Dominican Republic: Island Living and Eco-Service

Dominican Republic: Island Living and Eco-Service

Questions? Call (440) 975-9691 for an admissions counselor

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Begin your adventure in the sustainable tourism capital of the Dominican Republic, Jarabacoa. Work on service projects that benefit the ecosystems and individuals living in the mountainous region. Explore mangroves, reef formations, and marine wildlife at Los Haitises National Park and Samaná peninsula. Get your hands dirty as you work on ecological restoration projects and learn from experts and communities about the efforts to maintain the extensive biodiversity of the region. Visit hidden caverns to see ancient Taino cave paintings, and soak up the sun on some of the island’s most beautiful beaches.

Service projects support UN Sustainable Development Goals
Sustainable Development Goals Sustainable Development Goals Sustainable Development Goals Sustainable Development Goals Sustainable Development Goals
Program Profile
Program Profile

Packing the right gear (and the right amounts) is the first step to an incredible travel experience. Follow these tips to pack like a pro:

Travel light. Pack only the essentials. You’ll need less than you think!
Bring the right clothes. Pack clothes that are culturally appropriate for your destination and acceptable for service projects. This means bringing long shorts (think Bermuda and basketball shorts), t-shirts with sleeves to cover shoulders, and appropriate footwear.
Leave your valuables behind. While traveling, it’s easier for things to get lost, stolen, or damaged. Keep any prized possessions safe at home.
Check with TSA. Make sure your luggage complies with TSA regulations, especially your carry-on. Useful tip: Pack an empty water bottle and fill it up after security.
Extra paperwork? If you need additional forms filled out to get credit for your service hours, no problem! Bring these forms with you so they can be completed in-country.

Rustic Gear. Want to get all your shopping done for your program in one place? We’ve got you covered. Check out Rustic Gear and get all the essentials sent right to your door.
Carry-On

A school backpack is ideal as it will be used for day trips.

  • Passport
  • Two photocopies of passport
  • Wallet/money
  • Book and/or journal
  • Pen
  • Phone
  • Camera
  • Chargers
  • Ear buds
  • Change of clothes
  • Water bottle
  • Medication
  • Additional community service forms
  • Visa documentation (if applicable)
  • Consent to Travel form
  • Rustic Pathways emergency contacts
Checked Luggage

A 50-70 Liter duffel bag or backpack is ideal.

Clothing

  • Socks (8)
  • Underwear (8)
  • Work pants/hiking pants (2 – 4)
  • Jeans (1)
  • Athletic shorts (3-4)
  • T-shirts (6-8)
  • Nicer outfit for dinner (1)
  • Long sleeved shirt (1)
  • Light sweatshirt/hoodie
  • Pajamas
  • Swimsuit (1-3)
  • Quick dry towel
  • Beach towel/sarong
  • Rain jacket
  • Strappy sandals (like Tevas or Chacos)
  • Sturdy shoes for service (They will get dirty!)
  • Work gloves
  • Sunglasses & hat (for sun)
  • Headlamp
  • Portable games (Bananagrams, cards, etc.)

Toiletries

(Travel size bottles in Ziploc bags)

  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Body wash
  • Face wash
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Oxybenzone-free sunscreen (reef-safe)
  • Bug spray
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Contacts
  • Contact solution
  • Foam earplugs
  • Personal med kit
  • Deodorant
  • Wet Wipes
  • Razor/shaving cream
Important Reminders
  • Shorts should be knee length—think Bermuda or basketball shorts—to be respectful to the local culture and traditions. We care about and enforce this!