Dominican Republic: Spring Break Service Adventure
Spring Break will always be fun…but meaningful, too?
Highlights
- Volunteer to implement ecologically sustainable development projects
- Hike to stunning waterfalls
- Ride a catamaran over crystal blue waters
- Explore pristine beaches
- Soak up the rhythms of the Caribbean
- Check out an overview video
of the program - Read student blog
: GLA Alum Maile Hartsook shares how the Dominican Republic changed her life when she returned home.
Overview
The Dominican Republic is home to the world’s most enchanting beaches, and is well known for its friendly and passionate people. You’ll spend the week helping impoverished rural communities and also enjoy some fun in the sun hiking to waterfalls, riding a catamaran in the Caribbean, snorkeling through crystal blue waters and coral reefs, and relaxing on pristine white sand beaches.
- Watch Dr. Dave Addison, our Program Director, talk about GLA Dominican Republic.
Community Service
Students will volunteer in rural and urban communities working on sustainable projects such as reforestation, construction of clean-burning stoves, and installation of water systems. Students will also work with local children at Haitian resettlement villages, sharing their talents doing arts and crafts, playing sports and games, and teaching basic conversational English. Most important, you will be a friend and role model to young children who have limited exposure to the rest of the world.
- Check out Leah’s blog on the people she met in the Caribbean.
Hands-On Learning
The Dominican Republic has a rich culture that combines African, indigenous and European traditions. You will learn about the vibrant Dominican culture through the music and dance and interactions with locals living in the mountain villages and in coastal communities. In addition, you’ll gain a deep understanding of sustainability and how development can happen in harmony with the environment.
- Listen to GLA Alums Andrea and Pia talk about what they learned in the Dominican.
Adventure
This program takes you away from the typical tourist resorts of the Dominican Republic and exposes you to regular life in a rural part of the country. You’ll be welcomed into the local community while you dance to the beats of merengue and bachata music with the children of the neighboring village.
You’ll hike to incredible waterfalls, ride an ocean catamaran, and explore history on the northern coast. One afternoon we will challenge the children to a game of baseball and learn about the cultural significance of baseball in this country.
Lodging
The GLA Home Base is a gorgeous beachfront cluster of chalets around a swimming pool near the beach. The lodge is located in a village approximately 30 minutes east of the town of Puerto Plata. Students will be staying in gender segregated chalets. The GLA Home Base is used exclusively by our staff and students. Food will be hearty and healthy, locally grown food that consists of meats, beans, rice, vegetables, and fruit.
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