Dominican Republic » Building a Sustainable World


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Building a Sustainable World Flagship
Our 21-day Flagship programs provide the ideal amount of time to satisfy every dimension of the GLA Experience. Although many of the same objectives can be achieved on shorter programs, students and parents report that three weeks is the optimal time to develop lifelong friendships with local people and fellow students, to make a greater impact on the community, to fully immerse themselves in a culture, and to explore difference facets of the host country.

In this GLA Flagship program, you’ll dive deep into issues of sustainability and develop the leadership skills necessary to address some of humanity’s greatest environmental challenges.  Led by Dave Addison, our expert director, who holds his PhD in Global Sustainability, the group will meet with major NGOs and local leaders who are making great progress on sustainability in the Caribbean.

Watch Dr. Dave Addison, our Program Director, talk about GLA Dominican Republic.

You will be given the tools and support to design your own project as you collaborate with your peers to determine ways to empower change in a Dominican community, as well as in your home communities. You will evaluate the role of natural resources in your life and determine the vital purpose they play in the future of the world.

Highlights include

  • Volunteer to implement ecologically sustainable projects in rural areas
  • Visit Haitian refugee communities
  • Hike to stunning waterfalls
  • Ride a catamaran in the Caribbean and explore pristine beaches
  • Meet dynamic leaders and NGOs implementing cutting edge social programs
  • Explore the colonial city of Santo Domingo

Check out Leah’s blog on her GLA summer in the Caribbean.

Community Service

Our group will volunteer on various sustainability projects throughout the country including the construction of biomass stoves in rural communities, installation of water filtration devices and solar energy systems, and assisting in the development of agriculture and reforestation systems.  In addition, you can share your talents doing arts and crafts, playing sports and games, and teaching basic conversational English with local children that our group will meet along the way. Most importantly, you will be a friend and role model to young children who have limited exposure to the rest of the world.

Hands-On Learning

Students will explore topics in environmental sustainability, the most critical issue of the 21st century.  Through the service work and seminars, you will learn for yourself how to envision and change your life to become more sustainable.  These seminars are carefully designed to allow you to make connections between the work at the community service project and issues facing the rest of the world.  You will also learn about the vibrant Dominican culture through music, dance and food.

Adventure

We’ll explore the tropical countryside through long hikes out to a chain of hidden waterfalls and remote villages.  We’ll ride a catamaran in the Caribbean, zip-line through virgin rain forest, snorkel through crystal blue waters and coral reefs, and sunbathe on pristine white sand beaches. In addition, we will explore urban life in the colonial capital, Santo Domingo. The Dominican Republic is an ideal place for those looking for fun and adventure in the sun, while making a difference.

Lodging

The GLA Home Base is a gorgeous chateau in the mountains.  The GLA Home Base is approximately 30 minutes east of the town of Puerto Plata on the north coast and inland.  Students will share a bedroom with one other student.  Each bedroom has a private bathroom.  Wireless internet connectivity is available throughout.  Food will be hearty, healthy and locally grown organic food consisting of meats, beans, rice, vegetables, and fruit.

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