Program Leader – Dominican Republic
Background and Experience
Halle Alberto Jackson was born in Sabana de la Mar, a small fishing village in the northeastern Dominican Republic. From 2013 to 2018, he led Rustic Pathways programs in his home country and Thailand. He returns in 2025 to once again lead programs in the Dominican Republic.
Leadership Credentials
Halle is certified by the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Tourism and Environment as a national ecotourism guide. His specialties include:
- Bird and whale watching
- Mangrove restoration
- Wilderness First Response (WFR)
He has spent 17 years working with Brigada Verde (Green Brigade), an environmental education NGO supported by the U.S. Peace Corps. Halle is also the President of the Dominican Federation of Ecotourism Associations.
Read more about our on-the-ground staff training and certifications →
Approach to Leading Students
Halle views every program as a chance to help students experience the real Dominican Republic — both its natural beauty and social challenges. He encourages meaningful reflection, cultural exchange, and community connection.
“My goal is to get students out of their comfort zone and into a real understanding of Dominican history, culture, and daily life.”
This immersive, non-tourist approach aligns with Rustic’s Travel Like a Local philosophy →
Memorable Moments
One of Halle’s most powerful experiences came during a late-night group reflection, when a quiet student unexpectedly opened up:
“She started crying and said, ‘Thank you for being patient. I now see the impact this week had on me.’ She talked about what she’d learned from the community, and how much the experience meant. That moment reminded us how real transformation unfolds.”
This Summer’s Programs
Halle is expected to lead:
