The ISV Dominican Republic Experience

Let the beautiful smiles of the Dominican people inspire you to give of yourself
AVAILABLE MAY TO SEPTEMBER PROGRAM ONLY 

The Dominican Republic is famous for its beautiful white sand beaches, vibrant culture and warm, friendly people. With the highest mountains of the Caribbean, breathtaking beaches and a vast network of underground caves, you will fall in love with this beautiful country and its festive culture.

As you volunteer in the Dominican Republic, your heart will be touched by the passion and spirit of the local people, many of whom have very little. Give of yourself to help improve their quality of life through community building and children’s programs, including arts & crafts, music, recreation and health education. Devote your time to enriching the lives of children and families in rural communities who have little access to quality education and employment.

Adventure tour activities may include waterfall rappeling in the Dominican Alps, surf lessons and snorkeling on the North Coast, a historical and cultural tour of the Colonial Zone in Santo Domingo, caving in Hato Mayor and horseback riding to the secluded Limon waterfall.

Volunteer Projects

First 2 weeks
Projects focus on children’s health education and community development

• Health education programs for impoverished children
• Building homes for single parent families
• Improving access to water and sanitation
• Construction of schools and community centers
• Recreation, sports, art & crafts activities
• Community recycling and clean-up programs
• Teach music, dance and theatre
• Painting educational murals

Adventure Tour

One week
Travel across this tropical island for non-stop culture and adventure

• White water rafting on the Yaque del Norte River
• Surfing and snorkeling in the warm waters of the North Coast
• Canyoning and rappelling
• Cliff-jumping and sliding down natural waterfalls
• Exploring one of the largest caves in the Caribbean
• Discovering the colonial city of Santo Domingo and beach culture of Cabarete
• Merengue, bachata and salsa dancing!

Spanish Language and Culture

Live with a host family while taking Spanish language, cooking and dance classes

In every Latin country, ISV offers incredible Spanish Language & Latin Dance Lessons that take place prior to the Volunteer Project. These Spanish Lessons are a MUST as they enhance your total ISV experience and enable you to converse with the locals. This is an invaluable opportunity for you to develop and/or improve your Spanish language skills prior to beginning your ISV Volunteer Project. This course includes dance and cooking lessons and is an exciting introduction to your host country's culture. You will arrive in your host country for your Spanish Language and Cultural Immersion Program on a Friday , 7 days before your ISV Program begins. You will be met at the airport by your host family or staff from the Spanish School (varies by country) and taken to your host family home for the weekend to settle in before classes begin on Monday. Orientation will take place on Saturday, followed by an excursion/activity and some time on Sunday to get to know your host family. Please note that exact itineraries vary by country. You will be speaking the basics of Spanish in a matter of 7 days while having great fun practicing with your host family and learning about the Latin American lifestyle.