Although it’s the second poorest country in the western hemisphere, Nicaragua’s warm and welcoming culture and relatively untouched ecological beauty offer a great place for an amazing gap year adventure.

The MTGI gap year program is based in two locations: Granada, an old, culturally rich Spanish colonial city; and San Juan Del Sur, a small coastal village with an intriguing mix of local culture and beautiful beaches near the border of Costa Rica.

Nicaragua remains the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere despite its growing tourism industry. MTGI's program coordinators have been in the country for many years, involved in grassroots efforts to promote responsible and sustainable community development. With guidance and insight from these experienced leaders, our gappers engage in service in a variety of ways, such as:

• Enriching the lives of kids with after school programs
• Opening doors of opportunity for young people by tutoring them in English
• Helping preserve the country’s ecological balance with conservation groups
• Assisting with local recycling and water filtration programs

You’ll also spend a few days on an organic coffee plantation and have time to hike an active volcano, zip line through a forest, body surf in the ocean, and haggle for a good price on a hand-crafted hammock. You might even spot a few sea turtles laying eggs along one of the many undeveloped beaches. The program includes 8-10 excursions such as these.