Our Partners
In Ecuador
Local partners based in Quito, Ecuador manage programs in a variety of locations throughout the country. In addition to in-country administrative staff, our Ecuador partners include an entire network of home-stay families, volunteer-project coordinators, and program staff that work closely with Travel Alive volunteers. Dedicated program administrators in Quito are there to greet new volunteers and are available in-country via email, phone, and in person whenever needed.
In Nicaragua
Travel Alive's partners in Ocotal, Nicaragua run the Segovian Spanish School which was founded by Nicaraguans Gerardo José López López and Francisco José Arteaga Zamora. The Segovian Spanish School employs local support staff and teachers, and generates revenue for local home-stay families and businesses that support the school and Travel Alive programs in Ocotal.
Gerardo López
A native to the Ocotal region, Gerardo grew up in nearby Totogalpa, Nicaragua. He has degrees in social science, education, and economic development. With Francisco Arteaga he manages the everyday operations in Ocotal, Nicaragua and coordinates home-stay and volunteering. He and Francisco founded the Segovian Spanish School in Ocotal.
Francisco Arteaga
Also from Totogalpa, Nicaragua, Francisco has a degree in education, specializing in Spanish. With Gerardo he manages the Segovian Spanish School, develops curriculum for the school and the Travel Alive program, and since 1999 Francisco has taught Spanish to Peace Corps volunteers.
Grupo Fenix
Travel Alive volunteers have worked on several Grupo Fenix projects. Grupo Fenix's primary goal is to research, develop and apply appropriate, renewable energy technologies in Nicaragua.
In the United States
The Heritage Institute
Travel Alive can offer undergraduate and graduate level continuing education credits for primary and secondary level teachers through the Heritage Institute Online and its partnership with Antioch College in Seattle, Washington.
The International Volunteer Programs Association (IVPA)
Travel Alive is an associate member of the IVPA and has been involved in this organization since 2006. As members we adhere to the IVPA principles and best practices to assure quality international volunteer programming. An important requirement of membership is for travel programs to provide international medical insurance to all participants.
The University of Cincinnati (UC)
In 2006 Travel Alive and the University of Cincinnati developed a two-week Honors program in Nicaragua. Travel Alive adapted its Ocotal Spanish School and volunteer program to coincide with UC academic requirements for students to earn credits. If you represent a school, college, or university, and are interested in learning more about developing a program with Travel Alive and the people of Nicaragua or Ecuador, please contact us.
