I have been stuck for two months now, not knowing how to write this post. I am currently in the States, having come home to network and fundraise for the organization that I am working for in Nicaragua. It has been a successful and invigorating two months, but as I sit here in the airport, [...][...]
Author Archive
December 14th, 2009 - 11:04 am § in Around Town, Nicaragua
Life’s Big Decisions
As I prepare to go home for the Christmas holiday, I am filled with conflicting emotions about leaving Nicaragua. I am planning to stay home for two months and then I will fly back here to work and live for at least another six. But I have been offered the opportunity to stay and work [...][...]
November 18th, 2009 - 5:41 pm § in Country, In the Field, Looking for Opportunity, Nicaragua, Tips & Resources, Volunteer, Volunteer Spotlight
ATRAVES: Finding your “Perfect Match” in Nicaragua
Want to volunteer in Nicaragua but not sure where to start? Are you looking for a small organization that works directly with the local population but that also fits your own personal interests? Let me guess… you can’t seem to find your perfect match on the internet. A lot of times these small o[...]
Challenging Gender Norms
Last week I wrote about the personal decisions we all have to make when it comes to challenging cultural norms. Here I elaborate on my experience challenging one of the most deeply-rooted cultural norms of Nicaragua: the role of the muchacha. I’m an unofficial athlete and one of the things I obser[...]
October 29th, 2009 - 10:43 am § in Nicaragua, Tips & Resources
Challenging Cultural Norms
I think that all of us as individuals have the natural tendency to believe our own way of doing things is the correct way. After all, if we thought otherwise we would most likely modify our methods. Those of us who feel most strongly about how things should be often live our lives trying to [...][...]
Five Things to Think About When Choosing Your Volunteer Location
A few weeks ago I posted my top 10 suggestions on how to be a successful long-term volunteer. Number 8 was to make sure you are honest with yourself about what kind of environment you can work in. This is important if you plan to come for an extended amount of time. If you are [...][...]
October 7th, 2009 - 6:01 pm § in Around Town
Please Stop Staring… I am NOT a Celebrity
How do you cope when you have reached the point at which true, genuine culture shock sets in? I don’t mean the kind where everything seems new, different, maybe strange (or even wrong?) but still a little exciting all at the same time. I am talking about the point when you are truly involved in [.[...]
September 23rd, 2009 - 8:05 pm § in Good Ideas, In the Field, Looking for Opportunity, Nicaragua, Tips & Resources, Volunteer
Top 10 Ways to be a Successful Long-Term Volunteer
Tired of the “nine to five?” Thinking of leaving the daily grind for something more rewarding? Here are my top 10 suggestions for those of you who thinking of trying your hand in Latin America. 10. Don’t listen to the people who tell you that you’re foolish for leaving your “stable” job,[...]
September 9th, 2009 - 10:12 am § in Good Ideas, Looking for Opportunity, Tips & Resources, Volunteer
Top 10 Ways to be a Successful Tourist
Thinking of coming to Latin America? Not sure what to expect? Sure, everyone knows not to drink the water. But what else is there to know? Here are my top 10 suggestions for first time travelers: 10. Don’t listen to all the people who tell you it’s too dangerous. But on the flipside, be smart. T[...]
