Where We Travel
The Dominican Republic captivates with its Caribbean charm and rich culture, providing a perfect setting for high school students to dive into cultural immersion and leadership development. The country’s welcoming atmosphere, historical depth, and vibrant local music and cuisine offer students a comprehensive learning environment, where they can connect with the community and explore the lush landscapes from rainforests to beaches. In this safe and supportive setting, students deepen their global citizenship and explore the complex dynamics of Dominican-Haitian relations through themes of immigration. They also participate in service-learning projects that support both local communities and personal growth, giving them firsthand experience of the Dominican Republic’s strengths and challenges.
Sample Itinerary Highlights:
Our programs in the DR take place in two safe, vibrant locations that provide our students with genuine, authentic experiences and immersion in daily life beyond the beaten path.
Locally known as the Switzerland of the Caribbean, Constanza feels more like the Alps than a Caribbean island. At 4,000 feet above sea level, it is the city with the highest elevation in the country, and it uses this temperate climate to cultivate 80% of the agriculture (mainly strawberries, potatoes, apples, lettuce, and garlic) and 75% of the flowers produced in the Dominican Republic. The small town is also famous for organizing a rebel attack against the dictator Rafael Trujillo in 1959 along one of its winding mountain roads. Constanza’s remote location has deterred most tourism, although the locals believe that the breathtaking views, impressive waterfalls, and ecological reserves will soon turn Constanza into the next hub for national and international ecotourism. Students will enjoy exclusive use of a small family-run hotel at the entrance to town with an on-site restaurant serving some of the best food in Constanza.
Constanza is a cozy, intimate mountain community where everybody knows and interacts with everyone. Local softball games are the daily social activity, along with playing dominoes at the local colmado. Be prepared to adjust to the slower pace of life and revel in the beauty, charm but also the gritty realities of living and working in the capital of industrialized agriculture.
In a country known for its tropical heat, Jarabacoa stands out as the “City of Everlasting Spring” due to its mild year-round temperatures. This city is known as the capital of adventure ecotourism in the DR, since both Dominicans and international tourists come to enjoy its beautiful rivers, crystalline waterfalls, and hidden mountain trails that wind through cloud forests. Most people make their living from the tourism industry and from agriculture. Small family farms that cultivate flowers, strawberries, cacao and coffee create picturesque “photo opps” around every curve of the small mountain town. While many foreign nonprofits and mission groups have been lured by the magic of Jarabacoa, Global Glimpse delegations will set themselves apart through sustainable partnerships with schools, communities, and local organizations that push students to think critically about the impact of aid and development at the local level.
Locals feel proud of the warm hospitality for which the region is known and that will engulf students as they explore their new home. Jarabacoans are navigating the best way to balance tourism and agriculture with respect for nature and preservation of the local cloud forest. Students will grapple with these environmental and social questions alongside the locals. Be sure to try an arepa de maiz, Jarabacoa’s local culinary specialty, which carries the taste of the traditional wood-fired oven where it is cooked and served warm as a hearty snack or cool with coffee, milk, or fruit juice.
Each of our programs is a unique experience that is built on a carefully considered set of program components. Because each country and city has its own unique cultural and physical landscape, the emphasis of each component varies. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary for our Constanza, Dominican Republic program.
On our Dominican Republic programs students connect with inspiring local leaders and participate in hands-on service learning projects. Check out a few examples below.
We operate our programs in towns and cities in the DR that are safe and stable with low crime rates and private medical facilities. We prioritize the safety and well-being of all participants by partnering with trusted local organizations, following strict safety protocols, and ensuring that all accommodations, activities, and transportation meet high safety standards. Additionally, our in-country staff are First Aid & CPR trained.
The climate is hot and humid in Juan Dolio and San Pedro de Macoris. Constanza and Jarabacoa are still warm but a bit cooler, especially in the evenings. Daytime temperatures can reach the 90s in Juan Dolio and San Pedro and the 80s in Jarabacoa and Constanza.
Students stay in safe and humble accommodations. Accommodations are usually family owned boutique hotels, eco lodges, or hostels, and Global Glimpse will have a designated area for private use. Students will have roommates, and Global Glimpse Leaders stay in the same accommodation.
Yes! Please include food restrictions on your health form, with at least one parent/guardian paying close attention to all sections. As necessary, a member of the Global Glimpse team will reach out to you before the trip to clarify any food restrictions or accommodations.
Depending on the scholarship level awarded, partner school student program fees range from $500 to $4500. The program cost includes roundtrip airfare and flight support, pre-trip workshops and preparation, 11 days of immersive, hands-on and educational programming and activities, meals and accommodations, and more. Please see Cost & Scholarships for more information.
You can either be nominated by a teacher or alumni ambassador at your school or you can fill out an interest form and we will support you to get nominated or apply as an independent student if you do not attend one of our partner schools. Once you are nominated you will receive an invite to start your online application. Visit our Apply For Our Programs page to learn more and fill out an interest form.
