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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

ISLAND SERVICE ADVENTURE

Discover why the Dominican Republic is known for having it all on your summer adventure! Explore pristine beaches, lush jungles, refreshing freshwater swimming holes, and the island's vibrant culture.

Highlights

FOR THE ISLAND SERVICE ADVENTURE PROGRAM

  • Stay in a village near a stunning coast and immerse yourself in local life
  • Contribute to community development projects
  • Swim in natural freshwater pools, including one inside a cave
  • Snorkel in clear Caribbean waters
  • Set sail on a catamaran to the pristine paradise of Saona Island

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

ISLAND SERVICE ADVENTURE

Program Overview

Discover more about yourself through meaningful community service in a rural Dominican community. On this program, you’ll support infrastructure or conservation projects and other tasks based on the community’s needs at the time of your arrival. See how community-driven projects, with your collaboration, can create lasting positive change. Your hard work for a good cause will be rewarded with adventures through some of the Dominican Republic’s most pristine paradises. You’ll explore the jungle, relax on hidden beaches, snorkel in tropical blue waters and journey to a small isolated island in a national park. Along the way, you’ll be immersed in Dominican culture—dancing, tasting delicious new foods, playing baseball and soaking in the island’s rich history.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

ISLAND SERVICE ADVENTURE

Community Service

Service is at the heart of every Global Leadership Adventures program, helping you form a genuine connection with one of the small communities near the island town of Bayahibe. The program starts with three full days of meaningful service, where you and your peers will work side by side with the community, fully immersed in a project alongside locals. Activities will vary based on the community’s needs but be ready for conservation, education or infrastructure projects! After service, take time to play with local kids, share a coffee with neighbors and experience what it’s like to live and work in the community. Explore the town, eat delicious Dominican food and learn all about regional music and history. Reflect on your service experience with a focus on responsible travel and environmental preservation.

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Hands-on Learning

Your experience on the island will demonstrate the interconnectedness of its culture, history and environment. Gain insight into the successes and challenges faced by people on the Dominican side of the island, including efforts to increase social representation for underserved communities. Learn about grassroots conservation efforts to preserve turtles in their native habitat. Discover the historical context of a country that was the first European settlement in the Americas and the first seat of Spanish colonial rule in the “New World.” The Dominican Republic’s present and past are complex and rich, and there’s even more to uncover during your time here!

Adventure

During your time on this tropical Caribbean island, adventure awaits around every corner! Be sure to pack your swimsuit for the excursions you’re going to experience on this program. You’ll swim in turquoise Caribbean waters along palm-fringed white sand beaches and explore stunning freshwater swimming holes fed by natural springs. Set sail for the stunning Saona Island on a catamaran, where you’ll escape the crowds and discover a hidden gem. Take in the breathtaking ocean views and the island’s serene beauty for a day of relaxation and exploration. With its crystal-clear waters and vibrant wildlife, this idyllic destination offers a truly unforgettable experience.

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Lodging

Make yourself at home in a hotel exclusively for you and your GLA companions, located in the tropical paradise of Bayahibe. You’ll stay in shared rooms that are clean and comfortable. After working hard in the Caribbean heat and burning energy on adventures, you can relax in this idyllic setting, featuring playful yet tasteful interior design and great spots to hang out by the pool.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

ISLAND SERVICE ADVENTURE

Dates & Tuition

Everything you need to know before you apply.

10-Day Program
2025 Dates
JUN 10 – JUN 19, 2025
JUN 23 – JUL 02, 2025
JUL 06 – JUL 15, 2025
JUL 19 – JUL 28, 2025
AUG 01 – AUG 10, 2025
Duration: 10 days
Tuition: $3,299
Student/Staff Ratio: 6 to 1
Community Service Hours: 24
Language Hours: N/A
For Ages: 14-18
Lodging: Exclusive Hotel Block

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

ISLAND SERVICE ADVENTURE

Request a Program Catalog

Browse our catalog to discover all GLA has to offer.

Complete this quick form and we'll send you a FREE copy of the Global Leadership Adventures program catalog.
Be on the lookout for a confirmation email after you complete the form! You will also receive an all-access pass to the latest GLA program updates and our newsletter.

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