Location
  • Dominican Republic
Length
1 - 4 weeks

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Timeframe
Summer
Housing
Dormitory Host Family Hotel
Language
Spanish
Age Min.
14
Age Max
18

Pricing

Starting Price
3750
Price Details
Price does not include airfare or travel insurance. VISIONS can provide some financial aid to those in need.
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Meals Transportation
What's Not Included
Airfare Travel Insurance
Jan 30, 2023
Sep 20, 2022
13 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Build classrooms at schools that are filled to capacity, help run a popular day camp for local children, and make an impact that will have positive ripple effects for years to come. Our homebase is in the energized town of Cotui, a historic locale that dates to the early 1500s. Off the beaten path and in a quaint welcoming neighborhood, VISIONS participants find their vibrant home away from home. Spend off-hours in classic Caribbean style—socializing, laughing, playing games with neighbor kids, practicing Spanish and choosing from an array of activities. Complete the experience with adventures to the beach, countryside hikes, swimming and boating at the largest lake in the Caribbean, making local foods, and more.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Spanish Immersion
  • Day-Stays with Local Families
  • Latin Dancing
  • Stunning Beaches
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site

Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 7 reviews
  • 5 rating 100%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Growth 5
  • Support 4.85
  • Fun 4.75
  • Housing 4.85
  • Safety 4.85
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
Default avatar
Tucker
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My Dominican Republic personal experience

I would just like to start this review with the most important message in this writing. If you are on the fence about doing this program, please do it. One of my main concerns about this trip was my Spanish speaking ability. Once you get settled in you soon realize that if you are having trouble with a language barrier, there are many kind people around you that can help you translate. Words can’t describe how much of a blessing this trip was for me. I enjoyed every second of every minute of my time in the D.R . I adored every moment from hanging out with the locals, to getting to know the councilors, to even helping out clean the house with my peers. This trip helped me out tremendously mentally as well as physically and socially. I personally made special connections with a bunch of the little kids as well as the older kids in the local town that I will cherish forever. It really made a difference to me that the same local kids I would be hanging out with and joking amongst with, were the same kids we were helping to build the school for. All in all, the special memories we all created with each other, will be memories that will last a life time and I would do this trip over and over again if I could. I also want to leave a special thanks to Georgia, Luis, Sammy, Meg, Leyri and Larry for keeping all of us safe and taken care of during our time on the trip! Thank you all.

Pros
  • You meet great people
  • You create memories that last a life time
  • You are constantly occupied with fun and interesting activities
Cons
  • House can get a little dirty
21 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Sabine
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Visions 2019

It was was easier to make friends than I thought. It was so easy to find someone who shared the same interests as you and it is really is a place where you can open up and be yourself. As well as a full cultural émersion we were still able to connect with the other volunteers and make plans to see each other and keep in touch after the program. The staff were wonderful and we really came together as a family. We overcame some minor difficulties stronger than before and it will always be one of my favorite summers.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Probably the plane ride. It was a little stressful to coordinate but it’s over soon and then you get to enjoy your stay.
68 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Aidan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

AMAZING

I had such a great time on this trip. Not only did I partake in community service but also had lots of fun. I met lots of new people and made friends that will last a lifetime. We went all around the capital city and explored around the country. The locals were nice and our housing was great. I have never felt so safe in a foreign country before. I was not expecting this trip to be as impactful on me as it was. I thing about it everyday.lne thing I really loved was the food it was amazing. We had different local foods every nite cooked by the directors wife. My favorite was the empanadas we had twice in the trip for dinner. If I was not out of high school I would 100% do this trip again it built me as a person and matured me into a young adult.

What would you improve about this program?
This program could not be improved at all. I loved everything about it and would not change anything at all.
60 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Kodee
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Exemplified Immersion in the DR

As a staff member in the Dominican Republic I have grown as a individual and professional while seeing an even more intensified growth for the participants. For housing nearly 30 individuals the house held up well, but was far from perfec but very reflective of the normal Dominican living experience. This program is great in the realm of immersion, there is always a Dominican to talk to or play a game with. The communities we work in quickly become a family and really make the experience one of a kind.

What would you improve about this program?
The amount of travel to the work site.
56 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Kyle
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Wouldn't Hesitate To Do It Again

I had been in this neighborhood before and loved it, so I wanted to have a more extended stay. Gave me the opportunity to truly experience the culture of this beautiful place. For me it was great. I would go to the worksite or kids camp ready to work, then at night have a cultural experience. The best by far for me is just hanging out with the dominican friends I made, while getting a coke at the corner store. If you go to the community with open arms, they will take gladly. Then you will be part of a community you have never seen anything like before, and will never forget it.

What would you improve about this program?
Let the kids have a little more freedom, with just a tiny bit less restriction. I know most of those rules are from safety precautions and things from the past, but that is to the individuals decision. One of the best parts of the trip is experiencing the culture, so at times I wanted to just only be with Dominicans, and truly be submerged by myself.
56 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
d87
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great Trip!

I had such a great trip with Visions to the Dominican Republic! Everyone on the trip was great and I thought there was a really good balance between working and doing other activities! I would love to go back!

50 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Annie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

DR

I had such a good trip with Visions to the Dominican Republic and I know I will never forget it. I made friends that I know I will never forget both with the other participants and with the locals. I loved the project we did and I felt like there was a really good sense of community. I would definitely do a Visions trip again!

48 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers