Exploring Service & Sports in the Dominican Republic

8 days

Southern Dominican Republic – Estimated 15 Service Hours

Meaningful. Sustainable. Unforgettable. Experience the Dominican Republic’s diverse landscape as you journey from Santo Domingo to Hato Mayor, driving past fruit plantations and tropical sugar cane fields. Explore the history and culture of baseball within the country while gaining insight into how a local hobby has become a nationwide pastime—with many of the athletes ranking among the best in the world. Working together with community members, you’ll build longterm solutions to spark renewed interest in education among young local athletes. As you foster meaningful relationships within the community, you’ll celebrate customs and help empower generations to come.

Your Service Project Themes
We work with local non-profits to better understand the needs of each community and then focus projects on those issues. Themes include:

Education
Youth Development
Community Building

Day 1: Arrive in Santo Domingo
Meet your Field Director at the airport. After you arrive at your accommodations, settle in and meet your group for an orientation and safety overview.

Day 2: Santo Domingo—The history of baseball in the Caribbean

Explore regional baseball history through visits to Dominican baseball museums.
Interview former professional Dominican baseball players who have returned to their home towns.
Get to know community baseball teams who fostered the skills of some of the region's finest athletes.

Days 3-6: Hato Mayor Service Project—Exploring Dominican culture through baseball
As communities evolve so do their needs. That’s why we work closely with non-profits to better understand the local challenges. Since projects are determined closer to your actual program date, here’s a glimpse at what a typical day might look like.

Participate in youth development-focused service work aimed at keeping young athletes in school.
Explore the role of baseball in community life through culturally immersive activities with local youth and discussions with former professional baseball players.
Observe or participate in a friendly softball game with locals.
Partake in evening workshops to deepen your understanding of the issues facing Dominican youth in local baseball communities.

Day 7: Beach Excursion

Soak up the sun and surf on a full-day beach excursion.

Day 8: Depart for home

View more information

Your Service Project Themes
We work with local non-profits to better understand the needs of each community and then focus projects on those issues. Themes include:

Education
Youth Development
Community Building

Explore regional baseball history through visits to Dominican baseball museums.
Interview former professional Dominican baseball players who have returned to their home towns.
Get to know community baseball teams who fostered the skills of some of the region's finest athletes.

Participate in youth development-focused service work aimed at keeping young athletes in school.
Explore the role of baseball in community life through culturally immersive activities with local youth and discussions with former professional baseball players.
Observe or participate in a friendly softball game with locals.
Partake in evening workshops to deepen your understanding of the issues facing Dominican youth in local baseball communities.

Day 7: Beach Excursion

Soak up the sun and surf on a full-day beach excursion.

Day 8: Depart for home

Learning outcomes on this program

Confidence • Curiosity • Global perspective • Empathy • Adaptability • Relatability • Self-Awareness

EF Global Learning Model Post-Study Abroad Learning Resources

Academic resources

With this program, you get access to our Global Learning Resources, which include:

Discussion questions
Sample assignments
Journal prompts
Webinars
EF's Global Competency Assessment, a pre- and post-program assessment to measure competency development

See the resources you get

Academic resources

With this program, you get access to our Global Learning Resources, which include:

Discussion questions
Sample assignments
Journal prompts
Webinars
EF's Global Competency Assessment, a pre- and post-program assessment to measure competency development

See the resources you get

View details

Transportation

Various modes of transport are tailored to your program. While some transfers are included, others may come at additional cost.
Accommodations

Safe, comfortable lodging will be waiting for you at your destination.
Select meals

Enjoy a combination of included meals and the freedom to explore local cuisine on your own.
End-to-end support

Your dedicated EF team helps secure administrative approval and academic credit, provides enrollment tools, and helps establish your program’s ongoing presence on campus.
EF Global Learning Toolkit

We offer various tools to help educators facilitate student growth abroad and on campus, including academically enriched travel programs, industry engagement opportunities, global learning resources, and a Global Competencies Assessment tool.
Field Director

Your Field Director is on the ground with your group, providing deep local insights while handling program logistics.
Guided exploration

Gain insider knowledge and cultural perspective from licensed local guides: natural historians who provide cultural insights to enhance learning moments throughout the program.
Field Visits

Experience academics in action during engaging visits with relevant organizations, thought leaders, and partners.