If you are looking for an educational adventure, during and after work hours, then Nicaragua is the right place for you. There are many possibilities in different business areas. For things to do in your spare time you don't have to worry at all! There are lots to do while you explore this wonderful, non-touristic country and enjoy the beauty that it offers. And on the days you don’t feel like exploring, you just stay in your hammock and enjoy the weather with the local rum, a fresh fruit juice or a local beer.
Challenging the internship assignments:
Nicaragua is a developing country, and has a great shortage of knowledge and knowhow. That means there are many challenging internship opportunities in many fields of work. Often there is simply no one else who can do this work because of lack of knowledge or lack of money to hire an expert. Your co-workers expect you to be a useful contributor.
Become independent:
Even though you're only a student, your co-workers will often see you as a professional. Your colleagues/ patients/ clients have expectations of you. It is expected that you know what you're doing, so if you somehow are not sure about something, then you have to communicate this clearly. The internship company expects you to be able to work quite independently. Many European students think they can do this, but in reality this is often a challenge. This is also one of the most valuable lessons. Whatever career you are looking for, being able to work independently is always a plus. On-Stage helps you with this by making clear to the company what your demands and wishes are for the internship. Where possible and necessary, On-Stage helps you find a specific internship assignment/central question before starting your internship.
In general, the internship company where you will work gives you an orientation of one or two weeks. Based on the newly acquired information and the internship guide from your university, you make a work plan for your internship or update it. You discuss this with your local supervisor, who then gives feedback.
In general, people will be very willing to help you, but you must make clear to them what you need from them. An example: Do you want a weekly evaluation with your supervisor? Then this will be possible, but you must indicate that yourself and remind your internship supervisor again a day ahead. In Nicaragua, appointments are often seen as indications, not as something strict. Therefore don’t think the worst of it when people are not living up to their appointments, but try again maybe in another way. If you really can’t manage to get what you need from your internship, then you can contact On-Stage and we will help you.
Integration:
Your colleagues and work environment will be 100% Nicaraguan. Surprises, disappointments and frustrations are inevitable: you cannot change your surroundings. You will therefore have to learn to integrate. You have to adjust to your new and strange surroundings. You will also learn that what is obvious for you may not be obvious for someone else. You may become aware that you need improvement in many areas, which gives you the chance to become competent in those areas.
Contribute:
Nicaragua is a very poor country: 48% of the population lives below the poverty line. Poverty is often accompanied by misery. The largest part of the population is unemployed and has no spending money. So also for entertainment there is no money available. Many children (and adults) are almost bored to death because they do not have anything to entertain themselves with. Their future is often quite hopeless. If you are having your internship in the area of education, care, tourism, or technique, then your presence can really make a difference. Many people are so ignorant or unaware so you may be able to teach them important things. Just by being present and by showing the behaviour and habits that you think are normal, you are already having a cultural exchange. You can teach and show that things can be different (not necessarily better, by the way) and change can be made.
Because On-Stage works in a socially responsible way, each work /volunteer placement can give a (small) contribution to a better future, sometimes in a direct way, sometimes in an indirect way. Your stay in Nicaragua by itself will already mean much-needed financial assistance for the local people providing your housing, meals and so on.
Broaden your horizons:
With your internship in Nicaragua, you are broadening your horizons. You will learn another language (Spanish) and will get to know another way of life. It also shows you your (unconscious) prejudices and makes you correct them. Because of this you will become employable for a wider range of jobs and it will make you a stronger person. You will get to know yourself better through such an experience. You will realize what your strengths and weaknesses are and you learn to deal with them. You will get hands-on experience in your study topic which will give more content to your degree.
Dreamers and go-getters:
There are dreamers and there are go-getters. All go-getters start of as dreamers. If you feel attracted to the possibility of an internship in Nicaragua, but you can’t imagine yourself hopping on the airplane yet, then you should realize this is very normal. On-Stage has already received many students, and very often they were very nervous before departure. Many people, led by their fears, don’t even take the opportunity to go abroad. That is very unfortunate because experience has shown us that almost all students feel at ease in Nicaragua in a few days and are often surprised by how much they like it.
You will learn where your limits are and how to overcome them. Your Spanish will improve, you will learn how to apply your knowledge and you will become more independent. Apart from countless unique moments and thrilling experiences, you will get a tremendous sense of freedom. You will realize there are many ways to live your life.
Please blogs and vlogs look for the reports on Nicaragua.