Project Focus Areas: Game-changing impact and cultural immersion
Immerse yourself in local communities and learn about gender equality through sports. Participate in or start volleyball teams with local youth and practice together to prepare for a project-wide volleyball competition. Spend time with your host family to learn about Dominican culture and work with kids, leading fun and dynamic activities.
Our Dominican Republic: Barahona project is an AMIGOS IMMERSE program. AMIGOS Immerse programs offer the deepest level of cultural integration, independence, and leadership development for high school students ready to dive in headfirst. Based on the historical AMIGOS program model, students spend 4–6 weeks living with a host family in Latin America, collaborating on community-led service projects, and developing their leadership skills like never before. Students live with host families with 2 to 3 volunteers per community, build deep community relationships, earn 25 service hours per week, and design and implement a project with their host community. Project supervisors complete traditional AMIGOS “routes,” visiting volunteers once per week for 24-48 hours. With strong support and the opportunity to shape real projects from the ground up, this is your chance to grow into a confident, connected, and compassionate global citizen!
The Dominican Republic, located in the heart of the Caribbean, is known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and passion for sports. With its pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and dynamic communities, the country is a melting pot of traditions influenced by Spanish, African, and Taino heritage.
Barahona, located in the southwest, is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including pristine beaches, lush mountains, and ecological reserves. It’s a quieter, rural region where visitors can experience a slower pace of life, rich community traditions, and the unspoiled beauty of the Caribbean.
Sports are central to Dominican society, serving as a unifying force and source of national pride. Athletic pursuits are deeply ingrained in daily life, from bustling cities to rural communities, offering a shared sense of identity and joy.
Example Activities
Day 1: Arrive in Santo Domingo
Stay in a hotel near the airport with your group.
Day 2-5: Briefing Site
Briefing activities, meet your fellow volunteers, and participate in Spanish classes.
Day 6-26: Host community stay near Barahona
Students will be divided into their communities and begin their homestay! During this time, students will work with their communities to develop and carry out a service project of the community’s choosing. Session A will dive into the creative side by brainstorming with the community, creating a project timeline, and kicking off the service project towards the end of their homestay. Session B will jump in and carry the service project across the finish line. Volunteers will also form or support a volleyball team to empower local youth and build leadership skills.
Day 27-29: Debriefing
Dorm-style lodging. Participate in debriefing and reflection activities. Take a group excursion. Then, travel to the airport for your flight back to the United States!
* Note, itineraries are subject to change
Who is this project good for?
This project is perfect for youth looking for a deep community immersion experience. Volunteers will practice Spanish daily while interacting with their host family, peers, and other community members. This project is excellent for young people who love sports and the connection that sports can build with their peers. Please also view this program’s requirements.
What makes this project unique?
This is the only project that uses sports as a key pillar for creating lasting change with young people. Volunteers will join local volleyball teams, train weekly, and participate in a major tournament that brings together youth from all the communities involved in the project. Along the way, they’ll experience daily life with a Dominican host family and work alongside local youth leaders and community members to develop a meaningful service project.
What is AMIGOS’ history in the region?
AMIGOS began its work in the Dominican Republic in 1977, partnering with the Ministry of Health to carry out immunization programs in the capital, Santo Domingo. In the early 2000s, AMIGOS expanded its reach to the south, collaborating with organizations like World Vision and Plan International. AMIGOS implemented programs across various southern regions between 2003 and 2019, including San Juan, Azua, Neiba, and Barahona. After a pause due to the pandemic, 2025 marked an exciting new chapter as AMIGOS relaunched its program, celebrating a successful summer of volunteering, learning, and growth.
Can I receive college credit?
Yes! Receive college credit for joining this project! Learn more here.
How many service hours can I receive?
You can earn 100 service hours on this program.
What are the accommodations like for this project?
We use a combination of dormitory-style lodging and homestays. For most of the project, volunteers will split into groups of 2-3 per community and live with a host family with one partner or independently. They will stay with the group and staff members at the beginning and end of the project.
What is the food like?
Most meals will be typical Dominican food, which can include plaintains, eggs, and sancocho (a traditional stew with vegetables and meat). This project can accommodate vegetarians.
What about the climate and terrain?
Homestays are in communities within four hours of the city of Barahona. The temperatures range from the mid-70s (at night) to the mid-90s during the day, and there is a lot of humidity.
Can you teach me some slang?
