Live the Language 2027
Nicaragua
A wonderful vacation can awaken a lifelong curiosity about another language or culture. But building relationships, acquiring a foreign language, becoming part of the everyday rhythm of a place, and contributing meaningfully to a local community all take time.
Our Live the Language immersion experience in Nicaragua offers this valuable gift: time. Time to connect more deeply with yourself, with others, and with the world around you. And time to put those connections into action through meaningful endeavors that make a positive difference for people and our planet.
Live the Language brings together two distinct but interconnected cohorts: families and independent teens. Each enjoys thoughtfully designed programming tailored to the interests, needs, and developmental stages of its participants. Our eco-villa reflects that same thoughtful approach, with separate accommodations for each cohort and welcoming shared spaces that invite everyone to come together, build friendships, and enjoy the warmth of a vibrant, intergenerational community.
Trips That Transform
Rivas, Nicaragua
3.5-week & 7-week sessions
Multiple participation levels available
8-16 Independent Teen Cohort Participants
12-20 Family Cohort Participants
Imagine a place where mornings begin with movement and fresh ocean air, afternoons bring shared adventures and community experiences, and evenings unfold around stories, laughter, and good company.
Set along Nicaragua's stunning Pacific coast, our welcoming eco-villa is more than just a place to stay. It's a place to forge friendships, embrace new experiences, and become part of something meaningful. Unwind in comfortable accommodations after a day of exploration and purposeful engagement, then come together in inviting shared spaces where laughter can flow, friendships grow, and Spanish becomes part of everyday life. This is a place where you can be yourself, stretch beyond the familiar, and make memories that stay with you long after summer ends.
An extended immersion program allows you to connect with yourself, connect with others, connect with nature, and put those connections into action…
Enjoy outdoor adventures, immerse in nature and participate in wilderness conservation projects.
Connect with nature
Learn together, share meals, adventure together, converse, laugh, and share stories with fellow travelers and local community members.
Connect with others
Connect with yourself
Eat wholesome food, participate in yoga, sports and trainer-led fitness, get good sleep, and enjoy time for relaxation and reflection.
Contribution: Connection in Action
At Lark, meaningful service begins with human connection. The most rewarding contributions grow from genuine friendships, shared purpose, and working side by side with local communities on projects that matter to them.
Whether exchanging language skills, supporting wildlife conservation, playing sports with local youth, or lending a hand on a community project, participants become part of something bigger: building friendships, celebrating team accomplishments, and making a positive difference together.
Hands-on experiential learning activities & outdoor adventures.
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Wildlife Encounters: From Tropical Waters to the Forest Canopy
Set sail along Nicaragua’s breathtaking Pacific coastline in search of whales, playful dolphins, and other magnificent marine life! Then venture into lush tropical forests, where curious monkeys swing through the treetops and wildlife awaits around every bend in the trail. From the open ocean to the forest canopy, each adventure offers a chance to witness the wonders of the natural world and experience the thrill of encountering wildlife in its natural habitat.
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Arts & Crafts: Inspired by Nature, Rooted in Tradition
Unleash your creativity in the beauty of tropical Nicaragua! Capture the colors of exotic flowers or the Pacific Ocean through painting, or get your hands in the clay alongside a local artisan preserving generations of Indigenous pottery traditions. Discover the artistry of transforming earth into something beautiful while connecting with Nicaragua's natural and cultural heritage.
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Horseback Riding: Explore the coast on horseback
Saddle up for a journey through Nicaragua's spectacular coastal countryside! Ride along scenic trails, past tropical vegetation and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, enjoy the gentle rhythm of horseback exploration and discover the natural beauty of Nicaragua from a whole new perspective.
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Zip-lining
Get ready for a bird's-eye view of Nicaragua's breathtaking tropical landscape! Glide through the treetops on an exhilarating zip-line adventure, taking in sweeping views of the lush forests beneath you. Feel the thrill of adventure, and the freedom of soaring through nature in a truly unforgettable experience for the young and young at heart!
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Yoga & Functional Fitness: Move, Strengthen, & Rejuvenate
Get moving and start your day feeling strong and energized! From yoga sessions that improve flexibility, balance, and focus to dynamic fitness workouts that build strength, agility, and endurance, there's something for everyone. Challenge yourself, try new moves, and have fun alongside friends in the fresh tropical air. No matter your level of expertise, our instructor-led sessions will meet you where you are and encourage you to discover what your body can do. It's a great way to get ready for another day of adventure!
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Surfing
Feel the thrill of riding the waves along Nicaragua’s spectacular Pacific coastline! Whether you’re a first-time surfer or looking to sharpen your skills, expert local instructors will help you build confidence, find your balance, and experience the pure joy of surfing in warm tropical waters. Sunshine, ocean breezes, and unforgettable moments await!
