work possible from 1 or 2 weeks to several months. There are many possibilities in Nicaragua, also to make your contribution sustainable together with communities and sustainable projects. Informal working atmosphere, be flexible because tasks and schedules can change suddenly.

Working in Nicaragua?

• Jobs: temporary and permanent work, especially in the areas of tourism (hotels, restaurants, tour operators, diving and snorkeling centers), education (shortage of qualified teachers, especially in English, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics), development aid (agriculture, health care, education), IT (software development, web design, network management), journalism, law (law firms and human rights organizations), care (qualified nurses and other care providers)
• Features: strong emphasis on personal relationships, respect, community and cooperation. Spanish is of course the main language. Avoid direct confrontation; communication in Nicaragua is often indirect (non-verbal signals!). Despite an informal working atmosphere, it is important to arrive on time for appointments and meetings. Be prepared to work extra hours or take on tasks at the last minute. In Nicaragua, it is important to be a team player and be willing to help your colleagues.
• Long working hours (>48 hrs/week) and often relatively few paid vacation days.

Working as a digital nomad in Nicaragua?

• Favorite locations: San Juan del Sur (coastal town, many coworking spaces), Granada (relaxed atmosphere, rich historical center), León (center for culture and art), Ometepe Island (for the nature lovers among digital nomads), Isla de la Maiz (archipelago of small islands off the coast of Nicaragua, pace is much slower than on the mainland).
• Features: lots of flexibility (tuning to your own biorhythm and productivity), relaxed informal atmosphere, strong reliable internet connections, abundance of coworking spaces, relatively low cost of living, active and diverse digital nomad community.

Living in Nicaragua?

• Language: Spanish is the official language, throughout the country. Knowledge of Spanish is essential for optimal integration into Nicaraguan society.
• Quality of life: Living in a tourist city like San Juan del Sur is considerably more expensive than in a small town or village. Cost of living is relatively low, but is rising (depending on your location). Food, rent, transportation, and entertainment are still affordable. Nicaragua is increasingly popular with retirees from North America and Europe.
• Characteristics: Pleasant tropical climate. Nicaraguans are known for their hospitality and friendliness. Relaxed lifestyle: less hurried pace. Roads can be poorly maintained, power outages can occur. Bureaucracy can sometimes be frustrating (around visas, residence permits, or administrative tasks). Nicaragua has a turbulent political history and experiences political unrest, which affects the stability and security of the country.
• Healthcare: The quality of healthcare in Nicaragua varies. Quality care is often only available in private clinics, which are (too) expensive for many. Access to care is more limited in less urbanized areas. Preventive care is important: the number of chronically ill (diabetes and cardiovascular diseases) is also increasing in Nicaragua. Ask for advice on insurance that provides sufficient coverage for the right care and also repatriation in case of emergency.