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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

GLOBAL HEALTH INITIATIVE

Travel to a Caribbean paradise where global health challenges are prevalent, and partner with rural Dominican communities to support medical, educational and developmental needs.

Highlights

FOR THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: GLOBAL HEALTH INITIATIVE™ PROGRAM

  • Learn about global health challenges and your role as a future health worker
  • Work alongside local medical professionals to provide critical medical care in rural communities
  • Swim in majestic cenotes and zipline in lush tropical forests
  • Go for a spectacular boat ride and snorkel in the crystal blue seas
  • Explore the vibrant “Heartland City” of Santiago and tour a local medical university.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

GLOBAL HEALTH INITIATIVE

Program Overview

On this program, you’ll challenge your preconceptions of health and community care. Explore the differences between public health and medicine, learn the seven key elements of human security, and understand the role healthcare plays in development and community well-being. Gain hands-on experience alongside medical professionals as you shadow doctors in mobile clinics and hospitals. While diving into meaningful projects, you’ll also have plenty of time for adventure as you explore coastlines, jungle and the vibrant Caribbean culture all around you.


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.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

GLOBAL HEALTH INITIATIVE

Community Service

Calling all aspiring doctors, nurses, future public health professionals, or any teen passionate about making a difference! This program gives you the chance to learn how public health and poverty are closely linked through shadow learning and hands-on service. Follow medical professionals as they offer consultations in mobile clinics and medical facilities. Use your new medical Spanish while assisting doctors with patient triage, evaluations and pharmacy visits. Explore different specialties at both a public hospital and private clinic, and spend a day helping build a future rural clinic.

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Hands-On Learning

Health doesn’t fall solely under the responsibility of doctors and nurses. Gain deep insight into how political, economic and environmental systems each play a role in global health. In at-risk communities on the island, you’ll discover how crucial public health work can be in making a real difference between healthy and sick neighborhoods. Learn how community engagement is key to breaking the cycle of poverty. Global health and medical seminars will give you the chance to learn from experts and share with your peers. You’ll also be immersed in Caribbean culture from the moment you arrive, with endless opportunities to enjoy authentic food and music.

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Adventure

We all know that fun in the sun is essential to maintaining good health. Adventure is just what the doctor ordered! From its endless tropical coastline dotted with palm trees and jungle canopies to dramatic cliffs lining the shores, this island is yours to explore. Take a boat ride over the clear Caribbean Sea and discover delicate marine ecosystems as you snorkel. Visit the spectacular ecological park Laguna Dudu, where you’ll find mythic blue cenotes and a natural cave to swim in. Be sure to take time to enjoy the island’s nearby beaches, just a short walk from Home Base, for a true Caribbean experience.

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Lodging

Take a dip in the pool under the Caribbean sun. Stroll with your new friends and staff to the nearby beach to enjoy the sand and surf. Your Home Base for this program is a beachfront lodge. While you’ll be out on program activities often, enjoy the amenities during downtime at Home Base. Students will share rooms with roommates and have shared bathrooms with cold-water showers. Meals will be healthy, locally sourced, and include meats, beans, rice, vegetables and fresh fruit.

Overview Video

Watch this unforgettable video as you prepare to shake up your ideas about health and community care on this exhilarating program! Delve into the distinctions between public health and medicine, and grasp how both are essential for community well-being. With guidance from local medical experts, embark on a journey to uncover the essence of being an island healthcare hero. Unveil the seven vital ingredients of human security and unravel the role of healthcare within this intricate tapestry. Roll up your sleeves for hands-on experience, tackling public health-oriented physical tasks and sanitation projects aimed at uplifting the lives of countless Dominicans facing poverty. Amidst these impactful endeavors, carve out time for thrilling adventures. Let the coastline, jungle, and vibrant Caribbean culture be your playground as you explore to your heart’s content!

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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

GLOBAL HEALTH INITIATIVE

Dates & Tuition

Everything you need to know before you apply.

14-Day Program
Ages 14-18
2025 Dates
JUN 16 – JUN 29, 2025
JUL 03 – JUL 16, 2025
JUL 20 – AUG 02, 2025
Duration: 14 days
Tuition: $4,999
Student/Staff Ratio: 6 to 1
Community Service Hours: 40
Language Hours: N/A
For Ages: 14-18
Lodging: Ecolodge

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, an application fee and $600 deposit 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

GLOBAL HEALTH INITIATIVE

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