Trip Preparation

• Review the team descriptions to see what works best for you, select a date for your experience, and then send us an email and submit deposit to reserve your position on a team.
• If you are an individual/solo student you will become a member of a team of students across the US/Canada
• If you are on a faculty led team, then you will most likely already know your team mates, but you will get to know them much better while on this journey!
• Our experience has shown that when you depart Nicaragua, the friendships that you have developed with your team members will be life long as you have all shared a very unique life-changing experience.

• Make arrangements to arrive between 10:00am-2:00pm at your destination city. 
• Make sure that your passport is current and that your expiration date is not less than 6 months after your departure date from the country being visited
• Book your flight to Managua, Nicaragua (Augusto C. Sandino International Airport - MGA).
• Plan your departures for early morning.
• Make sure before buying your air tickets that the arrival and departure dates coincide with those of the rest of the group or the program.

General Healthcare Team:

• Stethoscope, Otoscope, Blood Pressure Kit, Scrubs x 4 pairs, Closed Toe Shoes (running shoes), Backpack, Water Bottle

Dental Team:

• Scrubs x 4 pairs, Backpack, Water Bottle, Closed Toe Shoes (running shoes),

Physical Therapy Team:

• Scrubs x 4 pairs, Backpack, Water Bottle, Closed Toe Shoes (running shoes)

Education Team:

• Scrubs x 4 pairs, Backpack, Water Bottle, Closed Toe Shoes (running shoes)

Veterinarian Team:

• Scrubs x 4 pairs, Backpack, Water Bottle, Closed Toe Shoes (running shoes)

• Paying for a service-learning healthcare/education/community building experience may be challenging for a college student, so we recommend that you consider establishing a fundraising platform for self or your group.
• Fundraising platforms are many and include GoFundMe, Fundly, Bonfire, DonateKindly, and so many more.
• It has been our experience that students are usually quite successful in these attempts as their social media presence allows them the opportunity to reach out to a larger audience.

• The currency in Nicaragua is the Cordoba and the exchange rate will vary. 
• Currently, 1 US dollar equals 35 Cordoba
• We suggest that you bring US dollars as they are accepted widely, with change being given in Cordoba's. 
• Amount of spending is dependent on the individual as most expenses are paid for ... so $100-$200 has seemed to be a sufficient amount of cash to have with you.
• Credit cards can be used in some areas, but if using a credit card make sure that your credit card company is aware as they may be alarmed to see a purchase in Nicaragua.

• While scrubs are required in all clinical settings, it is okay to dress for the local climate ... and that means summer wear (bring a hat/cap, and suntan lotion as the sun can be intense)
• Laptops are not needed, but if you need to bring them to keep up on school work they will be safe in your room. 
• Nicaragua typically uses 110 volt electricity, same as the US. Plugs are typically the 2 pronged flat type so US travelers will not typically need a plug adapter (unless your device requires 3 prongs).
• Phones can be used if you have an international plan, or on wifi when at the hotel. It's recommended to download and use WhatsApp for international calls.
• Bring personal medications and make sure that they are in well labeled containers. Pharmacies are available on almost every street corner, but may not have your prescribed medications!

• There are no "required" vaccinations for entry/travel in Nicaragua, but we always recommend that you review the CDC Guidelines for updates on their suggestions.
• Because of The Pandemic: Keep in mind that to enter the country you must meet the requirements set forth in resolutions No. 358-2020 of the MINSA and No. 0172020 of the INAC of this country:

1. All passengers must have the negative result of a "real-time PCR" test (swab) for COVID-19, carried out no longer than 72 hours before entering the country.
2. On the day of your trip, you must present the original document of your PCR test results to the airline and Inmigration Officer.

• On departure from Nicaragua all those returning to the US will need to show evidence of a negative Coronavirus test done within 72 hours of departure ... this can be facilitated through MINSA and the cost of this test is $150.00 US