Domian Republic
Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic

Leadership & Service in Youth Development

Social Change

Dates

-

3 weeks

Costs

$4,950

Highlights

Daily activities and excursions

Immersion with a host family

Leadership skills

Service-learning (50 hrs)

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Dates

-

3 weeks

Costs

$4,950

Highlights

Daily activities and excursions

Immersion with a host family

Leadership skills

Service-learning (50 hrs)

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Overview
Lend a hand at a summer camp for underserved local youth in the Dominican Republic.

Join forces with an organization serving underprivileged children and teens in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic. This summer camp aims to improve the lives of approximately 200 children and teens. The project is part of prevention program focused on vulnerable communities where many homeless children cut school and are forced to work.

Make a difference and have fun as you help coach sports, run arts and crafts workshops, and foster teamwork among camp-goers. Engage with community leaders and reflect on the importance of children's rights. Take functional Spanish classes to help you communicate with the locals.

At your homestay, share meals, learn Caribbean customs, and enjoy every-day routines. Play dominoes, go out for coconut ice-cream, try tostones and empanadas on the go, and become a local baseball fan. On excursions, tour the river and mountain areas and get to know coffee and cacao production farms on the island. Your experiences in Santiago de los Caballeros will create lasting memories and influence your plans for future service projects.

Why Choose This Program?

Explore

Have fun discovering island life in the Dominican Republic.

Network

Meet new friends and NGO leaders. Build your own community.

Get Inspired

Gain hands-on leadership skills through coaching, running workshops, and fostering teamwork among local youth. Come home ready to take action.

Destination
  • city shot
  • city shot
  • city shot

The Destination

Welcome to Santiago de los Caballeros, the second largest city in the Dominican Republic.

Santiago de los Caballeros, also known as La Ciudad Corazón or “Heart City,” is located in the fertile Cibao Valley, surrounded by mountains. An important center of local industries and businesses in the Dominican Republic, this empowered city has undergone significant development and growth over the past five decades. Today it stands as the country's education capital, boasting a lively student and youth culture.

In a city of a little over 1 million people, you’ll enjoy a beautiful glimpse into Caribbean life. There are many restaurants as well as local associations and institutions that promote and preserve the most important traditions of the Dominican people. As you discover this scenic hilltop city, you’ll get to know the country’s heritage and diversity—ever present in its historic museums, monuments, murals, and quaint architecture.

In Santiago de los Caballeros, experience the true essence of the Dominican Republic through its merengue and bachata rhythms, love of baseball, and delicious African, Spanish, and Taino dishes.

Cultural Awareness

CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Santiago de los Caballeros. 

 
Itinerary

Sample Itinerary

Objective

You will settle into your new home and transition into Dominican culture by doing service activities with children and youth from the region. You will visit Acción Callejera, the organization where you will be helping, to learn about its mission, vision, and main goals. The start of your service-learning, Spanish classes, and a Youth Development seminar round up your first week on program. Each day, you will discover a new cultural activity to give you a better perspective of what the Dominican Republic is about.

Highlights*

  • Mango trees planting
  • Centro Cultural Eduardo León Jimenes exhibition about -Dominican identity
  • Guest speaker on race and identity in the Dominican Republic
  • Cassava cooking workshop
  • Swimming in Rio Mao river

*Based on prior year itinerary and subject to change.

Objective

You will identify the motivation of the volunteers who work with the local NGO supporting children at risk. You will continue to learn about the Dominican culture and collectivist mindset.

Highlights*

  • Carnival workshop
  • Mirabal sisters museum
  • Bellas Artes fine art workshop
  • Hike and swim at Damajagua natural pools and waterfalls
  • Organic cacao farm visit
  • Gri gri lagoon boat tour and swim
  • Visit to Puerto Plata, a beautiful coastal city

*Based on prior year itinerary and subject to change.

Objective

You will prepare the final project and present it to your instructor and peers. The Summer Camp with children from Acción Callejera takes place this week. This is the final service component of the program and the culmination of the trip!

