Picture this: You’re strolling down a beach looking out over the gently rolling waves while drinking out of an actual coconut, pondering your next day’s volunteer work but not having another care in the world. This could be you! Finding volunteer opportunities in the Dominican Republic is a great way to see a new place, experience a new culture, and make a difference in communities that could benefit from your skills and labor.
Volunteer in the Dominican Republic and experience one of the most beautiful countries in the world!
Volunteer programs in the Dominican Republic include teaching, construction, medical assistance, conservation, and much more. The DR is a relatively small country on the island of Hispaniola and bordered by Haiti to the east. Volunteer in the Dominican Republic and you’ll have a diverse experience, from the city life of Santo Domingo and beaches in the south of the island, to the beautiful mountains and waterfalls of the north.
Teach English by day and learn bachata by night, or plant mangroves in the east and surround yourself with beautiful national park land 24 hours each day! Ready to volunteer yet?
Why volunteer abroad in the Dominican Republic?
Volunteer programs in the Dominican Republic are numerous and varied. If you pick the right program for your skillset, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience. The projects you’ll encounter while on your program — like bringing clean water to a remote community or building a school in the bateyes — will forever change your worldview, and your life.
Dominican Republic volunteer opportunities are special because they have a beautiful, lush island backdrop, but that doesn’t make them any less meaningful. You’ll leave the island with a new appreciation for nature, community, tradition, food, music and friendship. Get ready to work hard, make a difference, and celebrate your success the Dominican way!
5 volunteer opportunities in the Dominican Republic
1. VISIONS Service Adventures: Dominican Republic — 10
Discover the streets of Zona Colonial and visit the nearby beaches while volunteering in the schools of Santo Domingo! If you’re interested in working with children and youth, this is just the opportunity for you. Organize and assist with a summer camp that will positively impact the lives of teenagers in this bustling, historic Caribbean city. In your free time, enjoy the popular pastimes of watching baseball or join in a game of dominoes. Socializing and dancing at any time of day is encouraged!
2. Water & Sanitation Projects with BLUE Missions — 9.83
Feeling adventurous? Journey into the less traveled middle region of the Dominican Republic, which is wild and beautiful. Mountains with rivers cascading down them, rope bridges, and cattle dotting the landscape — the north of the DR will take your breath away. Projects range from women’s empowerment workshops to bringing clean water to rural mountain communities through aqueducts. You’ll work alongside and meet local families, then spend your time off work playing dominoes or — you guessed it — dancing bachata!
- When? 1-2 weeks; year-round
- Causes? Building and construction projects, community development, grassroots organization, public health, water projects, women
- Read Blue Missions reviews
3. Summer Service Program in the Dominican Republic — 10
Putney Student Travel has long topped the charts when it comes to Dominican Republic volunteer opportunities. When not working on your volunteer project, which could include time with kids, building, or farming, you’ll be kept in a constant state of adventure. Attention thrill seekers: the DR is a mecca for white water rafting, horseback riding, mountaineering, and more, all with experienced local guides. To come down from the adrenaline rush, snorkel in gorgeous Los Haitises National Park and relax on one of the many outlying island beaches. One thing you can be sure of — you won’t want to go home!
4. Youth Care & Community – Enhance the Lives of Disadvantaged — 10
Experience the Dominican way of life while empowering children and young adults through traditional classroom learning and more specialized workshops. Learn more about youth, family, and community development in a welcoming and instructive setting. You could potentially gain Spanish fluency while enjoying the exciting adventure opportunities the Dominican Republic has to offer, like dune buggying and zip-lining! Other adventures include white water rafting, rappelling down waterfalls, or (for those not into extreme sports) hikes through beautiful island forests.
5. Mindfulness + Volunteer + Travel + Change the World
If you’re looking for a life-changing experience, look no further. Volunteer in the Dominican Republic with Caritas Smile and you’ll be moved, physically and mentally. Spend your time connecting with local Dominican culture, participating in meaningful projects, and attending spiritually-rejuvenating workshops. Learn bachata and merengue on the weekend!
- When? 1-4 weeks; summer and year-round
- Causes? Social work, education, writing, women, tree planting, youth development
- Read Caritas Smile reviews
Can’t choose? Compare these programs side-by-side for FREE with MyGoAbroad
Volunteer in the Dominican Republic and change lives!
Don’t pass up Dominican Republic volunteer opportunities!
Volunteer opportunities in the Dominican Republic allow you to experience a part of the world like no other. You’ll be experiencing island life while building your resume. The values you learn, skills you gain, and connections you forge will propel you in your chosen career path. You’ll quickly learn Spanish phrases and vocabulary and perhaps even become fluent during your time there.
Dominican people enjoy celebrations, music, dance, festivals, and bringing others into their homes to experience their culture. Family life is incredibly important, and you may find it hard to say goodbye!
Are you convinced? Ready to explore what you’re capable of? Then vamanos — you’re ready to volunteer in the Dominican Republic!
Browse ALL volunteer programs in the Dominican Republic on GoAbroad.com
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qLvAm6momZRjsLC5jpqpraGTobK0e9Woo66mpJqys3nAm6momZRkw7C41Kernp2iYryxvM6rq66mmam2pr%2BMoqVmrJiaeqW7zKKlopuRo3qzsc%2BumaWhkw%3D%3D