Project Focus Areas: Access to Potable Water, Natural Resource Management & Sustainable Community
Join us in the rolling hills and mountains of the Dominican Republic, where sustainable development comes to life through local action and community partnership. Work alongside residents on projects that improve water access, strengthen community leadership, and protect natural resources. Take part in rainwater harvesting initiatives that provide safe, reliable water for families, and support community-led ecotourism that celebrates local culture and promotes sustainable growth. This experience is about connection and shared purpose— creating lasting change for people and the planet.
Our Dominican Republic: Tierra Caribe project is an AMIGOS EXPLORE program. If you’re a high school student ready for something deeper than a typical trip abroad, AMIGOS Explore programs offer 2- to 3.5-week adventures that blend service, leadership, and cultural exchange. You’ll live with a host family in a small group of volunteers, work side-by-side with local youth, and lead service projects that truly matter. You’ll also grow your Spanish skills, earn college credit (3-week programs only), complete 20 service hours per week, and see the world from a whole new perspective. Explore programs include both group travel activities and more independent experiences, with a project supervisor in the community with volunteers approximately 80% of the time. It’s meaningful, challenging, and unforgettable—designed for young leaders who want more than a vacation.
The Dominican Republic is full of history, culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant people. Each region has its own unique story and character.
In this project, volunteers will dive into sustainable development. They will help communities secure safe, reliable water through rainwater harvesting, protect forests and rivers, and manage natural resources responsibly. Along the way, participants support local leadership and community empowerment, learning how initiatives are designed and led by the local community itself. Additionally, explore community-led ecotourism to experience firsthand how locals celebrate their culture, conserve nature, and create opportunities that benefit the community.
Example Activities
Day 1: Fly into Santo Domingo and meet your project group and staff. Stay in Santo Domingo for your first night in the Dominican Republic.
Day 2: Excursion to explore the Zona Colonial in the capital to gain a deeper understanding of the country’s history.
Days 3-5: Travel to the mountains to the briefing site. Practice Spanish and attend cultural workshops and team-building activities. Engage in project services activities with the community.
Days 6-19: Travel and settle into host communities, living with local families and experiencing Dominican culture firsthand. Support water harvesting efforts, engage with local youth, lead recreational activities, support community projects, and experience ecotourism projects.
Days 20-21: Participate in group debriefing sessions to reflect on the program and share memories. Spend a relaxing day at a Caribbean beach, enjoying the tropical setting and celebrating the program’s conclusion. Return to Santo Domingo for one last night in the Dominican Republic.
Day 22: Fly back to the U.S. Hasta luego!
* Note, itineraries are subject to change
Who is this project good for?
This project is perfect for young people looking for an introduction to the Dominican Republic, including the warmth of living with a host family. It’s also an excellent choice for those ready to step out of their comfort zone and discover the importance of sustainable development, seeing firsthand how lasting change is possible when the community is at the heart of the process. Please also view this program’s requirements.
What makes this project unique?
This project offers a transformative experience, where volunteers directly improve water access through rainwater harvesting, providing families with safe and reliable water while learning practical skills in sustainable resource management. Volunteers also support community-led ecotourism, helping locals protect forests, rivers, and wildlife, celebrate their culture, and create economic opportunities that benefit the community.
What makes this project truly unique is its grassroots approach: every initiative is designed and led by the community, empowering locals, strengthening leadership, and fostering long-term, sustainable change. Volunteers leave not only having contributed, but also having been part of a community-driven transformation that benefits both people and nature.
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 60 service hours on this program.
What are the accommodations like for this project?
We use a mix of group lodging and homestays. Volunteers will be split into communities for homestays with AMIGOS staff. Volunteers will live with a partner or independently in homestays and meet with other volunteers and AMIGOS staff daily.
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?
Experience the tropical warmth of Santo Domingo, with average daily temperatures ranging from 87–89°F and cooler nights at around 74°F. In Jarabacoa, the mountain climate is fresher, with temperatures averaging 77–82°F during the day and 65–70°F at night, making it perfect for outdoor adventures. Bonao features warm, lush plains and mountains, with daytime temperatures ranging from 85–88°F and evenings averaging 72–75°F.
Note: The rainy season from May to November brings occasional showers, keeping the landscapes green and vibrant.
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 | 3 Weeks |
1 year 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 16 – July 7, 2026 |
15–19 | National Chapter: May 19 |
$4,975 – Local Chapter $5,975 – National Chapter Fees include all in-country expenses Fundraising Support Available Flight costs are not included |
| Session B | 3 Weeks |
1 year 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 13 – August 3, 2026 |
15–19 | National Chapter: June 15 |
$4,975 – Local Chapter $5,975 – National Chapter Fees include all in-country expenses Fundraising Support Available Flight costs are not included |
1 year 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 16 – July 7, 2026
$4,975 – Local Chapter
$5,975 – National Chapter
Fees include all in-country expenses
Fundraising Support Available
Flight costs are not included
1 year 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 13 – August 3, 2026
$4,975 – Local Chapter
$5,975 – 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
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
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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