Dominican Republic: Community Service & Batey Life

Arrive at Las Americas International Airport in Santo Domingo (SDQ) and meet your Global Works trip leaders who will be with you for the duration of the program. Head directly to the volunteer center in San Pedro de Macoris and settle in, relaxing after your long flight. Participate in orientation activities and discussions about the week ahead, expectations for your experience, and an introduction to the local culture. Enjoy a hot, local dinner and get some sleep for a big day tomorrow.

For the next few days, we join together with our local partner community and work alongside them on infrastructure projects designed to increase the standard of living in the Batey. Possible projects include the construction of cement homes, which could consist of digging foundation, mixing cement, laying cinder blocks, and plastering or painting the walls. Other projects include building latrines, cementing floors, and educational exchanges with local youth.

In the evenings, we will return to our home base to freshen up and eat a tasty dinner. We’ll wrap up our evenings with discussions, guest speakers, and watching documentaries.

We wake up bright and early and board the bus to Bayahibe, a beautiful coastal town with white sand beaches and turquoise waters. Spend the day exploring the town of Bayahibe. Check out the Padre Nuestro Caves and go swimming inside of a cave – an epic adventure! Then head to the coast to snorkel and enjoy various beaches. Spend the evening relaxing in this quaint Dominican town and reflecting on our incredible time in the Dominican Republic. 

We say goodbye to our new friends and to the beautiful DR. We head to the airport for our departure as we say goodbyes and share memories,