High School Study Abroad in the Dominican Republic

Explore everything the Dominican Republic has to offer by living with a host family and experiencing a warm, colorful way of life. Discover the highest mountain and deepest valley in the Caribbean, as well as rainforests, deserts, and white sand beaches! The Dominican Republic boasts a strong industry of ecotourism and provides many opportunities to connect with nature through hiking, birdwatching, and exploring national parks. Dominicans are welcoming people with a great sense of humor who are happy to share all the things they consider to be “muy dominicano.” They are proud of their heritage and are welcoming to those who want to visit and learn more about the things that mean most to them – which is often family!

Assess the health needs of semi-urban communities in Santiago de los Caballeros and participate in field-based public health education initiatives. Alongside local NGO, Red Misericordia, take part in activities that encourage children and teens to follow healthy habits, like healthy eating, physical activity, personal hygiene, and adequate sleep. Analyze the ways local organizations are detecting, preventing, and responding to factors that negatively affect the community’s general well-being. Throughout the program, reflect on your service and on what you’ve learned about basic care, safety, mental health, health education, and general education in the second largest Caribbean nation. Transform your ideas into an actionable plan for future service or to pursue a career in public health. In this Dominican hilltop city, you will live with a local family and meet local teens to fully immerse yourself in Caribbean traditions and the Spanish language. Enjoy bachata and salsa dance classes, admire Dominican art at the Centro León, try empanadas and coconut ice-cream, and really get to know the people.

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

This beachside program in the Dominican Republic is designed for students who want their summer to feel both meaningful and unforgettable. Over eight days, you’ll live and travel along the country’s stunning coasts and vibrant towns while working with local communities on health, wellness, and small-scale development projects. You won’t just volunteer, you’ll collaborate with families, kids, and community leaders, building real connections and learning what daily life is like far beyond the tourist beaches. Between service days, the island comes alive through snorkeling in warm Caribbean waters, relaxing on golden sand, and exploring the colorful streets of Santo Domingo, the oldest European city in the Americas. Every part of the experience is designed to balance impact and adventure, giving you space to grow, try new things, and feel proud of what you contributed. You’ll return home with new friends and a deeper understanding of the world.

This beautiful Caribbean country doesn't just feature beautiful beaches and jungle resort vistas. You can also find rich cultural heritage and nature here! Live on the island and contribute to projects that improve the lives of locals or the environment. Provide medical, educational outreach, and public health infrastructure support to people in rural communities. Learn from actual medical professionals and dive deep into public health and environmental issues, gaining insight into how they work together. Assist with medical and public health projects. In our downtime, we'll explore the cool cenotes, the picturesque Caribbean Sea, and all the DR offers.