Build Schools - Combine Volunteer Projects and Adventure Tours in the Dominican Republic!

  Dominican Republic

• Other Cities in Dominican Republic: 
Santo Domingo,  Cabarete
• Santiago: 
Santiago

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks and 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Programs depart regularly throughout the year

Description: Help build a sustainable community and improve the quality of life in a life changing community development program.International Student Volunteers (a non-profit organization) offers you the chance to volunteer in a community development program that will improve the quality of life for some of the world's poorest children and their community. After your project you will follow it up with an amazing two week adventure tour with activities such as white water rafting, waterfall rapelling, horse-back riding, surfing the Caribbean and so much more.

About ISV's school building projects:
ISV's school building projects are located within several rural areas that are amongst the breathtaking scenery of the Dominican Republic. Volunteers will find themselves working alongside members of the community in a joint effort to make a physical difference in the lives of communities. Volunteers will find themselves tending to the direct needs of the community by building schools in some of the most impoverished areas that have little or no educational facilities. This is a great opportunity to become an important and welcome part of these communities who need assistance as you work towards an improved standard of education. Expect to also spend a lot of time interacting with local children though ISV's children's educational program. You will be playing games, teaching basic English and math and providing a positive role model for children who have very little.

Other Volunteer Projects in the Dominican Republic
children's education, community sanitation, school building, hospital visits.

Adventure Tour
You will travel throughout the Dominican Republic, exploring the limestone caves, coral reefs, lush canyons and rivers, the Dominican Alps, breathtaking beaches and laid-back beachside lifestyles on the North Coast and Southwest regions, in contrast with the historic cultural richness of the nations capital, Santo Domingo. You will have the opportunity to participate on activities such as:

* Horseback riding to secluded waterfalls
* Whitewater Rafting on the Yaque del Norte River
* Surfing and snorkeling in the Caribbean Sea
* Canyoning, rappelling, hiking, cliff-jumping and sliding down natural waterfalls
* Exploring the largest cave in the Caribbean
* Discovering the capital city of Santo Domingo. Go merengue dancing, wander the cobblestone streets in the footsteps of conquistadors and pirates, and see the old Spanish architecture in the colonial areas of the historic city.

Highlights: Key achievement from last year:
Nearly 9, 000 individual hours invested and more than 650 children participated in the DR ISV Children's Program.

Spanish lessons
Before your adventure begins, ISV also offers you a five-day course of Spanish lessons in the morning and dance classes in the afternoon. This is a great way to brush up on your language skills and you will even stay with a local family.

Why travel with ISV?
* Combine meaningful volunteer projects with exciting adventure travel
* ISV has support offices in every program country we operate in
* Trained staff to guide your project and tour
* Group travel you will make friends from across the globe and not be alone
* Educational learn a lot and possibly receive academic credit (if applicable)
* ISV is not a sending agent we run our own programs with our own trained staff to ensure you have the most amazing experience possible.

Qualifications: No qualifications are necessary; ISV will give you all the training you need. To maximize your experience it is preferable you can speak English fluently. You do not need to speak the language of your host country, as you will have bi-lingual project and tour leaders to guide your experience. Minimum age is 18 years old by the time of departure. This program is open to everyone, not just students.

Cost in US$: Program prices vary. Please see website for details.

The program cost also goes towards the equipment or building materials needed for your projects, your in-country support, your adventure activities, your amazing trained project and tour leaders, AND towards the ongoing sustainability and training of each project. We give you and our projects the support and structure many other volunteer organizations cannot, as we have an office in each country to look after your entire experience and develop lasting relationships with the communities in which we operate.

Cost does not include: passport costs, insurance, international flights, in-country domestic flights (if required), vaccinations, spending money, extra activities on tour (available through Optional Activity Package).

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Despite our name, any person may volunteer with ISV as long as they are over 18 years old. The majority of our participants are 18 to 30 years old, but we welcome anyone who wishes to join us and make a difference. You do not need any special skills to volunteer with ISV. We just ask that you are willing to give back to your host country; you are willing to learn as much as you can about the people, environment and issues facing your host country, and are ready to make the best friends along your adventure of a lifetime.

Age Range: 18+

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Dominican Republic Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network

International Student Volunteers's Mission Statement: To create an environment that combines conservation, community development, education and recreation into the ultimate adventure travel program for anyone who desires to make a difference by volunteering in local communities abroad.

Year Founded: 1981