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Dancing: Feel the Rhythm of Nicaragua
Learn the traditional steps and cultural significance of Nicaraguan folk dancing or the lively steps and irresistible rhythms of salsa dancing with local instructors who bring the joy of Latin dance to life. Whether you've got two left feet or a natural sense of rhythm, you'll be laughing, moving, and connecting through the universal language of music and dance!
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Language Exchange: Learn & Grow Together
Discover the joy of learning together! Partner with a Nicaraguan child, teen, or adult for cooperative reading, games, and creative literacy activities. As your Nicaraguan buddy strengthens their reading and writing skills, you'll build your Spanish through scaffolded learning experiences and authentic social interactions. Along the way, you'll exchange stories, share laughter, and form friendships that transcend language and cultural boundaries. It's learning through connection, where everyone has something to teach and everyone has something to gain!
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Bamboo Building: Create With Purpose
Discover the remarkable possibilities of bamboo as a sustainable building material! Enjoy a hands-on introduction to eco-building techniques and structures, then put your creativity to work by building an enrichment toy for a rescued monkey at a local wildlife sanctuary. It's an inspiring blend of ingenuity, sustainability, and compassion, where creativity meets a meaningful cause!
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Cooking: Savor the Flavors of Nicaragua
Roll up your sleeves and discover the delicious traditions of Nicaraguan cooking! Alongside local cooks, transform fresh, locally sourced ingredients into beloved dishes passed down through generations. While you make everything from hand-pressed tortillas to flavorful regional specialties, you'll share stories, laughter, and the joy of bringing people together around the table!
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Sea Turtle Conservation: Protect Ocean Life
Discover the wonder of Nicaragua's Pacific sea turtles and participate in the important work being done to protect them! Assist local conservationists in collecting data that help safeguard sea turtle habitats. When conditions and conservation protocols permit, you may even witness some of nature's most magical moments: a sea turtle nesting, or hatchlings making their way toward the ocean.
Your Live the Language full-immersion
package includes:
Wellness & Movement
Daily yoga or trainer-led fitness to energize body and mind.
Spanish Instruction
Professionally guided Spanish lessons with supported itinerary-based authentic practice opportunities.
Meaningful Experiences
Engagement with local community members, hands-on workshops, cultural excursions, conservation science and outdoor adventures.
Community & Friendship
Meals, games, conversations, and social activities.
Time to Recharge
Opportunities for relaxation, reflection, and personal renewal.
Available Packages
Full
Immersion
For Families & Independent Teens
For those who want to experience all that Lark Languages has to offer: outdoor adventures, wellness activities, community engagement, Spanish lessons, meaningful service, cultural excursions and our 3-night Discover Nicaragua Getaway.
$10,900/person (Adults & Accompanied Youth)
$11,400/person (Independent Teens)
Partial
Immersion
Combined Participation & Personal Time
Enjoy the best of both worlds! Enjoy much of the Lark experience while keeping time for remote work, relaxation or independent pursuits. Includes eco-villa accommodations, on-site meals and scheduled programming for up to four days per week.
From $7,250/person
Retreat
Companion
Relaxation, Flexibility & Community
Settle in to eco-villa life, and shape your own days. Enjoy accommodations, on-site meals and opportunities to connect through designated morning & evening activities such as yoga, fitness and social gatherings.
From $4,950/person
Meet our Facilitators
Julia Weidmann
Language Acquisition Specialist & International Experience Leader
Julia Weidmann brings more than three decades of practice in language education, intercultural engagement, and international group leadership to her role as founder and director of Lark Languages.
With graduate-level training in education and decades of experience as a language instructor and international group leader, Julia has dedicated her career to helping people connect meaningfully across cultures. Her extensive international expertise includes leading immersive travel programs, supporting community initiatives, and fostering intercultural relationships throughout Latin America.
For Julia, the greatest rewards of international travel extend far beyond the places we visit. They are found in the relationships we build, the perspectives we gain, and the ways those experiences continue to enrich our lives long after we return home.
Michelle Fleming
Yoga Therapist, Wellness Educator & Youth Empowerment Advocate
For Michelle Fleming, yoga is about so much more than movement. It’s a pathway to confidence, connection, and well-being. A certified yoga therapist, advanced yoga instructor, and founder of Orthopedic Yoga Therapy, Michelle brings decades of skill in helping people of all ages discover the benefits of mindful movement, breathwork, and relaxation.
Michelle has a special passion for working with young people. For more than 13 years, she led summer yoga and wellness programs for tween and teen girls, creating supportive environments where participants could build confidence, navigate challenges, develop meaningful friendships, and discover their own strengths. She has also taught yoga and movement-based wellness programs in public and private schools and helped educators bring these practices into their classrooms.