Highlights*

  • Dominican games
  • Aguilas Cibaeñas baseball stadium tour
  • Murals walking tour of downtown Santiago
  • Summer camp day
  • Botanical gardens
  • Final project presentations

*Based on prior year itinerary and subject to change.

Monday–Friday  

Each day offers a balance between interactive instruction, service-learning, and cultural activities with time on your own, too.   

  • Breakfast at the homestay 
  • Hands-on learning with local instructors 
  • Lunch at the homestay or in the community with your fellow Global Navigators  
  • Out and about for a Cultural Activity  
  • Time for writing individual reflections on your service and for holding group debriefs 
  • Dinner at the homestay   

Weekends   

  • Overnight or day excursions to top sites  
  • Quality time with friends and everyone at your homestay 

Housing

  • Carefully-screened homestay

Check out the blog posts to discover more about daily life and excursions on program.   

Activities

Top Rated Activities

Santiago

Museum of Mirabal Sisters

  • Discover the powerful story of the Mirabal Sisters, contemporary feminist martyrs who bravely opposed oppression in the Dominican Republic. Known as Las Mariposas, Patria, Minerva, and María Teresa fought tirelessly for justice, ultimately sacrificing their lives in 1960. Visiting their preserved home, now a museum, you’ll step into their world, learning about their courage and the profound impact of their resistance.
  • After this heavy experience, your Program Leader will guide you through a reflection session to dialogue and connect with your peers about the Mirabal Sisters’ legacy. Through these discussions, you’ll explore the importance of activism, leadership, and standing up for social justice. The visit concludes with a collaborative challenge to create a butterfly as a group, symbolizing resilience and unity. Working together, balancing on each other, or arranging on the ground, you’ll end the day with laughter and a sense of camaraderie.
  • This experience blends history, reflection, and teamwork, connecting past and present struggles for equality. You’ll leave inspired to reflect on your own role in creating positive change and shaping your future in leadership and social justice.
Santiago

Summer Camp Closure With NGO Kids

  • Feel the excitement in the air as you reunite with the children from Acción Callejera for one final, unforgettable day of summer camp. This celebration marks the culmination of weeks spent building connections, sharing laughs, and creating memories. The day kicks off with a vibrant dance runway, where students, staff, and children come together to showcase their energy and joy.
  • As the day unfolds, the focus is on the bonds you’ve formed. Whether you’re cheering each other on in a game or sharing a quiet moment during lunch, you’ll feel the depth of the relationships you’ve built—with the kids and your fellow Global Navigators. When it’s time for goodbyes, the children shower you with drawings, crafts, and handwritten notes, each a heartfelt token of their appreciation. The hugs, laughter, and even tears reflect the powerful impact you’ve had on each other’s lives in a short time, making this final day bittersweet.
  • This emotional and rewarding experience highlights the power of connection and community. As you reflect on the impact you’ve made, this day will inspire your future, leaving you with skills, memories, and relationships to carry forward.

Please note activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience. 

Testimonials
From CIEE

Amazing Excursions!

By Anaya Benzan at CIEE

Waterfalls; Cacao; Boat; Karaoke; Fun!

From CIEE

10 Benefits of Studying Abroad in High School

By High School Summer Abroad at CIEE

Get inspired by reading the top 10 benefits of studying abroad and why high school is the perfect time to consider it!

From CIEE

2 Essential Ways to Prepare for Your Teen’s High School Summer Abroad

By High School Summer Abroad at CIEE

Once your teen is accepted on their CIEE high school summer abroad program and you have confirmed their participation, anticipation will fill your home. There are two very important tasks... keep reading

Eligibility

Eligibility

  • Participants must be 14 years old and above.
  • Program open to all current high school students: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.  
  • For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our Scholarship page

For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

Application Fee

$25

Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.

More questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations, or contact us

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs

Program Summer Session I 2025 3 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $4,950
Program Summer Session II 2025 3 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $4,950

Ready to change your life?

Staff

Our Staff

Lucía Agüero

Center Director

Lucía Agüero is a passionate educator and lifelong learner with over fifteen years of professional experience.

Program Leaders guide and support our High School Summer Abroad participants through every step of their program.

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