Volunteer Programs in the Dominican Republic
There are four very important things in the volunteering in Dominican Republic culture: family, music, religion and food. The towns of Samaná and Las Terrenas are scenic, quiet and peaceful places, with nice and welcoming people.
We can say that it is one of the most authentic countries in Latin America for international volunteering in Dominican Republic.
There are many realities and challenges that are often seen in countries like the Dominican Republic. Therefore, volunteer programs in the Dominican Republic not only give you the opportunity to get involved, but also allow you to broaden your perspective by working with children, youth and the community at large.
SOCIO-EDUCATIONAL INCLUSION
One of the main objectives of the socio-educational inclusion volunteer program in the Dominican Republic is to enhance the competences and skills of children and young people with special needs, as well as provide a basic education to children without any disability.
TEACHING AND TUTORING
Every day with the support of volunteers and local staff we are contributing and creating support in the most vulnerable communities, with the objective of providing information to families about the importance of being involved in the education, therapies and social inclusion of their children.
REQUIREMENTS FOR VOLUNTEERING IN DOMINICAN REPUBLIC?
To participate in an international volunteering in Dominican Republic with Adventure Volunteer, it’s necessary that all interested volunteers meet some minimum requirements, such as:
- Age: 18 years or older
- Training or experience: It’s not necessary to be an expert or have all the experience of the world. What we are looking for are volunteers who are eager to help and to dedicate a bit of their time to activities that help in the development of vulnerable children, youth, women and communities.
- Time: We require your participation to be at least 2 weeks, since the schools and animal centres that we work with require our support in a continuous manner.
- As a volunteer, you are expected to be empathetic, communicative, responsible, and capable of adapting and working in a team.
WHERE WILL I BE DURING MY VOLUNTEERING IN DOMINICAN REPUBLIC?
During your volunteer program in Dominican Republic you will live in Samaná, the projects are conveniently located, and you only need a few minutes to get to the facilities where the projects are developed.
You will be very close to the promenade, where there are many restaurants, bars and shops.
WHEN CAN I COLLABORATE ON VOLUNTEER IN DOMINICAN REPUBLIC?
Volunteer programs in the Dominican Republic are open all year round. Some programs such as the teaching program may suffer some variation in the opening dates, depending on the school calendar. All volunteers are asked to collaborate in the projects from Monday to Friday between 4 to 5 hours a day.
Volunteers generally use the weekend to get to know the country or go on some excursions, taking advantage of the fact that the project is closed on these days.
For more information, questions or assistance with a colleague of our team you can contact us via phone or Whatsapp here.
The steps to follow to register are as follows:
- Fill out the form to reserve your volunteering.
- Wait for our confirmation of availability.
- Make a 1st donation for the registration to the Adventure Volunteer association.
- You will receive an email with the volunteer agreement to be completed by you.
- You will return to us by email all the requested information and you will be able to purchase the flight.
- A few weeks before you start you will receive information from the local organization.
- Now you only have to pack your suitcase, you have a whole team that will make everything easier for you and you will be in contact at all times, so you don’t have to worry.
REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
To be part of the volunteer programs in Sri Lanka, it is not necessary any specific training and it is only required:
- To be of legal age (possibility minor with guardian or parents).
- To be a participative and committed person.
- Be respectful of people, culture and customs.
- To know how to adapt and work in a team.
- Criminal record certificate for social work.
- Sign cooperation agreement and interview with our team.
- Appropriate clothing for the destination.
- Knowledge of Spanish.
ACCOMMODATION FOR YOUR VOLUNTEER WORK IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
The experience of living in a Dominican house is very positive, it is a close and safe place.
This type of accommodation does not provide you with meals, but you have access to internet (Wifi), washing machine and kitchen for your use.
Depending on the time you arrive in the country you will be given an induction and orientation of the place and the program.
Volunteer housing
WHAT WILL THE ARRIVAL AT THE DESTINATION BE LIKE?
