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Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic: Afro-Caribbean Culture and Community Development — Custom School Trips

Groups of 8+ | Custom Dates | 18 Service Hours | Fully Supported | 4.9 on GoOverseas | International Flights Not Included

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Learn about the human rights challenges Haitian-Dominicans face in the Dominican Republic. Work side-by-side with villagers in sugar cane communities where many families of Haitian descent live. Tackle much-needed infrastructure projects side by side with local residents.

Enjoy Afro-Caribbean music, dance and cuisine. After your service, kick back on the white sand beaches in Bayahibe, enjoy a catamaran tour of Isla Saona and go snorkeling. Explore the Colonial Zone in the capital and get immersed in the local lifestyle. By the program’s end, you’ll have a firmer grasp of how socio-political issues affect migrant communities and gain a deep appreciation for the warm Afro-Caribbean culture and its people.

While they may lack many of the physical possessions we deem necessary in our day-to-day lives, the people in the Bateyes were genuinely happy to simply be in the presence of loved ones and strangers alike.

Custom School Trip

Contact us for a custom quote

Custom dates & duration. Groups of 8+.

Response within 1 business day

Anna Beckerman

Anna Beckerman

Head of School Group Travel

Dartmouth · 15 years at Rustic

321+ school partners since 2010

Not sure yet?

Email Rustic Pathways

Talk to a personal travel advisor: +1 (440) 975-9691

Schedule a call

View program itinerary

What Does a 8-Day Program Include?

A typical program. Daily activities are subject to change based on group logistics and weather.

1

Welcome to the Dominican Republic!

Arrive in Santo Domingo · Program orientation and Dominican culture introduction · Haitian-Caribbean dinner at Maison Kreyol · Overnight: Hotel, Santo Domingo
2

Colonial Zone and Cultural Immersion

Explore Santo Domingo Colonial Zone · Afro-Caribbean music and dance at Congos del Espíritu Santo · Travel to San Pedro de Macorís volunteer center · Overnight: Volunteer Center, San Pedro de Macorís
3

Learn about African-Descended Migrants

Museum on sugar industry and cocolo heritage · Cocolo cuisine at Rincón Cocolo · Community issues discussion with ASCALA · Sugar cane field visit and cutting demonstration · Overnight: Volunteer Center, San Pedro de Macorís
4

Days 4 - 6

Community construction projects in bateyes · Build homes, floors, and sanitation infrastructure · Educational exchanges with local youth · Overnight: Volunteer Center, San Pedro de Macorís
7

Boat Tour and Snorkeling

Catamaran excursion to Isla Saona · Snorkeling and beach time · Rustic Ties reflection ceremony · Overnight: Bayahibe Hotel, Bayahibe
8

¡Adiós, Dominican Republic!

Return flight

Total: 8 calendar days / 7 nights. International flights are not included.

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

Trained Program Leaders

Background-checked, first-aid certified, deep local knowledge

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Customizable Itinerary

Custom dates and duration

Learn more about Rustic Pathways safety protocols.

Dominican Republic

What Do School Organizers Ask?

Flights & Cost

How do flights work?

School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup and handles all in-country logistics.

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

Supervision & Safety

Who supervises the students?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a 7:1 student-to-staff ratio. All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and most have led multiple Rustic Pathways programs. Leaders range from 25 to 35 years old.

Are rooms gender-separated?

Yes. Students room with same-gender peers. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.

What about medical emergencies?

All Program Leaders are first-aid certified. Nearest hospitals are mapped out in all locations. Our health & safety team reviews all medical forms before departure and works with families to plan medications, allergies, and dietary needs.

Communication

Can students contact home?

Yes. Rustic Pathways’ policy is that students can call, text, or WhatsApp anytime. Rustic Pathways is happy to defer to established school policies instead.

How do families stay informed?

Rustic Pathways sends daily photo updates throughout the program.

Group & Logistics

How big is the group?

Group size varies based on the school’s needs. Contact Rustic Pathways for a custom quote.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Rustic Pathways provides a room list prior to travel. Schools can assign rooming allocations or allow students to choose their roommates.

Program Details

Will students have unsupervised time?

Structured independence with staff nearby. No unsupervised time in public areas.

Can Rustic Pathways accommodate food allergies? 

Yes. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment and shared with all meal providers.

How much spending money should students have?

$150–200 recommended. Tipping is included, no extra cash needed.

Support

What if a student gets homesick?

Homesickness can be common during the first few days; Rustic Pathways is well-prepared. See how staff support students through homesickness

Does Rustic Pathways support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students. Read how Rustic Pathways supports neurodiverse students.

What Should Teachers Know?

Which students thrive on this program?
Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required.
What will students do each day?
Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.
Dominican Republic offers a unique combination of cultural richness, safety, and meaningful engagement opportunities for student groups. Rustic Pathways has operated programs here for years and maintains strong local partnerships.
How Do Flights Work?
School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways program leaders meet the group at the arrival airport and manage all in-country logistics from there.
What Meals Are Included?
All meals included. Dietary needs accommodated.
Included:
  • All lodging
  • All meals
  • In-country transport
  • All activities and excursions
  • 24/7 staff support
Not Included:
  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal spending money

What Other Program Types Are Available?

Dominican Republic Americas Service + Culture
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