During Lark's Nicaragua adventure, Michelle will guide participants of all ages through welcoming yoga sessions designed to nurture physical well-being, encourage relaxation, and cultivate a deeper connection with themselves. Whether you're new to yoga or an experienced practitioner, Michelle's thoughtful, inclusive approach invites you to move, breathe, recharge, and begin each day feeling your best.
Athena Corcoran Tadd
Global Explorer, Multilingual Adventurer & Cultural Immersion Guide
Athena’s earliest memory is of exploring Mexico as a toddler (with her parents), stubbornly climbing the steps of an ancient temple unaided.
Since then, she went on to spend her early years in the USA and Ireland, teenage years in Italy and Portugal, university years in England and Italy, and adult years in France, Germany, and Portugal, as well as a six-month voyage stuck on a hundred-year old sailing ship during the global pandemic during which she sailed across the Atlantic twice.
After traveling to over thirty-five countries and picking up five and a half new languages along the way, Athena loves being able to share immersive experiences, off the beaten path gems, and unforgettable moments with her fellow travelers.
Wyly Brown
Architect, Educator & Sustainable Building Innovator
What if we could build a better world by learning from nature? That's the kind of question that inspires Wyly Brown, an award-winning architect and university professor whose passion for sustainable design has taken him across Europe, Central America, and Asia. Through innovative projects using bamboo and other natural materials, Wyly explores creative ways to build while caring for our planet.
During Lark's Nicaragua experience, Wyly will lead a hands-on bamboo-building workshop where participants will experiment with sustainable building techniques and put their creativity to work crafting an enrichment toy for a rescued monkey.
It's a wonderful opportunity to discover how creativity, conservation, and meaningful contribution can come together!
Discover Nicaragua Getaway
Included for Full Immersion and Independent Teen travelers
Additional $790/person for retreat companions & partial immersion participants
Venture beyond our coastal eco-villa for a three-night getaway to the colorful colonial city of Granada and the breathtaking natural wonders that surround it! Settle into the charming boutique Villa Adela or the luxurious Hotel Plaza Colón, overlooking Granada's historic central square. Spend your days exploring cobblestone streets and vibrant local culture, swimming or kayaking in the pristine waters of Laguna de Apoyo, and hiking through the lush cloud forest of Mombacho Volcano, all while sharing unforgettable adventures and deepening friendships.
Testimonials
Find out what Lark Languages travelers say about our experiences
“I've been coming to this place in Nicaragua with my family for years, and I've always loved it. But when Lark Languages started running programs here, it took the whole experience to another level. Their activities and adventures were awesome, and I got to hang out with other teens and make friends with kids from Nicaragua. It was so fun! I can't wait to come back!”
- Zak Knapp, 15 years old
“One thing that struck me was how invested the Lark Languages facilitators were in making sure everyone had a positive experience. You could tell they genuinely cared about the trip participants and wanted us to get as much out of the experience as possible.”
- Casey Higgins, parent
Frequently Asked Questions
“Do I need to speak some Spanish already to participate in the Nicaragua trip?”
No, however, we recommend you learn some basics prior to your trip so that you can get the most out of your immersion experience. We offer online Spanish lessons that trip participants can take before and/or after your travels. Simply let us know if you are interested in that, and we will make sure you get what you need!
“Do Independent Teen Participants and Family Participants share the same space at the Eco-Villa?”
Our eco-villa is thoughtfully arranged to give independent teens and families their own residential spaces while bringing everyone together as part of one welcoming community.
Independent teens stay in the Main Campus area, with girls enjoying the comfort of a charming poolside house and boys staying in a beautiful, open-air-inspired bamboo yurt featuring a traditional thatched roof and bamboo bunk beds. Families enjoy their own accommodations tucked into the lush tropical forest or nestled along the beach, separate from the teens' residential quarters.
Throughout the day, both groups come together for group meals, adventures, and community activities, while also enjoying some programming designed specifically for each distinct cohort. This thoughtful balance gives independent teens the opportunity to build friendships and independence within their own peer group, with the support and guidance of Lark's dedicated team, while everyone enjoys the warmth and connection of our larger Lark community.
“Is the Nicaragua immersion experience suitable for children?”
Yes. We generally recommend the Full Immersion package for ages 8+, but we recognize that every child and family is unique! We're happy to consider younger children on a case-by-case basis and explore participation options that best suit their ages, interests, and developmental readiness.
“How do I learn more or reserve my place?”
We'd love to hear from you! Reach each out with your questions via our contact page or by email (julia@larklanguages.com). Put trip inquiry in the email subject line, and let us know what trip(s) you are interested in. We'll help you understand the itinerary, accommodations, participation fee, enrollment process, and anything else you'd like to know before making a decision. Welcome! We look forward to hearing from you!