Where We Travel

Dominican Republic

Experience the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is known for its vibrant culture, music, sports, beaches, mountains, and strong community traditions. Located in the heart of the Caribbean, the country is shaped by Taíno, African, Spanish, and other cultural influences that show up in food, music, language, celebrations, and daily life.

For AMIGOS participants, the Dominican Republic is a place to build relationships through everyday community life. Students may spend time with host families, practice Spanish, join local youth in sports and activities, and support service projects shaped by community priorities.

Sports are a powerful part of Dominican life, especially baseball, basketball, and volleyball. In some AMIGOS programs, volunteers connect with local youth through volleyball teams, school and community activities, learning how teamwork can build confidence, friendship, and leadership.

Did you know?

AMIGOS began working in the Dominican Republic in 1977 through public health partnerships and later expanded into communities across the southern part of the country.

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Dominican Republic: Barahona

AMIGOS Immerse – High School (15-19)

Immerse in Dominican culture through community-based projects, youth leadership, sports, and meaningful connections with host families and local communities.

Cultural Immersion Game Changing Impact Youth Leadership

Sessions

June 8 – July 6 4 Weeks open

July 13 – August 10 4 Weeks open

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The Amigos Difference

Why AMIGOS?

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AMIGOS’ History in the Dominican Republic

Since 1977, AMIGOS has partnered with communities across the Dominican Republic.

1977

First programs launched in the Dominican Republic

1983

New focus on community sanitation

AMIGOS launches partnership with the Oficina de Desarollo Comunitario (ODC) in Dajabon.

1988

Partnership launched with FUDECO

AMIGOS continues work in Dajabon with FUDECO, focused on sanitation and home improvement projects.

1993

AMIGOS moves to Las Matas de Farfan

2000

Expansion to the Southwest Region

AMIGOS launched a new project in Barahona/Neyba in partnership with World Vision.

2003

AMIGOS initiates partnership with Plan International Dominican Republic

AMIGOS launched a partnership with Plan, which has continued to this day, with a break due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

2005

Plan and AMIGOS open doors for Dominican youth

AMIGOS and Plan DR partnered to develop program opportunities for Dominican students in AMIGOS host communities. Dominican students began serving as local, National, and later International Volunteers with AMIGOS in other countries.

2020

Total Program Suspension

All AMIGOS projects for 2020 were suspended due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

2025

Return to the Dominican Republic

AMIGOS reinitiated programming in the D.R. in 2025, where we continue to work in the Barahona and Boñao regions.

A Culture of Community Partnership

AMIGOS partners with Dominican communities and local leading organizations on projects rooted in youth development, cultural exchange, sports, public health, water access, and sustainable community life. Volunteers join as learners and collaborators, supporting community-chosen projects and building relationships through service, Spanish practice, and everyday connection.

Partner Organization Themes

Public Health & Immunization

Water Access & Natural Resource Management

Youth Sports & Leadership

Community-Led Ecotourism

Local youth participate in AMIGOS programs

Opportunities for Latin American Youth

AMIGOS is committed to providing opportunities for Latin American youth to join our programs.

Each year, more than 50+ students from Latin America are trained and serve as AMIGOS Youth Leaders on our programs. New virtual programs provide additional opportunities for Latin American youth to participate in AMIGOS programs. AMIGOS seeks partnerships with organizations and funders to open more pathways for students from the region to join our programs and staff leadership.

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Scenes From the Dominican Republic

From Caribbean beaches and mountain views to rural communities and lively sports courts, the Dominican Republic gives AMIGOS students a close-up look at culture, connection, and youth leadership. Each day may bring project work, Spanish practice, time with host families, activities with children, sports with local youth, and moments of reflection with the group.

Voluntees paint mural as part of an activity service

Volelyball tournament in the Barahona project

Volunteer facilitates Recreos with local kids

Volunteers walking in their local community

Locals playing Domino, one of the most traditional games in the Dominican Republic

Volunteers facilitate Recreos with local kids

The Dominican Republic is home to more than eleven million people and many different regional identities. Students may experience rural communities, coastal areas, or busy towns depending on their program site.

Most international travel begins in or near Santo Domingo. Santo Domingo is the Dominican Republic’s capital and largest city, known for its historic center, busy streets, music, markets, and Caribbean energy.

The Dominican Republic is generally warm and humid, with tropical weather, periods of rain, and strong sun. Students should be ready for heat, outdoor work, and changing conditions.

The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti and is shaped by coastlines, mountains, valleys, farms, and vibrant communities. It is also home to Pico Duarte, the tallest mountain in the Caribbean.

Hear from Recent Volunteers

Get a real look at life in the Dominican Republic through stories from AMIGOS students. Read about host family connections, Spanish practice, volleyball and youth activities, community projects, new friendships, and what participants learned along the way.

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Not Sure Where to Start?

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Where We Travel

Dominican Republic