Location
  • Dominican Republic
Length
1 - 4 weeks
Need-based funding, General grants/scholarships, Payment plans
Health & Safety

Program Details

Program Type
Direct Enrollment
Timeframe
Summer
Housing
Hotel Lodge
Language
English
Age Min.
14
Age Max
18

Pricing

Starting Price
4799
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Meals Transportation
What's Not Included
Airfare Travel Insurance
Jul 11, 2024
Dec 21, 2023
0 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Dive deep into public health and environmental issues in the Dominican Republic. GLA's partner organizations have maintained longstanding relationships with local NGOs dedicated to working alongside rural communities to ensure sustainable access to sanitary living conditions, healthcare and education, while keeping environmental conservation top of mind. Depending on the program they choose, community service projects and learning components will emphasize either public health or environmental issues. We'll also make full use of the DR's beautiful beaches, warm waters and spectacular views, with snorkeling excursions, hikes and city tours.

Caribbean Sea Conservation Project (14 days)
Service Hours: 30
Program Theme: Environmental Stewardship

Global Health Initiative (14 days)
Service Hours: 40
Program Theme: Medicine & Public Health

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Make the most of the inviting Caribbean Sea with snorkeling, boating, kayaking and relaxing days on the beach
  • Volunteer on trail restoration, beach cleanup and wildlife research projects
  • Tour historic Santo Domingo and learn more about this colonial city's history
  • Get a crash course in Dominican culture as you take in the sights, sounds and tastes of your lively host community
  • Zipline through the greenery and keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife

Popular Programs

GLA Dominican Republic

The Caribbean awaits! Tropical seas, white sand beaches and lush forest canopies are ripe for exploration. Explore the rich beauty of the Dominican Republic as you become an advocate for marine conservation. Collaborate with biologists and conservationists to restore coral reefs and mangrove forests; zipline, snorkel and boat your way along the coastline to get up close and personal with this island's unique marine life.

GLA Dominican Republic

Beyond the upscale resorts and natural beauty, medical and public health challenges are prevalent in the Dominican Republic--many communities have little to no access to health care. Work alongside medical experts to provide medical, educational and development support to rural Dominican communities. In our down time, we'll explore colonial cities, swim in cool lagoons and get a taste of unique and vibrant Dominican culture.

Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 3 reviews
  • 5 rating 100%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Growth 4.7
  • Support 5
  • Fun 5
  • Housing 4.7
  • Safety 5
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
Default avatar
Joseph
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Dominican Republic Adventure

This was a unique experience both both kids. They navigated the airline industry on their own to and from as teenagers. They dealt with all manner of challenges and learned they "Can Do It" - whatever it might have been. Both kids came home more mature and aware of the environment while getting some exposure to a very different culture. Upon arrival at the Airport in DR until departure from the same airport days later the kids both reported the trip as fun, informative, challenging, safe, and did I mention FUN?
Cheers from a happy parent.

What was your funniest moment?
Zip lines and snorkeling
Pros
  • Learning about mangroves and the ecology the groves help protect
  • Meals
  • Sight seeing
Cons
  • Rained a lot some days
29 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Grace
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Unique learning experience

My trip to the Dominican Republic was an amazing experience. I feel as if this trip had so many different things to offer. From unique learning experiences to fun adventure activities and even great lodging. I went on this trip with little background knowledge of ocean conservation. I went in with an open mind. The service that we did was centered around not only learning about the ocean but also helping the community support conservation. The biggest thing I took away from this learning was that by learning more about how to take care of our coral reefs, I realized how easy it is to make small changes. In my day-to-day life, I can do small things that add up to make a significant impact on keeping our corals and ocean animals healthy. When we weren't doing service, we spent time exploring all that the Dominican Republic had to offer. As I have gone on two GLA trips based on my experience, the lodging for this trip was very comfortable. At the heart of all GLA trips were the people I met, who greatly impacted my experience. Whether that was people in the community or other students on the trip, they all helped to broaden my perspective of the world around me.

35 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Deana
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing

My daughter had the most amazing 2 weeks of her life in the Dominican Republic through GLA. The friends and memories she made are priceless. She learned valuable lessons about the lives other people live and it opened her eyes to a life she never would’ve experienced if not for GLA. Along with lessons in volunteerism, she had so much fun doing exhilarating activities like zip lining and canoeing. This experience truly left my daughter open minded to a new world she’s never seen before. P.S she didn’t even mind the limited phone time :).

Pros
  • Safety
  • Exploration
  • Friendships
Cons
  • Heat
36 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers