The Internship: Part 1

Last week at MPI Nicaragua, 12 interns arrived at the Manna House—eager, excited, sweaty, and slightly nervous to see what the future would hold. Would their Spanish be sufficient to ensure survival? Would their digestive systems be a match for endless days of gallo pinto? Our fearless hosts, Mike and Heidi, presented our interns with a challenge: to dive into three or four programs in which they could fully immerse themselves to make the most seismic impact during their short stint on site.

The festivities began with the interns adjusting to their new surroundings with the help of "Cards Against Humanity," a fierce cookoff of Nicaraguan traditional cuisine, and Mike and Heidi’s infamous “quiz” (a.k.a scavenger hunt). Interns Kyle and Zach stealthily attempted to elicit answers from reluctant PDs while others delved into Nicaraguan geography and history to complete the quiz (for future reference—the map lies: there are only 19 volcanoes, as opposed to the popular answer of 40).

Meanwhile, the interns checked out each of the 14 programs centered around holistic community development. We each grew increasingly interested about the jewelry cooperative, the clinic, and Child Sponsorship—we couldn’t help but wonder: would program selections prove to be a major point of contention during the official intern program assignment ceremony on Friday?

In the midst of the weekly programs, the interns found themselves bonding with community members in Cedro Galan and laying the foundations for potential future homestays. Nevertheless, the decision ceremony approached, and curiosity loomed as everyone anxiously anticipated the selection process.

In the end, decisions were made somewhat painlessly, as each intern accepted their new responsibilities with excitement followed by a long-awaited celebration at Pops Ice Cream store (10 out of 10 recommend). Ultimately, Week 1 proved to be a success. The now well-acquainted interns headed off to a relaxing weekend getaway in Granada and Laguna de Apoyo (see Zach’s sunburn for details).

The beautiful sunset from Granada.

What will this next week hold as interns assimilate to their new programs and responsibilities? Stay tuned to The Internship to find out.

Meet the Interns!

Claire Butler a.k.a. “Chicky” — 19, University of Michigan

• Loves chicken and impersonating Mike
• Has yet to become sick of rice

Rachel Scoratow — 21, University of Richmond

• Hip hop junkie
• Tinder fanatic
• Chronic ankle-sprainer

Kyle Witt — 20, Vanderbilt University

• Robert Pattinson look-alike
• Known to be 52% introverted

Amrit Bhinder — 24, UPenn alumni and future digital strategist

• Drake aficionado
• Deathly afraid of spiders
• Came to become “rugged”

Zach Ripberger — 18, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

• Local celeb due to striking blond hair
• Forgot sunscreen (has a sunburn the shape of Arkansas on his back)
• Resident interpretive dancer

Mackenzie Battle — 20, University of Michigan

• Knows the words to every song
• Enjoys treading water
• Can fit 20 grapes in mouth at one time

Esther — 23, USF alumni

• Has worked every job imaginable
• Talent: provides humorous side commentary

Savannah Weeks — 22, Belmont University alumni

• Sings like an angel
• Loves Beyonce

Maggie Thompson — 20, Loyola University Chicago

• Runs marathons for fun
• Can faint on command
• Knows all the words to “American Pie”

Amanda – Occupational Therapy Student at GVSU

• Ex-gymnast
• Salsa dancing enthusiast

Elhaam –23, University of South Florida Medical Student

• Resident med student and fashionista
• Contour/makeup specialist

Allie Love — 20, Vanderbilt University

• Friends with someone in every state except Montana
• Killed a fly and then felt bad
• Peaked in middle school when was featured on Dancing with the Stars

Dave's Family Guest Teaches in Nicaragua

In May, Nicaragua Program Director Dave Schmid's family came for a visit. In this blog, Mrs. Mary Schmid shares an account of her experience in the community.

A big thank you to Mary, Dave and the entire Schmid family for all your help and support!

Our son David is in Nicaragua, and we decided to visit and see him at work. I myself am a teacher so I was quite interested in how they taught the different age groups their English classes. After a couple of days sight seeing, we arrived at Manna Project's after school English classes. Dave and Kayla were teaching future participles.  

After the lesson they asked myself and other family members to go to different tables and work with the students. My table had a woman my age, in her fifties, named Lorena and two teenagers. We read together and then did different writing activities. I loved looking around the room and seeing my family from New Jersey smiling and assisting their Nicaraguan students. The students were only so happy to do their work and try to get the right answers.

While teaching in New Jersey, my class is all the same age. I do have some eager learners, but not as many different levels as Dave and Kayla were faced with.  They were able to challenge the high achievers without frustrating the lower level English students. I was very impressed.

