Travel to the heart of the Dominican Republic on this program that will allow you to live in harmony with nature, and experience life as locals live it in this diverse Caribbean island. Spend three days working on service projects, contributing to infrastructure and environmental initiatives. Head back south to the beaches near Juan Dolio and explore the colonial zone of Santo Domingo, where you’ll learn about the rich history of this country.

Highlights

  • Travel from Santo Domingo to the Mountains of Dominican Republic absorbing the enchanting landscapes
  • Stay at  rural service base and immerse in the natural rustic environment
  • Work morning and afternoon on environmentally- focused service projects in collaboration with members of local community
  • Camp overnight in the mountains post half day hike, marvel at the beauty of the clear star filled sky
  • Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Jarabacoa Valley
  • Explore Santo Domingo, a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Explore the first European settlement
  • Enjoy a special dinner and dance show at a traditional Dominican restaurant

The YOLA Promise

YOLA will tie in with the best-in-class youth travel and education providers that follow rigorous safety and health standards.

YOLA will promote only those travel and education programs that are committed to the highest environmental, fair trade and human rights standards.

YOLA will create ethical experiences designed to have maximum, long-term impact on the communities we partner with.

YOLA and its partners are committed to travel to locations where tourists rarely go, buy goods from locally-owned businesses, and respect local cultures and customs. Our programs provide direct support for education, infrastructure development, conservation, and other community projects.

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Program Profile

Countries

  • Dominican Republic

Duration

9 Days

Ages

14 - 18 Years

Community service hours

24

Student/Staff Ratio

6:1

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Destination Details

 Students will stay at  different places throughout their time in the Dominican Republic. In Santo Domingo, we will stay at a hotel near the airport. In Jarabacoa, we will be staying in an ecolodge.  Students will  go camping, staying in tents for one night during the program.

PLEASE REQUEST FOR THE TUITION FEE

Tuition includes all in-country expenses including: All educational materials Lodging 3 meals per day. All in-country transportation. Airport pick-up/drop-off. Professional full-time staff and experts from the USA/Europe/India. 24/7 Parent Support Hotline during the program. Secondary medical and travel insurance. All cultural activities, lectures and weekend excursions. Pre-departure materials and support.

VISA Charges, International Travel charges, Insurance and out of pocket expenses are NOT INCLUDED in the Tariff


Packing the right gear (and the right amounts) is the first step to an incredible travel experience. Follow these tips to pack like a pro:

Travel light. Pack only the essentials. You’ll need less than you think!

Bring the right clothes. Pack clothes that are culturally appropriate for your destination and acceptable for service projects. This means bringing long shorts (think Bermuda and basketball shorts), t-shirts with sleeves to cover shoulders, and appropriate footwear.

Leave your valuables behind. While traveling, it’s easier for things to get lost, stolen, or damaged. Keep any prized possessions safe at home.

Make sure your luggage complies with TSA regulations, especially your carry-on.

Useful tip: Pack an empty water bottle and fill it up after security.

CARRY-ON
  • A school backpack is ideal as it will be used for day trips.
  • Passport
  • Photocopy of passport
  • Wallet/money
  • Visa documentation (if applicable)
  • Book and/or journal
  • Pen
  • Phone
  • Camera
  • Chargers
  • Change of clothes
  • Water bottle
  • Medication
  • Camera
  • Outlet power converter
  • Additional community service forms
  • Consent to Travel form
  • Yola emergency contacts
CHECK LUGGAGE

A 50-70 Liter duffel bag or backpack is ideal. A wheeled bag is only suitable if it can be carried like a duffel over rough terrain.

Clothes
  • Socks (7)
  • Underwear (7)
  • Pants/capris (1-2)
  • Jeans (1 pair)
  • Knee-length shorts (1-2)
  • T-shirts (5-7)
  • Long sleeved shirt (1-2)
  • Fleece/hoodie
  • Pajamas
  • Swimsuit
  • Quick dry towel
  • Rain jacket
  • Sneakers
  • Strappy sandals (like Tevas or Chacos)
  • Sun glasses
  • Hats (2 – 1 for sun, 1 for warmth)
  • Headlamp
TOILETRIES

Travel size bottles in Ziploc bags including  Shampoo, Conditioner, Body wash, Face wash, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Sunscreen, Lip balm with sunscreen, Bug spray, Feminine hygiene products, Contacts Contact solution, Foam earplugs, Personal med kit, Deodorant, Hand Sanitizer, Wet wipes, Small packs of tissues, Razor / shaving cream.

OPTIONAL
  • Portable games 
  • Travel pillow (for comfort)
  • Base layers (for safari nights)
  • Important Reminders
  • *Community Service Appropriate Attire includes T-shirts and tank tops with no visible undergarments and shorts with a 3” or more inseam.
  • Don’t forget the Big Five: Water Bottle, Sunscreen, Bug spray, Rain jacket, Closed-toe shoes.

CUSTOMIZE MY PROGRAM

You can choose to add days and programs as well as destinations to derive greater exposure and value-for-money. We offer tailor-made programs for groups of 12 or more, with customizable dates and itineraries.

CUSTOMIZE

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Get in Touch

For any questions, clarifications, or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. Additionally, our Program Advisors can help you identify the perfect trip and answer all your questions!

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