The land of lakes and volcanoes has inspired poets for centuries. Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America and home to the Nicas who are fiercely proud of their cultural traditions: literature, cuisine, dance, art, and music. Nicaragua's recent history has been tumultuous and heartbreaking, but since the end of the civil war in 1990, the country has been healing. Nicaragua is experiencing a period of stability and has managed to minimize outside influence and become a truly self-governing nation. It is well known for being one of the safest destinations in Central America. Nicaragua is poised for a rush of economic development and is an up and coming tourist destination.

Granada, the oldest European city in the Americas, is a charming colonial city on the shore of Lake Nicaragua. The city is undergoing a massive restoration and revitalization as the Nicaraguan economy expandsand the tourist industry starts to take off. ELI works with community organizations in and around Granada to create volunteer and Spanish language immersion programs for travelers looking to dive beneath the surface and gain insight into the daily lives of Nicaraguans.