Coffee is the backbone of the life and
economy of the Nicaraguan northern highlands. The Mountain School, located in the
heart of Nicaragua's coffee producing lands, provides training for groups and individuals who
wish to learn more about the great story of Nicaragua, its history, its culture, its land,
and its language. The GAIA program at FUNDECI hosts The Mountain School Spanish Language Program, and
provides opportunities for learning and volunteering in ecology, rural development, social responsibility, education, and
related topics.
Volunteers at The Mountain School can participate in a variety of activities at
special prices: (1) Spanish classes, offered using the FUNDECI/GAIA methodology perfected at Apoyo Spanish School;
(2) Meals and activities shared with the staff of The Mountain School and Finca Santa Emilia; (3) Opportunities to learn about environmentally
and socially responsible practices in the experiences of Finca Santa Emilia and to participate in on-farm work; (4) Appreciate the rural
environment and exuberant nature all around. We welcome groups of all sizes and individuals to join us in learning and sharing.
The Mountain School Spanish Language Program is part of the Nicaragua Spanish
Schools Network. To read more about Spanish classes at The Mountain School, click on the link below.
The GAIA program conducts scientific research, conservation of wild natural resources, and
environmental education under the auspices of the Nicaraguan Foundation for Integral Community Development (FUNDECI), a Nicaraguan
nonprofit institution registered in Nicaragua since 1973. Contact us at apoyo@gaianicaragua.org, or
011-505-8882-3992. Our office is located at Estación Biológica in Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve. We administer the program
"In Defense of Nature", operate the Biological Research Station and Hostel "Estación Biológica" in Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve, conduct
a number of research and conservation projects in Nicaragua, and we provide Spanish language instruction to volunteers and professionals
at Apoyo Spanish School. We also offer opportunities for volunteering in biology, natural resource management, and community organization
areas.
Spanish Studies and Volunteering at The Mountain School
Biodiversity and Ecology Studies at The Mountain School
Blog: Coffee Tasting at The Mountain School
Blog: Spanish study at The Mountain School
Blog: Volunteering at The Mountain School
FUNDECI/GAIA homepage
Apoyo Spanish school Nicaragua
Volunteer at Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve
Birdwatching in Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve
Dive Laguna de Apoyo
Lake Apoyo Biological Research Station
Stay at Hostal "Estación Biológica" in Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve
Laguna de Apoyo, Nicaragua
Animals of Laguna de Apoyo
Arts and Culture in Nicaragua
contact us
Spanish classes of The Mountain School are held on the patios
of the Eco-Village Casas Ecológicas in the Finca Santa Emilia. The environment is green and natural, with children and families nearby. Photo
Bevan Yiu.
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Coffee farm worker families live alongside volunteers and students of The
Mountain School in the Casas Ecológicas. Photo Stella Deppe. |
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Spanish students at The Mountain School
participate in volunteer activities such as the children's library project operated in the Eco-Vilage Casas Ecológicas and
sponsored by State Street Coffee. Photo Eric Brazington. |
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Spanish students and volunteers of The Mountain School are invited to donate school supplies for the
children of the local elementary school. Photo Eric Brazington. |
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The Mountain School is housed in the Eco-Village Casas Ecológicas
in Finca Santa Emilia. Housing is made of bamboo, rustic wood and adobe, with green roofs. Photo Eric Brazington. |
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After-school activities for the children at Finca
Santa Emilia are held inside the Eco-Village Casas Ecológicas. . Photo Eric Brazington. |
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Gaia Program director Jeffrey McCrary discusses sustainable rural development issues
with students from Universidad del Norte in a visit to The Mountain School. Photo Maggie Folkesson. |
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Hundreds of tortillas are made
daily in the kitchen at Finca Santa Emilia. Photo Eric Brazington. |
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Vegetation is exuberant, and cascades can be vigorous
in Finca Santa Emilia. Photo Eric Brazington. |
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The FUNDECI/GAIA science staff are conducting
studies of the flora and fauna in and around Finca Santa Emilia. Students of biodiversity are welcome to
join us in studies. Photo Eric Brazington. |
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The Eco-Village Casas Ecológicas provides a comfortable and friendly
atmosphere for learning and contributing. Photo Stella Deppe. |
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Skies and mountain forests surround the Eco-Village Casas Ecológicas.
Photo Stella Deppe. |
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