Description

Our year-long volunteers work in schools with children born into poverty, providing additional support for Dominican teachers who are themselves victims of the same poor educational system. By acting as role models for children, bringing new techniques into classrooms for teachers, and serving as a community liaison, volunteers help provide new opportunities to the children and the community. Positions include teaching classes (math, reading, writing, English, computers, health, etc), working with adolescents at risk of dropping out of school, working in the library, working with Montessori preschoolers, running extra-curricular activities for students, and serving as a mentor or tutor for youth who are behind in school.

Highlights

Improve your teaching skills through real classroom experience while living in a unique and beautiful tropical location. Spend your weekdays improving the lives of impoverished children through successful educational programs, and your weekends learning to surf, exploring ancient cities, or just lounging on the beach. Make lasting friendships while improving your Spanish language skills and learning more about the Dominican culture.

Qualifications

* Strong Spanish skills (Fluency is preferred and skill level will be used to determine placements)
* Bachelors degree and/or experience working with children
* Ability and willingness to adapt to new situations and work in a less-structured environment
* Must be 21 or older

Minimum Education

High School

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

USD 8,000 - USD 10,000 (depending on location). Fellowships available! Certified teachers receive a reduced fee.

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• Living stipend

Program Fees Include:

Fee Includes:
- Accommodations
- Required training workshops
- Volunteer cultural excursions
- Living stipend (for meals, cell phone, worksite transportation, laundry, etc.)
- Pick up/drop off at Puerto Plata airport

*Some scholarships are available.

Fee does not include airfare, health insurance or personal spending money.

Salary/Pay

Living stipend (for meals, cell phone, worksite transportation, laundry, etc.)

Experience Required

yes

experience teaching, tutoring, or working with children in a classroom setting.

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

The typical volunteer is usually an undergrad, recent graduate or grad student who is taking a year off between studies to explore career paths, such as teaching. Volunteers are usually proficient in Spanish, have a love of travel, and enjoy working with children.

Age Range

21-60

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of 2-4

Scholarships are Available

To apply for the DREAM fellowship, applicants should include with their application a brief one-page letter that demonstrates financial need and highlights specific qualifications for the program. DREAM also asks the applicant to specify the amount of money requested, as well as limit the request to what would be necessary for participation. All decisions will be made by the Executive Director.

Application Process Involves

• Essay
• Letters of Reference
• Phone/Video Interview
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

2-4 weeks

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

The DREAM Project's Mission Statement

We believe that quality, early and continuing education is the most effective way to break the cycle of poverty and change destinies. Our mission is to run inclusive, sustainable education programs for children and youth in the Dominican Republic that can be replicated throughout impoverished global communities.

Year Founded

2002