2009 NICARAGUAN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

WHY NICARAGUA?

In today's competitive world, it is only natural to question yourself: Why a Study Abroad Program in Nicaragua?

Nicaragua is a hidden jewel with warm, authentic culture and breathtaking nature, a true treasure to be discovered by students and adventurous travelers. The fact that Nicaragua has not been overrun by visitors mean that it is an authentic place where you can enjoy your Study Abroad Program at a relaxed pace, surrounded by beautiful nature, while immersing in its incredible history, culture and nature.

Authenticity - few destinations around the world can offer an authentic character and culture as Nicaragua. The country´s unjustly negative image due to political events that took place in the 1980´s, ironically has helped preserve its charm from the impact of mass tourism and visitors. And anyone who has traveled to Nicaragua, immediately have felt the kindness and hospitality from Nicaraguans, and has been enchanted by their special warmth and expressions of friendship.

Culture - Nicaragua has strong folklore, music and religious traditions, deeply influenced by European culture but enriched with Amerindian sounds and flavors. But most of all Nicaragua's culture breaths poetry, the unrivaled national passion, has produced internationally renowned poets such as Rubén Darío, who is regarded as the most important literary figure in Nicaragua, referred to as the "Father of Modernism" for leading the modernism literary movement at the end of the 19th century. Other literary figures include Pablo A. Cuadra, Salomón de la Selva, Alfonso Cortés, Joaquín Pasos, Ernesto Cardenal, Gioconda Belli, Claribel Alegría and Jose Coronel Urtecho, among others. Every February, Nicaragua celebrates in the city of Granada, the world-famous Granada International Poetry Festival.

Diversity - The west of the country was colonized by Spain and has a similar culture to other Spanish-speaking Latin American countries. The eastern half of the country, on the other hand, was once a British protectorate and several indigenous groups still maintain a distinct identity. The Miskito, Sumo, Garífuna, and Rama people still use their original languages, and also usually speak English and/or Spanish.

Education - Elementary education is free and compulsory; however, many children in rural areas are unable to attend due to lack of schools and other reasons. Communities located on the Caribbean coast have access to education in their native languages. The majority of higher education institutions are located in Managua. Nicaragua provides unique opportunities for volunteer community services in the area of education and many others.

Food - Nicaragua's food is regarded as the finest in Central America famous for using fresh ingredients and generous servings. In addition to the numerous fresh fruits that one expects in the tropics, grilled meats and fresh fish are complimented by local made cheeses, vine-ripened vegetables, hand-made tortillas, fruit drinks, local beers and Nicaragua's famously smooth rum.

Literature - El Güegüense is a satirical drama and was the first literary work of pre-Columbian Nicaragua, written by an anonymous author in the 16th century, making it one of the oldest indigenous theatrical/dance works of the Western Hemisphere. It is Nicaragua's signature folkloric masterpiece combining music, dance and theater. El Güegüense is performed during the feast of San Sebastián in Diriamba from January 17 to the 27th. It was passed down orally for many centuries until it was finally written down and published into a book in 1942. UNESCO proclaimed it a "Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity" in 2005 making Nicaragua the only country in Central America and one of six in Latin America to have 2 proclaimed masterpieces by UNESCO. The first proclaimed masterpiece was the "Oral traditions and expressions" of the Garifuna.

Music - music is a mixture of indigenous and European, especially Spanish influences. Musical instruments include the marimba which in Nicaragua is uniquely played by a sitting performer holding the instrument on his knees. He is usually accompanied by a bass fiddle, guitar and guitarrilla (a small guitar like a mandolin). The marimba is made with hardwood plates, placed over bamboo or metal tubes of varying lengths. It is played with two or four hammers. The Caribbean coast of Nicaragua is known for a lively, sensual form of dance music that is especially loud and celebrated during the month of May Palo de Mayo festival. The Garífuna community is known for its popular music called Punta. Also, Soca music, Reggaeton and Reggae is popular throughout the country.

Nature - many travel to the tropics to see its rich flora and fauna. Nicaragua is just now being discovered as a land of great nature reserves. The nature is nothing new it has just been a well kept secret. The two largest forest reserves in Central America are found in Nicaragua and they are part of 78 national nature reserves that cover 21,000 km2, more than 18% of its landmass. The reserves protect a diverse portfolio of ecosystems, flora and fauna. What makes Nicaragua land most distinct is its dramatic geography marked by lakes and volcanoes. The thorny spine of volcanoes that run from Nicaragua's northwestern-most point to the dual-volcano island of Ometepe in the great lake of Nicaragua includes countless beautiful cones, 14 of which are filled with crystal clear crater lakes and 7 of which are active. Nicaragua numerous lakes and rivers include Central America's biggest Lake Nicaragua, which is punctuated by more than 500 volcanic islands that support unique wildlife and hide ancient indigenous relics.

Nicaraguan Educational Programs invites you to experience Nicaragua and allow us make you feel comfortable, with a well-planned Study Abroad Program that can meet, and hopefully surpass, your expectations.
Contact us today, and let us plan your next Study Abroad Program!

info@spanishprogramnicaragua.com

Ometepe Nicaragua