Dominican Republic Service Learning - 16 Days

  Dominican Republic

Dajabon,  Puerto Plata,  Santiago,  Santo Domingo

Term: Spring, Summer 
Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: May

Description: This program is designed for those seeking an intensive service experience. You will spend 96 selfless hours volunteering at the orphanage and you will be living on site as well. The children, staff and your fellow volunteers will depend upon you immensely. This is not an adventure travel or touring program.

Our service learning and internship programs offer those 18 to 30 years old an experience of self-discovery through hands-on volunteering, cultural immersion and interaction with a developing community. Our mission is to facilitate our group members as they evolve through this experiential learning process and provide them with an environment that is conducive to growth, understanding and development.

At 360° Student Travel we know that each individual has something special to offer and wants to give of themselves. We provide the tools, the exposure to people and projects and allow for our group members to take the reins and move forward.

Volunteers are greatly needed to work with the underprivileged children of the Dominican Republic. Spend time accompanying them in their classrooms or after school activities; teach English; provide homework assistance; and coach sports and interactive games. The children treasure the one to one attention our volunteers provide.

Community Service Learning - Practicum:
    * Positively impact the lives of orphaned children through activities and daily living
    * Build, Paint, Plant
    * Teach English at local schools

Touring & Time Off:
    * Weekend away in Puerto Plata (2 nights, 3 days)
    * Catamaran Cruise
    * Dance Club
    * Optional beach activities: surfing and, snorkeling
        
- Opportunity for Internship -

Combine the excitement and adventure of travel while obtaining the opportunity to fulfill internship requirements. Come lead by example and lend a helping hand by teaching English, programming activities, restoring grounds and assisting at local orphanages in the Dominican Republic. Use this real life international experience and apply them toward your accumulation of internship hours required by your individual program of study.

Individuals in the following faculties or programs of study may be interested in these international experiences:

    * Education
    * International Development
    * Community Development
    * Social Work
    * Family Studies
    * Psychology
    * Sociology
    * Food and Nutrition
    * Health Promotion
    * Spanish language and history
    * And many more!

Highlights: The people of the Dominican Republic are surely some of the friendliest people in the Caribbean. This country hosts a multi-racial and multi-cultural society of over eight and a half million people, with three quarters of mixed origin and the other quarter of either European or African descent.
Located in the West Indies, the Dominican Republic is located on the eastern two thirds of the island of Hispaniola. Its capital and largest city is Santo Domingo. The country suffers from marked income inequality; the poorest half of the population receives less than one-fifth of GNP, while the richest 10% enjoys nearly 40% of national income. Approximately 33,000 orphans (and growing) have lost parents to HIV while others gave up their children because they could not afford to feed them.

* Life at the Orphanage (12 days)

Although those living in the community near the orphanage are surrounded by litter, waste and live in makeshift shelters, you will find that most do not lament the state of their livelihood. The children play gleefully on the concrete basketball court for hours, shooting on an old, dilapidated hoop attached to a splintered backboard. They love to play tag and other games with volunteers visiting from all across the globe. Quality time is also spent having a story read to them. Teaching them how to decode letters for the first time; and tracking the natural progression may be one of your proudest moments and certainly treasured by a child. To them, language is no barrier; the message of a smile and the sound of laughter is universal.

Those living in the orphanage vary greatly in age from infants to teens. There are typically just under 50 people residing there and assistance is needed in cleaning, beautifying, teaching, and program planning. Upon arriving at the orphanage, we will be welcomed both by the children and the full-time volunteer leaders. Their home becomes our home.

After an orientation and a preview of the weeks ahead, the fun begins. By joining us on our Dominican journey you are committing to making a change in the lives of these children.

- Service at the Orphanage -

Volunteers are greatly needed and time will be spent in classrooms as well as after school running activities, teaching English, providing homework assistance, coaching sports and interactive games. The children treasure the one on one attention and praise provided by volunteers such as yourself.

Site Work: In addition to the above mentioned activities, there may be minor maintenance and construction projects as well as gardening and landscaping.

Activities with Children: Much like camp, arts and crafts, music, and theater are all part of the programming. Sports and recreation may include baseball, soccer, basketball, and volleyball. Also included are evening activities such as Bingo, movie night and those you and your fellow volunteers will plan.

Teaching English: Education is scarce for these children and so your efforts in teaching will go a long way. Common English expressions and phrases as well as key words will be taught at a beginner level. As students develop their ability to speak English, they advance themselves in terms of future employment in the growing tourism sector. Local teachers will partake in the lessons as well. Your creative juices will be flowing as you plan and implement your lessons.

Qualifications: Participants should be prepared for our program. Once you are part of a team, you are committing yourself not only to hard work on service days (from 6-9 hours) but also to your fellow volunteers and those you will be serving. In sharing this rewarding experience, you are guaranteed to form lasting friendships and will no doubt take away much more than you give. After completion, 360° Student Travel will provide you with a letter of accomplishment to accompany your resume along with any other documentation needed for internship completion.

Cost in US$: USD 1,799 Plus Round Trip Airfare

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18 - 30

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Dominican Republic Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

360 Student Travel's Mission Statement: 360 Student Travel will allow you the opportunity to step in a new direction. Travel, volunteer, or improve your foreign language skills we are here to help you take that new step by helping you keep your other foot planted. Regardless of travel style, all programs are created with the understanding that no matter what you want to accomplish during the summer, it is still summer, and the challenges and experiences should be enjoyable as well as rewarding. On our Community Service Program you'll be making the world a better place and discovering the world at the same time - ziplining in Costa Rica, exploring a glacier in Alaska, or marveling at the "Big 5" in Africa. If you're open-minded and interested in achieving goals, volunteering, and helping others, then this will be a meaningful and adventurous summer for you. If you're thinking of studying Spanish or French and want the excitment of travel join us in either Spain, Costa Rica or France. On most of these language programs, we study at multiple locations within a country so you experience its full diversity. On our Pre-College Enrichment program get a sneak peek at college life while being immersed in the culture and excitement of Barcelona. We have teamed up with the renowned International House School, centrally located just steps from Plaza Cataluna, to bring you exciting courses from Creative Writing and International Business to Spanish Language, and SAT prep with Princeton Review. Join us on our Global Adventures if adventures are for you. We offer the most unique variety of activities imaginable that encourage individual growth and character.

Year Founded: 1992