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volunteer your summer in the dominican republic for U.S. high school students
Santo Domingo, capital of the Dominican Republic, is located on the southern coast of the island. With a population of 2,000,000, it is considered to be the main economic and political center of the country. The city, often called the "First City of the New World," is steeped in historical significance. There are numerous plazas and churches throughout the colonial district, which give a distinct flavor to the city. Santo Domingo is divided by a river, the Río Ozama, and is close to many beaches.
The rural community where CIEE students volunteer was founded when residents squatting by riverbanks in Santo Domingo were relocated to a safer, but undeveloped area. Public services have been slow to be extended to the area, but the neighborhood’s pride is the community school, which hosts the summer day camp. Enthusiastic and compassionate counselors make a big difference for the students at the school. Volunteer with these children, help them learn English, enjoy their summer, and improve their prospects for the future.
While contributing to the goals of a Dominican community, you will improve your Spanish and begin a lifelong friendship with a Dominican host family. By learning and practicing TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) techniques, you will acquire important skills with many useful applications. And you’ll have fun doing it, with activities and excursions designed to deepen your relationship with this vibrant culture.
What will your story be in the Dominican Republic this summer?
This program is the perfect opportunity for students whose school year activities make a semester abroad difficult to schedule and who wish to gain real-world experience in a sunny, friendly setting where short-term service can have a long-term impact.
program highlights include
- Round-trip international airfare between Santo Domingo and the U.S. departure city (New York)
- Arrival orientation in Santo Domingo
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
- Host family accommodation in Santo Domingo
- Breakfast and dinner with host family, lunch provided at the volunteer location
- Travel between Santo Domingo and the volunteer location
- TEFL Instruction
- Spanish language and Dominican culture instruction
- Three full-day excursions, plus weekday opportunities for swimming and recreation
- Local cell phone
- Supervision and support throughout the program
- International travel and health insurance and 24-hour worldwide assistance provided through iNext
program does not include
- Round-trip domestic travel to/from U.S. departure city
- Passport and visa fees
- Immunization expenses
- Personal expenses for free time; cell phone usage
