DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE WORLD
Community service, cultural immersion and once-in-a-lifetime adventure come to a crossroads in this island hideaway in the Caribbean. Volunteer on critical building projects from start-to-finish that tackle global issues at the local level for Dominican families and their community.
THIS PROGRAM IS NOT OPERATING FOR THE 2022 SEASON. IT IS CURRENTLY PLANNED TO RETURN IN FUTURE SEASONS. SEE THE DATES & TUITION SECTION BELOW FOR UPDATES.
Highlights
FOR THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE WORLD™ PROGRAM
- Work on projects that promote sustainability of the environment and the people
- Tour the capital city of Santo Domingo
- Go on a white water rafting adventure
- Visit Dajabon Market
- Go for an ocean boat ride and snorkel in crystal blue waters
- Learn about the US Peace Corps in the Caribbean and visit a local Peace Corps site
Program Menu For
Building a Sustainable World
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE WORLD
Program Overview
On this program you will see a side of the Dominican Republic that most will never experience. Much of the country is distinctly rural, and true beauty lives in everyday village scenes dotted across the spectacular Caribbean coastline. Student volunteers are needed to make a real difference in local neighborhoods. Volunteer on meaningful service projects that support families who have shown grace and resilience in the face of natural disasters and political unrest, and learn the challenges they still face in accessing basic human necessities. And while service is at the heart of what we do, there will of course be plenty of unexpected adventures and cultural treasures to discover during your time on the island.
Click here to view a short video from our service partner, 7 Elements, about the small community we will be doing service with this summer. It’s called La Colonia, and the video goes into detail about the community, the issues they face, and how we can help.
Featured Themes
Featured Destinations
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE WORLD
Community Service
Beyond its beach resorts lies a very different Dominican Republic—still beautiful, but full of need. Much of the island isn’t developed sufficiently, revealing gaps where student volunteers like you are needed to take the reigns of initiatives for bettering life in nearby neighborhoods. During your time in the Dominican Republic, you will focus on the construction of a home or community center using sustainable building materials and methods. This phenomenal and inventive project helps rid 30,000 plastic bottles from the landfill and supports eco-friendly building methods for the long term health of the community. You may also plant trees to support a reforestation project or put efforts into a food sustainability project during your time here.
Immersive Learning
True immersion abroad requires us to go deep during your three weeks on the island. Through your service work and nightly seminars, you’ll learn about how communities come together to take collective action against shared issues such as poverty and climate change. We’ll discuss how health and community development are related, and how to implement solutions for lasting success. Visit a bustling market town on the Dominican border with Haiti, where you’ll learn about lingering intercultural issues as well as experience daily life on a border between nations. Be a part of the vibrant Dominican culture through traditional Afro-Caribbean music and dance and local dishes.
Adventure
Unspoiled destinations await your exploration, including miles of coastline and lush jungles. You’ll embark upon a challenging day hike of Mt. Brison, which will reward you with beautiful views of the island. A whitewater rafting excursion and a relaxing beach afternoon are also on the agenda. Spend a day at Dudu Ecological Park, where you can swim in clear blue cenotes that are famed in the region. It is like something you have never experienced before. You will also have the opportunity to explore the colonial architecture of Santo Domingo with a city tour to cap off your experience.
Lodging
Your Home Base on this program is a hidden gem tucked away on the Caribbean coast. Arustic ecolodge built from local materials in the style of the Taíno people, your lodging also comes with a swimming pool onsite. A secluded beach is just a short walk away, too! Students will share rooms with roommates, and have shared bathrooms with cold-water showers. Food will be healthy and locally sourced, including meats, beans, rice, vegetables and fresh fruit.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE WORLD
Dates & Tuition
Everything you need to know before you apply.
21-Day Flagship Program
Ages 14-19
| 2023 Dates |
|---|
| Coming soon… |
Tuition Includes All In-Country Expenses
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
- In-country transportation
- Lodging
- 3 meals per day
- Professional full-time staff and experts
- 24/7 parent support hotline during the program
- Secondary medical and evacuation insurance
- Cultural activities, lectures and excursions
- Pre-departure materials and support
- Educational materials
To save your spot, a $600 deposit and $95 application fee are required.
Backed by our 5-Point Safety System™
GLA HOME BASE:
SAFE & SECURE LODGING
CARING SUPERVISION &
EXPERT LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
SAFE
TRANSPORTATION
HEALTHY FOOD
& PURE WATER
24/7 SUPPORT &
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Speak with the GLA Admissions Team
Admissions
Phone Number
1-858-771-0645
USA Toll-Free
Phone Number
1-888-358-4321
Admissions
Email Address
info@experienceGLA.com
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE WORLD
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