High school service Location
Dominican Republic
Programs
Immerse yourself in one of the most vibrant cultures of the Western Hemisphere. With more than three decades of partnerships, VISIONS offers an experience far from the tourist path. You’re welcomed like an old friend, where service has profound impact and you become part of something bigger.
- Spanish Immersion, Latin-Caribbean Vibrance
- Socializing, Games, Beach Outing & Tours
- School Construction & Work With Children
Program dates
Dominican Republic CLOSED
Dates
June 16 - June 30
Length
15 Days
Service hours
45 - 55
Tuition
$4,790
Dominican Republic 2
Dates
July 4 - July 18
Length
15 Days
Service hours
45 - 55
Tuition
$4,790
Dominican Republic 1
Dates
June 15 - June 29
Length
15 Days
Service hours
45 - 55
Tuition
$4,990
Dominican Republic 2
Dates
July 3 - July 17
Length
15 Days
Service hours
45 - 55
Tuition
$4,990
My VISIONS trip to the Dominican Republic was the most life-changing experience of my life. Living in the community immersed us in a culture where family is the number one priority. By the end of the trip I feel like our group truly replicated this concept.
Connect deeply
Dominicans’ warmth and resilience have charmed VISIONS participants since 1991. You’ll feel it from the day you arrive.
friends become family
If you want true cultural immersion, the Dominican Republic delivers. Nowhere have we had more alumni remain in touch with local friends, not to mention returning to visit. Fun and friendships are where it’s at, and you’ll spend time in classic Caribbean style—socializing, laughing, playing games with neighbor kids, practicing Spanish and enjoying activities far from tourist resorts.
EXPLORE ADVENTUROUSLY
The Dominican Republic is arguably the most environmentally diverse, culturally vibrant and historically rich country in the Caribbean—and it beckons you to visit.
Going Beyond
A country as varied as the DR delivers abundant adventures, a hallmark of VISIONS. Beyond boating and swimming at the Caribbean’s largest freshwater lake, we carve out time for beach visits, hikes, chocolate-making, and soccer or baseball with local kids. Authentic and vibrant, this is the perfect program for teens seeking a profound experience—with merengue music in the background and memories that leave you wishing life could always feel as fun as your time in the DR.
Activities & excursions
- Swim in the Caribbean
- Immerse in Local Culture During a Day Stay with a Family
- Boat & Swim at Presa de Hatillo lake
- Tour a Cacao Farm & Make Chocolate
- Practice Spanish with Local Friends
- Take Merengue & Salsa Dance Lessons
- Visit Los Haitises National Park & Boat Through Mangroves
I was able to get outside my comfort zone. I am so glad I picked this trip and that I got to experience all those amazing new things.
Charlotte Di Guglielmo
WORK HARD
Service matters
During our 35 years in the DR, VISIONS teens have made an impact beyond what we could have imagined—building homes, a medical clinic, community centers and schools. Today more than 3500 Dominican children attend classes in schools built by our students and local partners. The community’s gratitude shows in welcoming us into their lives and working alongside us. In addition to building classrooms, we run an day camp, design and paint murals, and work to improve the lives of animals by hosting spay and neuter clinics.
I had a blast in the DR! I believe the service built character for me and I would do it all again in a heartbeat. I learned values that will stick with me for the rest of my life and I also learned not to take anything for granted.
Reviews
“I had a wonderful experience that I will never forget and made friends that I hope to keep forever. I wasn’t sure about going away from home for part of the summer but it was the best single experience of my life so far and there is so much about it that I’ve taken home with me in terms of gratitude and wanting to be part of my community in new ways.”
JUSTIN S.
“The community in Cotui welcomed us like no other. I truly felt like family and I left a part of my heart in the DR with the local friends there. It was heartbreaking to leave a place and a people I fell so in love with. I always felt welcome to talk to my leaders and they were great mentors. I hope I can return and be a leader some day, and I also plan on returning for another program while I’m in high school.”
ETHAN S.
“I loved the construction work — it was challenging but not too difficult, and I am proud of the amount and quality of the work we were able to accomplish. I loved getting to know the Dominicans and really appreciated the amount of time we spent with them. Every person I met was friendly, happy, and fun to talk to!! I had an absolutely amazing time!!”
SARAH B.
Local spotlight
where you’ll live in dominican republic
We live in Cotui, a historic locale that dates to the early 1500s. Off the beaten path in a welcoming neighborhood, VISIONS teens find their home away from home.
Our homebase is in Cotuí’s lively Quitasueño neighborhood, where daily life is enriched by the companionship of Dominican project partners and local kids. Afternoons often end with dominoes or street ball, and trips to the market offer authentic cultural connection. Working alongside locals who don’t speak English creates the perfect environment to practice Spanish, while mutual respect bridges any language gaps. It’s an experience of friendship, growth, and immersion you can’t find as a tourist.
Local spotlight
where you’ll live in dominican republic
Local team spotlight
Ramos Family, Dominican Program Coordinators
In many ways, the Ramos family is like most Dominican families—warm and outgoing, loving, hard-working and humorous. In other ways, though, they stand alone. They are legendary for their selfless service in their community and as part of VISIONS. The Ramos family has been our family in the Dominican Republic since we began working there in 1991. They have embraced, guided and advised us, providing loving wisdom and active support.
Related blog posts
Returning to VISIONS—This Time as a Family
What happens when a VISIONS alum returns—not as a teen or leader, but with their family? A powerful week of service, culture, and fun in the Dominican Republic. See how two families made spring break meaningful with VISIONS Service Adventures.
Animal Welfare, Environmental Integrity & What We Eat on VISIONS Programs
VISIONS is taking a careful look at the food we serve during our community service programs for high school students, and we aim to reduce our dependence on factory farm-based animal products by 75%.
Reviews, Testimonials & Love Letters from Alumni
VISIONS teen summer programs have earned top reviews from students, parents, and even community members, reflecting years of meaningful experiences and positive impact.
What is your VIA?
What is your VIA? At VISIONS, VIA means Vision, Impact, Action—helping teens discover their purpose, make a difference, and create lasting change through service.