ViviendasLeón is an international development non-profit headquartered in San Francisco, California and Leon, Nicaragua. We offer high school and college students a unique and transformative experience that combines travel and service in Nicaragua. By participating in community development projects, students who travel with ViviendasLeón build a deep connection to the place and its people, and return with a deeper awareness of and commitment to being a true global citizen.
"My trip to Nicaragua was the perfect combination of working, sightseeing, relaxing, and bonding with other delegates as well as Nicaraguans. I made strong friendships with the other teens, as well as with my host family, the people in Goyena, and of course, Lindsey and Indiana! I had so much fun, and it was an experience I will never forget. I liked how relaxed and personal the trip was, especially compared to what I've heard about similar trips run by huge organizations. After I got home, I couldn't stop talking about the trip. I think my friends and family got bored of my stories, but it was all I could think about!" (Maya, high school student and 2007 summer travel participant)
"All around, top-notch organization in the US and Nicaragua. You have built a fantastic program that has a clear impact on all involved. I had a rewarding, enriching time." (Tom, high school teacher and chaperone of a school group, January 2007 participant)
"Certainly we felt that [our son] was well watched over - and yet he came home with a sense of independence and autonomy. What seems best to us about the program is your ability to combine and balance these different elements: involvement with and contribution to the community, learning about the culture, history and politics of Nicaragua, relaxation and fun, and giving the kids a sense of both safety and independence. (Parent of Zach, high school student and summer 2006 travel participant.)