Frequently Asked Questions

 

How much is my sponsorship payment?

See the Payments and Stipends page

 

Where do I send my payments?

See the Payments and Stipends page

 

How much does my student receive?

See the Payments and Stipends page

 

How and where do I send letters and packages?

See the Letters and Packages page

 

How will I know how my student is doing in school?

See the Progress Reports page

 

How does the Nicaraguan school system work?

See the Schools and Education page

 

What kinds of expectations does Circulo de Amigas have for its students?

See the Rules and Expectations for Circulo Students of September 2007. (As of March 2008, new rules, or reglamentos, were formally introduced to students and guardians - in Spanish - and an English translation is underway.)

 

What if I don't know Spanish?

First, don't panic. Many of our sponsors don't know Spanish, but you can still have a satisfying experience with your student.

Second, why not take a basic Spanish course? Nothing says I take education and you, child, seriously to your student more than demonstrating your own commitment to life-long learning. Community colleges and parks-and-recreation departments everywhere offer for-credit and no-credit opportunities to study Spanish. Also consider comupterized and public TV courses.

If you don't have the time or the inclination to study, locate someone within your community who can help you to read your student's letters, and to write back. If you can't find someone to help you in this way, try using an online program like FreeTranslation.com, but please: Keep your sentences short and simple!
 

How do I become a Circulo de Amigas sponsor?

If you'd like to become a Circulo de Amigas sponsor, please contact us and tell us a little about yourself, how you heard about us, and why you'd like to sponsor one of Circulo's students.

 

 

My question isn't answered...

 

If you are a sponsor and have a question about your student, you have two choices. One, if you speak Spanish, send your question directly to Ms. Lopez, our guidance counselor (responsable de becas). Send questions in English to Ms. Morales, our director (though she calls herself the coordinator, or coordinadora). Be sure to note your students name AND number, preferably in the subject line.

If you have a general question about sponsorship, use our general email address, and your question will be forwarded to a Board member.