The joy in that room was felt by all. We enjoyed serving our far away neighbors, and they were very receptive students.  We were happy to be a part of something so meaningful.  After class, we were invited to come to dinner by Lorena, and my daughter was holding a baby that belonged to a parent of one of her students. In a matter of about an hour, we felt like we belonged, we were bonding from the outset.

Our family realized that age doesn't matter when learning. If one wants to learn and better themselves they are the best students to teach. They are happy to have the extra help, and attention compared to the student that has to go to school because it is the law. Manna Project has young men and women who are very willing to give of themselves, and students who work hard to please their teachers, and try to better themselves and their lives by learning English.

I was happy to return to the United States, but will miss the hospitality of the Nicaraguan people.

Slather Got the Job!

Slather (pronounced 'Slater') is a student in MPI's pilot program, English Vocational Training. One of the premier job opportunities for English-speakers in Nicaragua is to work for an English language call center. While there are many openings, few are qualified. 

Over the past year, Slather has been interviewing with different call centers and working on his skills to land a job in the industry. Last week he was hired by Concentrix, a business services company with high-end customer engagement services. We are so proud of Slather and all of his hard work!

We look forward to reporting future successes for students in the English Vocational Training program as students gain skills for employment at a local call center to vastly improve the wellbeing of both themselves and their families. 

The Top 8 Reasons to be a Program Director with MPI Nicaragua

As told by current Nicaragua Program Directors 

8)  In Nicaragua, puppies are allowed on the beach.

Living in the Manna house means coming to love our two amazing guard dogs, Roscoe and Tola!

7)  You'll learn important life-skills... 

Driving a manual microbus without crashing, for example.

6)  Build your resume! 

Whether you are interested in medicine, international development, or are still trying to figure it out, Manna Project is a great place to learn and exercise new skills in a significant leadership role.

5.   SMILES AND HUGS!!!! 

The joy that comes from doing this work is contagious and all of your days will be filled smiles and hugs. 

4)  Learn Spanish! 

When you first arrive to Nicaragua, you may not know your izquierda (left) from your derecha (right), but with constant immersion and by teaching classes in Spanish, you will see your skills make leaps and bounds! Learning a new language is incredibly fulfilling both professionally and personally.

3)  You get to travel this beautiful country of lakes, volcanoes, and beaches! 

There is so much to explore and adventure to be had! 

2)  Perfect your work/life balance.

Every day you get to experience the daily shenanigans that ensue when your 12 co-workers are also your roommates and best friends. 

1)  Make a difference! 

The best part about working with Manna Project is the clear and powerful changes we see from our work. Seeing a student begin to grasp English, a child in our nutritional program gain weight, or the smile on a Camp JAMer's face as they show off some art (*Camp JAM = creative arts class).

 Working with Manna Project will make you feel like you’re really helping make a positive change in the community in a way that no other job can.

Wise Words from a Program Director's Mother

A guest blog from Joyce Calvo-Chen

So what is it like having a daughter work for Manna Project International?

I was shocked when Carissa first told me she was applying to Manna Project, and if accepted would be living in Nicaragua for 13 months! I had definitely been spoiled having Carissa in college only 15 minutes away from our home. After she graduated, I originally thought she would be working in New York City and was already having a hard time accepting that! The day finally came for her to leave on a grand adventure to Nicaragua and as any parent may have, I cried as we said goodbye at the airport, and then again in the car ride… all the way home. I knew it would be a long time until Christmas break and began counting down the days…

Once she started telling me about her experiences in Nicaragua, her first week in Spanish school and living with a host family, I knew she was in the right place. She was so happy and with wonderful loving people. From what I could see, she was having such a beautiful experience right away. I was relieved hearing about Carissa’s new home and so excited for her.

I never would have been brave enough to do something like that and I was in awe and so proud of her. Those words cannot describe how I felt and how I feel now.

When she came home for Christmas I was so happy to be reunited with her again! It was Carissa’s first day home when she received a Skype call from her host family in Nicaragua. She was speaking Spanish to them and I could not believe how well she was able to communicate. Her second family in Nicaragua already missed her and I could tell that the little girls in that family love her so much!

She continued to share her experiences with our friends and extended family that came to visit for the holidays. She showed us photos and videos of herself teaching English, helping the women with their jewelry cooperative, and the different communities where she works. After looking at her photos on Facebook, seeing the beauty of Nicaragua and how many experiences she has had with her new friends I am so happy for her. Despite my initial sadness and heartbreak from Carissa leaving, I am able to forgive her knowing Nicaragua is exactly where she is supposed to be.

-Joyce Calvo-Chen