A ‘walk in my shoes’ experience

The Sister Islands Association has been taking students to Nicaragua since 1990 to build deeper relationships between Bainbridge students and the people of Ometepe through hands-on cultural experiences. Students prepare for the trip by participating in cultural-awareness activities, learning about our organization and exchanging letters with their soon-to-be host families. While on Ometepe, each delegate lives with a host family and is immersed in a Spanish-speaking environment. The delegation gives back to the town through a community project. Students experience life in a rural community and learn about global health and environmental issues facing our sister island. For many Bainbridge students, it is a life-changing experience.

2025 Student Delegation

We are no longer accepting applications for the 31st delegation (2025) to Ometepe, Bainbridge’s sister island community in Nicaragua. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors who wish to take part in the 32nd (2026) student delegation should check back fall 2025.

Bainbridge Ometepe Sister Islands Association (BOSIA) has been taking students to Nicaragua since 1990. The delegation’s goal is to build deeper relationships between our students and the people of Ometepe through hands-on cultural experiences. While on Ometepe, each delegate is immersed in a Spanish-speaking environment while living with a host family. The delegation gives back to the town through a community project. Students experience life in a rural community as well as learning about global health and environmental issues facing our sister island.

Details:

  • Cost approximately $2800 per delegate, which covers all expenses, including airfare.
  • Initial deposit of $250 should be paid by check to “BOSIA” and mailed to BOSIA Student Delegation, PO Box 4484, Rolling Bay, WA 98061.
  • After your application has been received, you will be contacted to have a short group interview in person. Candidates not selected will have their deposit refunded.
  • To apply for need-based financial aid, contact Betsy Carroll at pbcarroll@gmail.com
  • Final payment is due on May 1, 2025.
  • Dates of the 2025 delegation’s trip are June 25th through July 10th.

Before You Go:

Delegates and Chaperones will meet several times between January and June to plan and cover topics such as health and wellness, cultural sensitivity, host families, and packing tips in addition to bonding as a group. While on Ometepe, students will contribute to a community project and work with the children to provide fun activities. There are opportunities to visit a coffee finca and learn about growing, processing, and exporting coffee to Bainbridge. Other opportunities include hosting a “Special Olympics,” learning about how water and resources are managed on the island, and exploring the rainforest while climbing the Maderas volcano.

Housing/Travel:

While on Ometepe each delegate stays with a volunteer host family. Families are carefully selected and vetted by our office staff on Ometepe and are visited by members of the Student Delegation Committee prior to the delegates’ arrival. Experienced chaperones accompany the students, stay in the community, and support student activities. Delegates and chaperones travel together from SeaTac to Managua, Nicaragua, leaving June 25th and then by private vehicle and ferry to Ometepe. Travel on the island is via hired vans and public transportation. The return flight arrives back at SeaTac on July 10 2025.

Bainbridge High School student Kendall Sanson with a student at the school in Tichana.

The three-legged race in Ometepe’s first Special Olympics for children with special needs, organized by students from Bainbridge and Ometepe.