Host Families, Language Classes and Community Service

Students live in Dominican private homes and are provided three meals a day, seven days per week. Language classes take place Monday through Thursday, 2 ½ hours per day. Classes integrate grammar, vocabulary, (including "Dominicanisms") and conversation. Dance is a component of the curriculum and the basics of merengue, bachata and salsa are taught. Some instruction takes place in markets and city centers so that students have the opportunity to practice their language skills with locals.

The first week at the American Language Partnership International (ALPI) offers two hours of class per day on TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) methodology, with several follow-up workshops. A one hour class on Dominican history and culture is taught weekly.

Beginning the second week, GAP students teach ESL to Dominican students 10 hours per week. They will be prepared through a 3 hour session of suggested methods and a brief introduction of service concepts. Students will work in an urban community service organization 10 hours per week. The last week of the program will involve a community service project with the rural "Jardín de los Niños" or on a Peace Corps site.