Dominican Republic » Spring Break Service Adventure

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 in the Caribbean
Explore pristine beaches
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 biomass stoves, and installation of water systems. Students will also work with local children at refugee camps, sharing their talents doing arts and crafts, playing sports and games, and teaching basic conversational English. Most importantly, 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

Sustainable development has become a necessity for all of humanity. We must learn to live in harmony with our environment. Through the service work and seminars, you will learn for yourself how to envision and think about the home and life of your family. While living sustainably we will work to empower all of us to become more sustainable in our practices. You will also learn about the vibrant Dominican culture through the music and dance and interactions with locals living in the villages and in ocean communities.

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 an incredible waterfall, 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 group of chalets on a beautiful semi-private Caribbean 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 and be able to cool down after a day of work in our swimming pool or on the beach. 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.