What is included in the program fee?
The program fee will include the following:
- Food and accommodation
- 2-day orientation in Santo Domingo (the capital), including hotel
- Airport Transfers
- Two-hours of Spanish Conversation instruction every evening
- Full-time professional staff that accompany the entire program
- Travel Medical Insurance (provided by STA Student Travel)
Additionally, approximately 50-60% of your program fee goes directly to the project you have volunteered for.
How is this volunteer program different than the others I have seen?
The Dominican Foundation believes that we will provide all volunteers a unique experience. Our partners, The Dominican Institute for Integral Development (IDDI) is one the primary development organizations in the Dominican Republic for the past 25 years. IDDI had developed and administered numerous projects for many organizations including, USAID (United States Agency for International Development), and its Spanish and French counterparts.
IDDI is not a full-time volunteer program that simply places volunteers with organizations around the globe. IDDI is one of the primary non-governmental, development organizations in the Dominican Republic that has continuously worked toward the long-tern sustainable development of this beautiful country. We do not except volunteers year-round since our primary business is integral development, however, we have offered a limited number of volunteers to work with us each summer so they can get practical development experience, and work directly with our local communities.
What are the Accomodations?
Each project is different. Some projects may offer an opportunity to stay in a local hotel while other projects may require you to stay with a family in a local community. Participants should be aware that while working in local communities your accommodations may be primitive, including no electricity or running water. Whatever, the accommodations, we promise you a safe and pleasant stay.
We do understand that you may prefer a hotel to a family-stay, and we will do the best to accommodate your wishes. However, you may want to choose a 2006 program based not only your interest but your accommodation request. Please review each project where we have outlined the specific accommodations.
Will we be working with an experienced professionals and development organization in the Dominican Republic?
Since 1990, The Dominican Foundation has sought to improve the lives of Dominicans by expanding their access to Health and Education. With the help of a group of Dominicans and Americans, the Dominican Foundation has supported numerous organizations, with a particular relationship with the Dominican Institute for Integral Development (IDDI). IDDI is one of the primary development organizations in the Dominican Republic with over 25 years of experience of working with the urban and rural poor in the Dominican Republic. IDDI and its experienced staff of interenational professionals oversee every volunteer project.
How can I Earn College Credits?
Most universities offer undergraduate college credits for internships. In the past, many students who have participated in one of our internships have earned two to four credits for their work in the Dominican Republic. Please contact the academic department of your college major and learn the requirements needed to earn college credit. If you need assistance or require additional requirements to earn credit, please contact the program's administrator, Liv Vesely at info@dominicanfoundation.org.
How do I join?
If you are ready to become a volunteer, simply complete an application form, and mail it with a $100 application fee made payable to the Dominican Foundation, Inc. to the following address:
The Dominican Foundation
c/o Liv Vesely
1830 South Rd., Unit 24 #103
Wappinger Falls, NY 12590
Once we receive the application, we will provide you a complete project profile and information kit that will include important information regarding your travel documents, health insurance, emergency contact information, fundraising tips, etc.
When is the project fee due?
Each person is required to pay 50% of the project fee within 8 weeks of registering. Therefore, once you register do not waste time, and begin your fundraising immediately. The remainder of the program fee is due 4 weeks before the anticipated project date, for example if you are schedule to leave for the Dominican Republic, Sunday, July 16th, your last payment must be received on or before Sunday, June 18th.
If you have questions please contact Liv Vesely at 845.223.3570 or liv@dominicanfoundation.org
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