Dominican Republic
Community Service & Batey Life
About the Program
Immerse your students in the unique experience of life in a Dominican batey community, where they will engage in meaningful service projects that directly support local development efforts. Through hands-on work and cultural exchange, students will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and resilience of these communities. This program offers a blend of community service, cultural immersion, and personal growth, giving students a chance to make a real impact while exploring the rich culture of the Dominican Republic.
Itinerary
Discover the exciting adventures and impactful moments that await each day on this itinerary!
- Arrive at Las Americas International Airport in Santo Domingo (SDQ) and meet Global Works leaders
- Head to accommodations in San Pedro de Macoris and settle in
- Orientation discussion with the group to learn about the week ahead, expectations for the experience, and an introduction to the local culture
- Enjoy a local dinner and rest for the upcoming busy day
- Spend four days working alongside the partner community on infrastructure projects in the Batey aimed at improving living standards
- Participate in various construction projects, such as building homes, digging foundations, mixing cement, laying cinderblocks, plastering and painting
- Contribute to other projects, including building latrines, cementing floors, and educational exchanges with local youth
- Return to the base in the evenings, shower, and have dinner onsite
- Engage in evening discussions, listen to guest speakers, and/or watch documentaries to gain further understanding about Batey communities
- Wake up early and board the bus to Bayahibe, a charming coastal town with stunning white sand beaches and turquoise waters
- Enjoy the picturesque scenery and warm and tranquil waters of the Caribbean coastline
- Snorkel in the calm ocean waters and swim inside of a cave!
- Spend the evening unwinding in a picturesque Dominican town
- Say goodbye to new friends and to the beautiful DR. Head to the airport for departure and goodbyes!
Note: This program can be extended to 10 days.
Educational Focus & Highlights
Build for Change
Work directly on infrastructure projects in Batey communities, building cement homes, latrines, and floors. These service efforts directly impact living conditions for local families.
Discover Coastal Beauty
Explore the stunning coastline of Bayahibe, enjoy the white sand beaches, and experience the vibrant natural environment of the Dominican Republic.
Connect with the Batey
Engage with the local community through educational exchanges and evening discussions. Students form meaningful connections by learning from local youth and sharing experiences.
Dive into the Caribbean
Snorkel in the calm, turquoise waters of Bayahibe and explore the beauty of the Caribbean coast, swimming among marine life and inside coastal caves.
Gallery
Lodging
Participants
Participants stay in comfortable, dorm-style rooms that typically accommodate 4-6 students per room. These accommodations are carefully selected and often include locally run hotels or eco-lodges that reflect the culture of the area. Each location is selected to have private meeting spaces for group activities, ensuring both a supportive and appropriate environment for our programs.
Chaperones
Chaperones can expect to stay in private rooms, unless otherwise noted by the Global Works operations team. These rooms are located in the same facility as the student accommodations, allowing for a peaceful environment to relax and recharge without compromising proximity to the group. During homestays, chaperones typically have a choice to either stay with a homestay family or in a nearby hotel (location dependent).
Bring Your Classroom to the World
Collaborate with Global Works on an impactful service-learning travel program for your students.
