Over the years Grupo Fenix has had the pleasure of working with a variety of hearty, energetic volunteers-individuals and groups alike-and we are intent on continuing this tradition. We are able to provide an opportunity for people to learn a great deal about renewable energy, sustainable development work, and Nicaraguan life.

What kind of people come to work with us? In the past we have had our share of student groups as well as individual students earning independent credit or writing master's theses. We have also had people in the renewable energy industry, folks who work with non-profits, and those who simply have wanted to contribute their skills and learn some of ours. However, this is not a simple "show up and plug-in" situation. We have had and will continue to need, volunteers who are self-starters with their own visions and the energy and organization to see themselves through.

Past volunteers have worked on many projects: battery charger designs, rural PV installations, solar cookers, developing markets for PV and solar thermal, grant writing, project management, computer work/web development, organizational development work, and general administration. In addition to each volunteer's specific project(s), volunteers are often invited on installations, project consultations, meetings, workshops, and lectures. There are expert Nicaraguan staff who are experienced in solar energy and love to share their knowledge.

If you are interested in volunteering or interning with us, first read through the "Details & Pricing" link below which explains our program in more detail, and the steps for how to volunteer with us. Then please fill out and send in our application in Spanish found below to volunteers@grupofenix.org (groups please make special arrangements via this email). Please look at our projects page and mention in your application which projects interest you.  We also host independent research and projects for those interested.

Please note the following requirements for individual volunteers:

    * Minimum 10 week volunteer stay
    * Minimum "Low Intermediate" Spanish ability
    * Ability to assume the costs of your stay
    * Preferred participation in our Solar Cultural Course (may be waived under certain circumstances)

That said, we are open to people with different skills, experience, and ideas. We can arrange home stays with Nicaraguan families and we typically expect about a 30 hour a week commitment from volunteers. We hope you`ll spend the rest of your time improving your Spanish, making friends, getting to know Nicaraguan culture, and taking some pretty adventurous weekend trips.

• Download Application (Spanish) (MS Word, 46KB)
• Pricing & Details About Volunteering With Grupo Fenix, (MS Word, (57 KB), PDF (45 KB))
• All visitors should read our "Grupo Fenix Handbook" (MS Word (122 KB), PDF (129 KB))
• Volunteers should also read our "Volunteer Handbook Supplement" (MS Word, (43 KB), PDF (52 KB))

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