Apoyo Spanish School and Volunteering
FUNDECI/GAIA
Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve, Nicaragua
Study Spanish and Volunteer at the oldest and most experienced Spanish school in Nicaragua-- Apoyo Spanish School! Between Masaya and Granada lies the Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve, one of the most beautiful spots in Central America, Laguna de Apoyo Spanish School is there.
Hidden along the shoreline of the spectacular freshwater nature reserve, the biological research station "Estación Biológica FUNDECI/GAIA" offers students intensive Spanish language instruction while facilitating the exploration of Nicaragua’s ecological and cultural surroundings. In accordance with the nature of our nonprofit organization, your stay with us provides scholarships and grants for educational, research, and conservation projects within the local community of Laguna de Apoyo as well as in local universities.
The crater, a nationally designated protected area, is especially noted for the biodiversity encountered there. Nature lovers can take walks through the high-quality dry tropical forest near the school. The school grounds alone make for excellent birdwatching: the Turquoise-browed Motmot, Montezuma Oropendola, Collared Aracari, and the Black-headed Trogon can be seen often in the trees overhead while you study Spanish. Bring your binoculars, and join us on a nature walk! Iguanas, variegated squirrels, kinkajous, and many of Nicaragua’s 65 species of bats can be seen on the premises. Howler monkeys are often directly overhead in our yard. Endangered fishes found only in Lake Apoyo are easily sighted by SCUBA diving near our site.
We operate the oldest Nicaragua Spanish school, with the most experienced teachers in the country. We have trained many of the teachers in other programs throughout the country. Our school is the only registered not-for-profit Spanish school in the country. All our proceeds are used to promote environmental awareness and train local community members and park guards in important skills.
How to Choose a Spanish School?
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Students and staff of Apoyo Spanish School visiting the Catarina overlook, with Laguna de Apoyo below. |
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The nearby town San Juan de Oriente is a famous center for ceramic pottery, maintaining its precolombian culture in designs and technologies. |
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The environment of Laguna de Apoyo is natural and nearly unspoiled. Students of Apoyo Spanish School hike the forests of Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve and see wildlife such as monkeys, birds and butterflies. |
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Children living in Lake Apoyo Nature Reserve attend school. FUNDECI/GAIA provides school materials and educational opportunities to the children of this school. Each year, several students of Apoyo Spanish School bring gifts of schools supplies for the children. |
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The natural beauty of Laguna de Apoyo is unsurpassed in Central America. |
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Lake Apoyo is the best place in Nicaragua for swimming, day and night. The water is always warm and clear. |
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The Apoyo Spanish School facilities on the edge of Lake Apoyo are integrated into the environment. Monkeys are often in the trees overhead. |
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Apoyo Spanish School is beneath this scenic view of Laguna de Apoyo from Catarina. |
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