Just remember guagua = bus, ¿qué lo qué? = what’s up?, and Quisqueya = Mother of All Lands in Taíno, the language of the indigenous peoples in the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
| Length | Requirements | Dates | Ages | Application Deadline |
Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Session A | 4 Weeks |
2 years Spanish or equivalent Passport valid 6 months after project end date Pre-departure training, online or in-person Attend Health and Safety and Project webinars in the Spring |
June 10 – July 8, 2026 |
15–19 | National Chapter: May 13 |
$5,175 – Local Chapter $6,175 – National Chapter Fees include all in-country expenses Fundraising Support Available Flight costs are not included |
| Session B | 4 Weeks |
2 years Spanish or equivalent Passport valid 6 months after project end date Pre-departure training, online or in-person Attend Health and Safety and Project webinars in the Spring |
July 14 – August 11, 2026 |
15–19 | National Chapter: June 16 |
$5,175 – Local Chapter $6,175 – National Chapter Fees include all in-country expenses Fundraising Support Available Flight costs are not included |
2 years Spanish or equivalent
Passport valid 6 months after project end date
Pre-departure training, online or in-person
Attend Health and Safety and Project webinars in the Spring
June 10 – July 8, 2026
$5,175 – Local Chapter
$6,175 – National Chapter
Fees include all in-country expenses
Fundraising Support Available
Flight costs are not included
2 years Spanish or equivalent
Passport valid 6 months after project end date
Pre-departure training, online or in-person
Attend Health and Safety and Project webinars in the Spring
July 14 – August 11, 2026
$5,175 – Local Chapter
$6,175 – National Chapter
Fees include all in-country expenses
Fundraising Support Available
Flight costs are not included
Wish you were still in Latin America with AMIGOS? Now’s your chance to sign up for a second summer!
But don’t wait too long… Our projects are already filling up!
The priority deadline is November 4th so make sure you’ve saved your spot by applying today at apply.amigosinternational.org
Summer is waiting. We’ll see you there 😎
The final block of volunteers was a huge success!
Our vols enjoyed their last day in the Dominican Republic exploring the Zona Colonial and walking down El Conde #amigosdelasamericas
It’s always mango season here in the Dominican Republic!
The volleyball tournament was a huge success thanks to our amazing volunteers and massive local youth involvement #volunteerpower #youthleadership #culturalexchange
Tournaments were a success! Volunteers cheered and played like it was their last day! #amigosdelasamericas #empoweryouth
Tournaments going too well for the show that the sun can’t even stop this. #youthempowerment #stayhydrated #volleyball #amigosdelasamericas
Just enjoying Barahona’s gorgeous and diverse landscape! #GetOutOfYourElement #communityservice #youthleadership
My favorite part of my AMIGOS program was being fully immersed in the community without any hands-on help, which allowed me to be very self-sufficient and independent. I think this program showed me that I can keep up my outgoing personality even when there might be barriers like language or culture. It also showed me that I’m much more self-sufficient than I thought.
– Eli C.
Learn how to create ethical service initiatives by working with–not for–a community, engaging local organizations and partners, and evaluating the impact of your work. AMIGOS works with trusted local partners that are passionate and committed to working with our volunteers on community service projects.
Cultural humility is a process of both self-reflection about your own culture as well as learning about other cultures. You will examine your own beliefs and cultural identity and gain an understanding of how structural racism has impacted societies and the roles that communities can take to lead systemic change.
Learn, grow, and discover your leadership potential! Explore your sense of purpose and start to establish your personal goals and values through introspection and inquiry.
AMIGOS programs provide a unique opportunity to experience a new culture. Volunteers report increased fluency in Spanish after completing our program. Activities go far beyond the classroom — you’ll lead activities in Spanish, learn local slang, and increase your confidence with real-world practice. You will not believe how fast your Spanish improves when you use it in conversation every day!
Travel to must-see spots in your host country! You’ll travel as a group to experience unique destinations like volcanoes, ancient ruins, national parks, and historical sites. You’ll get to see these places from the distinct perspective of someone who has spent time in that country and learned about the culture firsthand. Plus, you’ll bond with their fellow volunteers and have fun!
AMIGOS is the industry leader in health and safety management. Our staff is prepared to help you with any situation that may arise. Each volunteer receives a personalized emergency plan, as well as support from local staff teams and a professional 24-hour On-Call Safety Team of travel specialists, doctors, and mental health specialists. A Health and Wellness Coordinator is on staff with the group throughout the duration of their stay. AMIGOS also has an established network of vetted medical clinics and hospitals throughout the region.
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