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Nicaragua:
Safest Country in Central America?!

A note to prospective NSS students
about the "issue of safety" in Nicaragua.

Nicaragua is stable, safe and ready to welcome you with open arms! I have traveled in all of Central America and have been visiting Nicaragua regularly since 1986 and there is no place I feel safer or more welcome than in Nicaragua. However, misunderstanding about the reality of Nicaragua is normal, especially in the US, because of all the negative publicity and misinformation publicized during the time of the controversial "Contra War" in the 80’s. Then after the end of the war in 1990, Nicaragua suddenly disappeared from public attention leaving us only with a vague and false impression of this beautiful and friendly country. Let us set the record straight so you won't miss out on the opportunity of visiting and learning Spanish in beautiful, hospitable, exciting Nicaragua!

During the years that my country's government was (sometimes illegally) sponsoring the unfortunate "Contra War" along with a crippling economic embargo, Nicaraguans only had friendship and warmth for me and the many US and other foreign citizens who visited Nicaragua. That has never changed. As recent student Kevin Monahan put it, "Inexplicably, Nicaragua shows no resentment toward the nephews and nieces of 'Uncle Sam'. Nicaragua is safe, the people friendly, the land awesome...". Now, as in the past, Nicaragua is an exceptionally hospitable country where Spanish students and eco-travelers can feel accepted as part of the community. Unlike some other countries, the police and authorities will not bother you and foreigners are not prime targets for crime.

In a Managua market: "Hola, mi amor!"

People who have been to Nicaragua various times like Bill Mosley can testify to Nicaragua's safety and hospitality. "I agree. My two children (3 & 6) are there now and if I had any reservations about their safety, they would not be. We have visited Nicaragua for over 10 years and have met nothing but kind, generous people. We will be going once again this year in December."

Just as in any country, students and travelers in Nicaragua need only be concerned about "normal" city street crime, not "political instability". There is "normal" economic and passion motivated crime in Nicaragua (mostly in the capital, Managua), but not nearly as prevalent towards foreigners as in most other Latin American countries or tourist areas in US and European cities. Compare the U.S. State Department's Consular Information Sheets on Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala and then Nicaragua. The people who write these reports have a vested interest in exaggerating on the side of caution, but even so, compared to other countries where many more tourists travel than in Nicaragua, even these State Department reports show that Nicaragua has much less violent and non-violent crime directed toward foreigners which makes it comparatively rate as the safest Central American country for travelers and students.

When you visit Nicaragua, you will experience a small yet richly diverse country that is struggling to develop economically under difficult circumstances, but with a sense optimism and hope for the future. Your presence as a Spanish student helps the ecologically sound and economically just development of Nicaragua by alleviating some of the pressure of poverty that does indeed cause crime and despair. Every time a student attends an immersion program in Nicaragua, money is earned by Nicaraguan families, by school staff, and for the various programs supported by some of the schools. As a student, you will enjoy Nicaraguan hospitality and the warm feeling of being a contributing participant in the life around you. So, just follow the advice of your Nica hosts, use common sense, relax and smile as much as possible, and you will have a safe, fun-filled, unforgettable time in Nicaragua!

Sincerely,

Paul A. Martin
International Director, NSS

February, 2007

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