DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

ISLAND SOCIAL JUSTICE INITIATIVE

THIS PROGRAM IS NOT OPERATING FOR THE 2022 SEASON. IT IS CURRENTLY PLANNED TO RETURN IN FUTURE SEASONS. SEE THE DATES & TUITION SECTION BELOW FOR UPDATES.

Community service, cultural immersion and once-in-a-lifetime adventure come to a crossroads in this island hideaway in the Caribbean. Immerse yourself in Afro-Dominican culture and history through the lens of social justice.

Highlights

FOR THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: ISLAND SOCIAL JUSTICE INITIATIVE™ PROGRAM

  • Work to improve the living conditions of Haitian migrants who live and work in rural settlements
  • Visit key sites that have contributed to Afro-Dominican history and culture
  • Swim through freshwater caves and marvel at indigenous Taino paintings
  • Take a catamaran to a nearby island and snorkel in crystal waters
  • Breeze past unique limestone formations and mangrove forests on a highspeed boat adventure
  • Learn how the concept of social justice can be manifested through on-the-ground community action

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

ISLAND SOCIAL JUSTICE INITIATIVE

Program Overview

On this program you will learn about the complicated racial history of Hispaniola, the island shared by the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Work to improve the living conditions of Haitian migrants who live and work in rural communities dedicated to sugarcane production. Visit historical sites that are significant to Afro-Dominican history and culture, and discover the influence of the African diaspora in the Caribbean through cultural activities such as cooking and dance. Explore the beauty of the Dominican Republic’s tropical coastline and lush interior with excursions to national parks and a private island! Prepare yourself for adventure by boat, hiking, and cave exploration, among other activities. Leave with a deeper understanding of Afro-Dominican history and identity, and with new friends!

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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

ISLAND SOCIAL JUSTICE INITIATIVE

Community Service

“Bateyes,” are rural communities of predominantly Haitian sugarcane workers. These settlements, which can be found across the DR, are among the most impoverished areas of the country, lacking access to the most basic services such as safe housing, sanitation and healthcare. You will contribute to an ongoing community development initiative in a nearby batey that seeks to improve living conditions through infrastructure-based projects. Contribute to locals’ long-term health through the installment of cement floors and latrines. When not working, you’ll meet inspiring and ingenuitive local residents and leaders who are forging change in bateyes through community-led action.

Immersive Learning

Discover the influence of the African diaspora in the Caribbean though activities such as cooking and dance. Taste new and rich flavors and then learn a few steps of merengue and bachata dance. Meet the Congos of the Holy Spirit, a group of people who celebrate and promote the Afro-dominican identity through music, dance and festivities. Learn firsthand from a community-based non-profit about the importance of sustainable community development, and the promotion of human rights. End your trip with an excursion to the historical center of Santo Domingo, where you’ll explore important historical and cultural sites of the first city of the Americas through an Afro-Caribbean lens.

Adventure

This 21-Day Flagship Program will offer you the best of the Dominican coastline and the interior of the island with visits to three different national parks, and another nearby island as well! Go into the depths to explore some of the DR’s coolest caves and freshwater pools, which contain fascinating formations and indigenous Taino drawings. Take a high speedboat adventure one day, and then slow down to “island time” with a relaxed catamaran ride to a nearby island on the next. Feel on top of the world as you try out a local swing that offers expansive views of the island. Snorkel in aquamarine waters that are renowned for their sea stars, and marvel at other marine life during your expeditionl. Discover local white sand beaches and soak in the sun.

Lodging

Do some laps in the pool, spread a blanket out on the rolling lawn, or gather around the kitchen table to play a round of Dominican dominoes. Your Home Base on this program is an enclosed compound that contains ample outdoor space, a pool, and one large house where students and staff will stay. When not at service or on the road, make yourself at home in this roomy villa and enjoy all the amenities it has to offer. Students will share rooms with roommates and share bathrooms with cold and hot water showers. The Home Base is located in a safe, residential suburb of San Pedro de Macorís in the Dominican Republic. Food will be healthy and locally sourced, including meats, beans, rice, vegetables and fresh fruit. This program does include one night in Santo Domingo and two multiple-day excursions that will involve students staying in other accommodations. Students will primarily stay at locally-owned hotels and can expect similar quality accommodations while on excursions.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

ISLAND SOCIAL JUSTICE INITIATIVE

Dates & Tuition

Everything you need to know before you apply.

Tuition Includes All In-Country Expenses

  • Airport pick-up/drop-off
  • In-country transportation
  • Lodging
  • 3 meals per day
  • Professional full-time staff and experts
  • 24/7 parent support hotline during the program
  • Secondary medical and evacuation insurance
  • Cultural activities, lectures and excursions
  • Pre-departure materials and support
  • Educational materials

To save your spot, a $600 deposit and $95 application fee are required.

Backed by our 5-Point Safety System™

GLA HOME BASE:
SAFE & SECURE LODGING
CARING SUPERVISION &
EXPERT LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
SAFE
TRANSPORTATION
HEALTHY FOOD
& PURE WATER
24/7 SUPPORT &
EMERGENCY RESPONSE

Speak with the GLA Admissions Team

Admissions
Phone Number

1-858-771-0645

USA Toll-Free
Phone Number

1-888-358-4321

Admissions
Email Address

info@experienceGLA.com

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

ISLAND SOCIAL JUSTICE INITIATIVE

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