Upon arrival in the Dominican Republic you will be welcomed by the local coordinator in charge (at the airport if you arrange the pick-up with her or already at the project). She speaks Spanish and English fluently and is very helpful, patient and friendly.
In the orientation and induction you will be told the basic rules of the volunteer house and the place where it is located. In addition to the explanation of the program where you are going to collaborate.
You will have a room to share with other volunteers of the same gender.
It is important that you arrive before 3:45 pm in the Dominican Republic, since the last bus to Samaná leaves at 5:00 pm. In case you arrive after that time, you must spend the night in Santo Domingo and the next day go to Samaná.
VISA IN DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
As of April 2018, the entry tax to Dominican Republic is $10, (formerly known as tourist card).
This fee is charged at the airport on the day of your departure:
- 30 days to 89 days – 42,52€.
- 03 to 09 months – 68€.
- 09 months to 12 months – 85€.
It can be paid either in cash or by card, although it is better to have the money in cash, in case there is an electronic error when swiping the card through the dataphone.
Normally the companies also include this tax in the price of the airline ticket, but in some cases you must pay this tax physically at the airport. We recommend that you check with your airline at the time of ticket purchase.
SECURITY IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
The organization makes every effort to ensure that our volunteers remain safe during their stay in the Dominican Republic. However, we recommend you:
- Be cautious.
- Check things out.
- Ask questions.
- Learn about the neighborhood.
- Know where the riskiest places are.
- Use common sense and be aware.
Other tips to keep in mind:
- Make copies of your passport, insurance and emergency contact.
- Do not put money/phone on the table, be cautious.
- Keep a low profile. Do not show in public what you own (especially expensive electronic devices).
- Do not hand out money. If the needy ask you for money, don’t give it to them, ask them what they need (e.g., milk), go to the supermarket and give it to them.
- If you go out at night, call a cab, walk on well-lit streets with other people around you.
- We strongly recommend that volunteers do not drink alcohol (in the projects). As all our volunteers are adults +18, we expect you to drink responsibly, in a safe environment and with people you know. When drinking in the city, please be responsible and use good judgment, as you are not only representing your own country, but also the reputation of the Adventure Volunteer association, including all other volunteers and staff. Please make sure you are not intoxicated or hung over while working, and most especially when in contact with children.
- Drug use is prohibited and severely penalized in the Dominican Republic. Therefore, it is also strongly prohibited in the organization’s projects and accommodations.
The financial contribution is divided into two parts:
- The registration that you will give as a donation to the Adventure Volunteer association. This contribution has a tax benefit of 80% that you will be able to deduct in your income tax return.
- The remaining part of the cost of the program will go to the partner organization that we will send on your behalf as a substitute or you can deliver it directly to the project.
| WEEKS | ALL PROJECTS |
|---|---|
| 2 | 495€ |
| 3 | 590€ |
| Additional | 95€ |
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN A VOLUNTEERING IN DOMINICAN REPUBLIC?
- Accommodation in volunteer apartments
- Orientation and induction day
- 24/7 support from the Adventure Volunteer team
- Program monitoring and evaluation meeting
- CR and accident insurance
- Volunteer certificate at the end
- Guidance, advice and management in choosing your program
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN A VOLUNTEERING IN DOMINICAN REPUBLIC?
- Flight to Dominican Republic
- Visa, if necessary
- Health Insurance (mandatory)
- Internal transportation airport and 2 day around 35$
- 1st night at the hostel 15$
- Special drinks or meals
- Traveling in or out of the country
HOW TO BOOK MY VOLUNTEERING IN DOMINICAN REPUBLIC?
STEP 1
Once you fill out the program form, we will verify everything and confirm your place within 24 hours.
STEP 2
The registration fee must be paid within 7 days, then your place will be guaranteed 1 month before the payment of the programme.
SETEP 3
We send you the mandatory insurance and the international volunteer agreement.
