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Dominican Republic: Cultural Connection Through Sports
Game-Changing Impact, Championing Equality, and Cultural Immersion
This project is perfect for young people seeking a deep community immersion experience and is especially well-suited for those who are proactive and eager for a more independent experience. Volunteers will practice Spanish daily while interacting with their host family, peers, and other community members. It’s also an excellent fit for those who love sports and value the connections that sports can create with others.
Most meals will be typical Dominican food, which can include plantains, eggs, and sancocho (a traditional stew with vegetables and meat). This project can accommodate vegetarians.
Combination of dormitory-style lodging and homestays. For most of the project, volunteers will be 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.
Homestays are in communities within four hours of the city of Barahona. Temperatures range from the mid-70s (at night) to the mid-90s during the day, and there is a lot of humidity.
guagua = bus
¿qué lo qué? = what’s up?
Quisqueya = Mother of All Lands in Taíno, the language of the indigenous peoples in the Dominican Republic and Haiti
Earn 100 service hours.
This program is all about building connections through sports and community. You’ll live with a host family, play volleyball with local teens, and work on service projects together. Volleyball serves as a central activity, but there are also opportunities to engage in other popular sports like baseball, basketball, or soccer, which play a significant role in Dominican culture.
| Length | Requirements | Dates | Ages | Application Deadline |
Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Session A | 4 Weeks |
2 Years of 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 11 – July 9, 2025 |
15-19 |
Priority Financial Assistance: Dec 10, 2024 National Chapter Financial Assistance: March 11, 2025 Final Deadline: April 8, 2025 |
$5,975 – National Chapter $4,975 – Local Chapters Fees include all in-country expenses Fundraising Support Available Flight costs are not included |
| Session B | 4 Weeks |
2 Years of 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 15 – August 12, 2025 |
15-19 |
Priority Financial Assistance: Dec 10, 2024 National Chapter Financial Assistance: March 11, 2025 Final Deadline: May 14, 2025 |
$5,975 – National Chapter $4,975 – Local Chapters Fees include all in-country expenses Fundraising Support Available Flight costs are not included |
2 Years of 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 11 – July 9, 2025
$5,975 – National Chapter
$4,975 – Local Chapters
Fees include all in-country expenses
Fundraising Support Available
Flight costs are not included
2 Years of 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 15 – August 12, 2025
$5,975 – National Chapter
$4,975 – Local Chapters
Fees include all in-country expenses
Fundraising Support Available
Flight costs are not included
The Dominican Republic, located in the heart of the Caribbean, is a nation 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 play a central role in Dominican society, serving as a unifying force and a source of national pride. From bustling cities to rural communities, athletic pursuits are deeply ingrained in daily life, offering a shared sense of identity and joy.
Day 1: Arrival and Orientation
Arrive in Santo Domingo and meet your project group and staff. Stay in group lodging near the airport for your first night in the Dominican Republic.
Days 2-5: Briefing
Spend the first few days completing a comprehensive training called “briefing.” Practice Spanish and attend cultural workshops and team-building activities. Prepare for community immersion through sessions focused on the service project process, cultural norms, and program expectations.
Days 6-25: Community Immersion in Barahona
Travel to Barahona and settle into host communities, living with local families and experiencing Dominican culture firsthand. Practice volleyball daily with local youth, preparing for the project-wide tournament while fostering teamwork and connection. Collaborate with community members to plan and implement a service project, and lead fun and educational activities for children. Enjoy cultural experiences such as learning bachata dancing and participating in local events.
Day 26: Volleyball Tournament
Reunite with fellow volunteers for a day-long volleyball competition, bringing together teams from different communities. Celebrate teamwork and the connections made during the program, followed by a group meal and reflection activities.
Days 27-28: Debriefing
Participate in group debriefing sessions to reflect on the program and share memories. Spend a relaxing day at a pristine Caribbean beach, enjoying the tropical setting and celebrating the program’s conclusion.
Day 29: Departure
Return to Santo Domingo for flights home. Say goodbye to the Dominican Republic, reflecting on the friendships, skills, and experiences gained during the program.
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
AMIGOS was my first taste of experiencing just how invigorating living abroad in an immersive way can be, and it has driven me to continue to expand my horizons and travel the world.
—Emily, Volunteer in the Dominican Republic
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.
See more projects like this one!