DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

GLOBAL HEALTH INITIATIVE

Travel to a Caribbean paradise where medical and public health challenges are prevalent; provide medical, educational and development support to rural Dominican communities.

Highlights

FOR THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: GLOBAL HEALTH INITIATIVE™ PROGRAM

  • Gain fieldwork experience that will introduce you to public health and medicine
  • Swim in the natural caves and majestic cenotes of Dudu Lagoon
  • Go for a spectacular boat ride and snorkel in the crystal blue seas
  • Test your limits on an adrenaline-packed waterfall adventure
  • Explore the town of Puerto Plata, with its embellished Victorian-style buildings and famous cableway

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

GLOBAL HEALTH INITIATIVE

Program Overview

On this program you will challenge your preconceptions of health and community care. Learn about the differences between public health and medicine, and how community wellbeing depends on both. Receive guidance from local medical professionals and begin to understand what being an island healthcare worker is all about. Discover the seven critical elements of human security and determine how health care fits into the picture. Gain field experience by doing physical work and sanitation projects that are public health-focused and aim to improve the lives of hundreds of Dominicans living in poverty. And while you’re diving into deep, meaningful projects, you will also have time for adventure while you’re here. Explore to your heart’s content, as coastline, jungle and Caribbean culture surround you at every turn.


Click here to view a short video from our service partner, 7 Elements, about the small community we will be doing service with this summer. It’s called La Colonia, and the video goes into detail about the community, the issues they face, and how we can help.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

GLOBAL HEALTH INITIATIVE

Community Service

Calling all aspiring doctors and nurses, future public health professionals or any teen passionate about making a difference! This program is your chance to uncover how public health and poverty are strongly linked, through physical service and shadow-learning. Work on public health projects that prevent disease, and see how initiatives such as providing cement floors, clean water and bathrooms can contribute to locals’ long-term health. Shadow medical professionals as they provide pro-bono consultations to patients in at-risk communities. Put your new medical Spanish vocabulary to use as you accompany doctors through various stations such as patient triage, evaluations and pharmacy.

Immersive Learning

Health doesn’t fall solely under the responsibility of doctors and nurses. Gain deep insight on how political, economic and environmental systems each have a role to play in global health. In at-risk communities on the island, you’ll come to discover how crucial public health work can be in making a real difference between healthy and sick neighborhoods. Learn how community engagement is crucial to breaking the cycle of poverty. Public Health and Medical-based seminars will be your chance to learn from the experts and share with your peers. And finally, don’t forget that you’ll be immersed in Caribbean culture from the moment you set down on the island, with endless opportunity to enjoy authentic food and music.

Adventure

We all know that fun in the sun is essential to maintaining good health. Adventure is just what the doctor ordered! From its endless tropical coastline spotted with palm trees and jungle canopies, to dramatic cliffs hugging along white sand beaches, this island is yours to explore. Take a boat ride over the clear Caribbean Sea and discover delicate marine ecosystems as you snorkel. Visit a spectacular ecological park, Laguna Dudu, where you’ll find mythic blue cenotes and a natural cave that you can swim in. Be sure to take the time to enjoy the island’s white sand beaches, just a short walk from Home Base, for a true Caribbean experience.

Lodging

Take a dip in the pool under the Caribbean sun. Stroll with your new friends and staff over to the nearby beach to enjoy the sand and surf. Your Home Base on this program is a is a rustic ecolodge built from local materials in the style of the Taíno people. While you’ll often be off on program activities, enjoy these amenities while you’re hanging around Home Base during downtime. Students will share rooms with roommates, and have shared bathrooms with cold-water showers. Food will be healthy and locally sourced, including meats, beans, rice, vegetables and fresh fruit.

Overview Video

Watch this unforgettable video as you prepare to shake up your ideas about health and community care on this exhilarating program! Delve into the distinctions between public health and medicine, and grasp how both are essential for community well-being. With guidance from local medical experts, embark on a journey to uncover the essence of being an island healthcare hero. Unveil the seven vital ingredients of human security and unravel the role of healthcare within this intricate tapestry. Roll up your sleeves for hands-on experience, tackling public health-oriented physical tasks and sanitation projects aimed at uplifting the lives of countless Dominicans facing poverty. Amidst these impactful endeavors, carve out time for thrilling adventures. Let the coastline, jungle, and vibrant Caribbean culture be your playground as you explore to your heart’s content!

Responsive YouTube Video Embed

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

GLOBAL HEALTH INITIATIVE

Dates & Tuition

Everything you need to know before you apply.

14-Day Program
Ages 14-18
2024 Dates
JUN 13 – JUN 26, 2024
JUN 20 – JUL 03, 2024
JUN 30 – JUL 13, 2024
JUL 07 – JUL 20, 2024
JUL 17 – JUL 30, 2024
Duration: 14 days
Tuition: $4,799
Student/Staff Ratio: 6 to 1
Community Service Hours: 40
Language Hours: N/A
For Ages: 14-18
Lodging: Ecolodge

Tuition Includes All In-Country Expenses

  • Airport pick-up/drop-off
  • In-country transportation
  • Lodging
  • 3 meals per day
  • Professional full-time staff and experts
  • 24/7 parent support hotline during the program
  • Secondary medical and evacuation insurance
  • Cultural activities, lectures and excursions
  • Pre-departure materials and support
  • Educational materials

To save your spot, an application fee and $600 deposit are required.

Backed by our 5-Point Safety System™

GLA HOME BASE:
SAFE & SECURE LODGING
CARING SUPERVISION &
EXPERT LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
SAFE
TRANSPORTATION
HEALTHY FOOD
& PURE WATER
24/7 SUPPORT &
EMERGENCY RESPONSE

Speak with the GLA Admissions Team

Admissions
Phone Number

1-858-771-0645

USA Toll-Free
Phone Number

1-888-358-4321

Admissions
Email Address

info@experienceGLA.com

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

GLOBAL HEALTH INITIATIVE

Request a Program Catalog

Browse our catalog to discover all GLA has to offer.

Complete this quick form and we'll send you a FREE copy of the Global Leadership Adventures program catalog.
Be on the lookout for a confirmation email after you complete the form! You will also receive an all-access pass to the latest GLA program updates and our newsletter.

FRONT COVER

BACK COVER