Dominican republic
Dominican Republic: Medical Service
About the Program
This program offers students a hands-on introduction to healthcare through service in local Dominican clinics, where they assist with basic medical tasks and support public health initiatives. Students will engage directly with community health efforts, gaining real-world experience while learning about the challenges of providing medical care in underserved areas. The program combines medical service with cultural immersion, allowing students to contribute meaningfully 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
- Explore the city’s Colonial Zone, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rich food and music scene
- Experience the blossoming bohemian scene at night, with La Zona Colonial’s plazas and squares becoming centers for artistic, folkloric, and cultural expressions
- Welcome to Quisqueya, where history and culture meet in the heart of the Dominican Republic
- After breakfast in Santo Domingo, head up to the Bella Vista region where to meet new host families (*Note: this program can include a homestay component or not, depending on your preference)
- Work with a local NGO to conduct health education workshops for Batey community members
- One afternoon, explore the surrounding mountains on a scenic hike and a chance to swim in a picturesque river
- Spend the evenings getting to know homestay families and learning about the daily life in the Bella Vista community
- After breakfast with, say farewell to homestay families and depart for 27 Charcos
- Guided exploration through the tropical forest, taking in the beauty of the pristine environment and the numerous waterfalls that give the region its name
- Lunch as a group at the base of the waterfalls before heading to new accommodation at an eco lodge
- Enjoy a restful evening at the lodge. Dinner and group reflections of time spent in the Batay community
- Breakfast at the lodge
- Meet with health initiative organizers from a local NGO that serves 2,000 people across 5 different communities
- Participate in “medical brigades” in communities across Sosua for the next two days, assisting physicians as they deliver care to local residents
- Learn about the local community’s healthcare needs through hands-on medical experience
- After breakfast at the lodge, head to the famous Amber coast for a day of exploration, snorkeling and boat rides
- Have fun and relax in the beautiful Caribbean climate
- Return to accommodation for a final celebratory dinner, final reflections as a group, and closing ceremonies
- Say goodbye to new friends and to the beautiful DR. Guides will take you to the airport for departure and goodbyes!
Educational Focus & Highlights
Teach & Learn in the Community
Work with a local NGO to provide health education workshops in the Batey community, and gain firsthand experience in addressing local healthcare needs.
Discover Santo Domingo’s History
Explore the rich history and vibrant culture of Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and experience local music, food, and art.
Hands-On Healthcare Service
Assist physicians during medical brigades, helping deliver care to residents across Sosua. This hands-on experience offers insights into the region’s healthcare challenges.
Explore the Amber Coast
Relax and snorkel along the stunning Amber Coast, where students can unwind and explore the vibrant underwater world of the Caribbean.
Live with Local Families
Stay with host families in the Bella Vista region, where students immerse themselves in daily life, build relationships, and learn about Dominican culture through firsthand experiences.
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 and eco-lodges that reflect the culture of the area. Each location is chosen to provide private meeting spaces for group activities, ensuring a supportive environment for our programs. Homestays typically house 2-3 students. Participants stay with families who have long-standing relationships with Global Works.
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.
