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Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic: Community Health Service — Custom School Trips

Groups of 8+ | Custom Dates | 24 Service Hours | Fully Supported | 4.9 on GoOverseas

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Join in efforts to provide community health services for sugar cane workers and their families near the northern coast of the Dominican Republic. Assist with health education workshops and help physicians give essential medical care. See how local residents live in these rural bateyes  (sugar cane settlement) communities. After your service, jump into the waters underneath nearby waterfalls and snorkel amid the coral reefs near Sosua Bay. By the end of the program, you will have been immersed in the DR’s stunning scenery, warm culture and unique local lifestyle.

I would absolutely recommend this trip to anyone who loves medicine, learning, service, and Spanish. I am super happy I did this program!

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, drop off your bags at the hotel, and head out for your first night in the Colonial Zone, the historic walled quarter and UNESCO World Heritage site that’s rich with food and music. Old colonial buildings have been converted into coffee shops, restaurants, and community arts spaces. The warm weather allows for a blossoming bohemian scene at night where the city’s plazas and squares become centers for artistic, folkloric and cultural expressions. Flight Details: Rustic Pathways is happy to book your flights as an optional add-on service. Overnight: Hotel, Santo Domingo
2 - 3

Bella Vista Health Workshops

After breakfast, head up through the foothills to the region of Bella Vista where you’ll meet the community members. Help conduct health education workshops alongside Kerolle Initiative, a local NGO that’s been running community outreach health programs for bateyes communities for the last 12 years. Learn about the challenges of providing medical care in this rural region. Take a break from your service to go on a three mile hike up a surrounding mountainside and swim in the river that flows through the community. Overnight: Hotel, Sosua
4

27 Waterfalls of Damajagua

After breakfast head off on an adventure-packed day. Drive south towards the 27 Charcos, a collection of waterfalls that you can jump, slide, and rappel down. Have lunch near the waterfalls before heading back to your eco-lodge for dinner and a peaceful evening. Overnight: Hotel, Sosúa
5 - 6

Sosúa Medical Brigades

Spend these days working closely with physicians to provide essential medical care to local communities in Sosua. Your role will involve assisting in patient intake, conducting basic health screenings, organizing equipment, supplies, and inventory, and ensuring a smooth flow of patients. Overnight: Hotel, Sosúa
7

Snorkeling off the Amber Coast

After breakfast, hop on a boat and cruise to one of the stunning coral reefs near Sosua Bay. After a safety briefing and equipment setup, you'll immerse yourself in crystal-clear waters to discover a variety of colorful coral formations, tropical fish, and other marine life. Spend the rest of the day relaxing in Playa Alicia. Overnight: Hotel, Sosúa
8

¡Adiós, Dominican Republic!

Say goodbye to your new friends and to the beautiful DR. Your program leaders will take you to the airport for your departure as you say goodbyes and reflect on your adventure. Flight Details: Rustic Pathways can book your flights upon request as an additional service

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 Language Immersion
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