Marine Conservation in the Dominican Republic
8 days
Southern Coast Region - Estimated 18 Service Hours
Meaningful. Sustainable. Unforgettable. Journey to the Dominican Republic to discover the wonders of marine life—and what you can do to help preserve it. Here, you’ll learn about the effects of overfishing, tourism, and climate change on coral reef in the Caribbean before joining the movement to support its restoration. Working together with community members, you’ll collect fragments of naturally broken coral and transplant them back into the reef, and do your part to preserve this important ecosystem. As you foster meaningful relationships within the community, you’ll celebrate customs and help continue conservation efforts for generations to come.
Your Service Project Themes
Day 2: Service Project—Boca Chica coral conservation
We work with local non-profits to better understand the needs of each community and then focus projects on those issues. Themes include:
- Environmental Sustainability
- Responsible Tourism
- Cultural Immersion and Diversity
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.
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:
- Transfer to Boca Chica.
- Meet EF's partner organization and learn how it is working to improve the state of coral reef in the Dominican Republic.
- Discuss coral reef biology and restoration practices.
- Practice snorkeling techniques as you learn how to identify local species of fish and gather scientific data within marine ecosystems.
Day 3: Boca Chica
- Process scientific data gathered during a coral reef restoration campaign.
- Explore a mangrove ecosystem.
Day 4: Boca Chica
- Meet a community association to learn about the evolution of fishing and ecotourism as you explore the social dynamics of marine conservation.
- Explore a coral reef nursery and participate in local ecotourism activities, such as kayaking.
- Participate in a mangrove reforestation project.
Day 5: Boca Chica
- Explore the importance of environmental conservation in the country's mountain region.
- Participate in a white water rafting excursion or learn about regional mountain ecosystems on a nature trail hike.
Day 6: Boca Chica
- Continue your coral reef restoration project by studying a unique coral species.
- Participate in a meet and greet with marine biologists.
- Discover what a career in marine conservation could mean for you.
Day 7: Boca Chica
- Travel by boat on an excursion to Catalina Island.
- Enjoy a relaxing day snorkeling and observing a local coral reef, a beautiful example of successful conservation efforts within the Dominican Republic.
Day 8: Depart for home
Your Service Project Themes
Day 2: Service Project—Boca Chica coral conservation
We work with local non-profits to better understand the needs of each community and then focus projects on those issues. Themes include:
- Environmental Sustainability
- Responsible Tourism
- Cultural Immersion and Diversity
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.
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:
- Transfer to Boca Chica.
- Meet EF's partner organization and learn how it is working to improve the state of coral reef in the Dominican Republic.
- Discuss coral reef biology and restoration practices.
- Practice snorkeling techniques as you learn how to identify local species of fish and gather scientific data within marine ecosystems.
Day 3: Boca Chica
- Process scientific data gathered during a coral reef restoration campaign.
- Explore a mangrove ecosystem.
Day 4: Boca Chica
- Meet a community association to learn about the evolution of fishing and ecotourism as you explore the social dynamics of marine conservation.
- Explore a coral reef nursery and participate in local ecotourism activities, such as kayaking.
- Participate in a mangrove reforestation project.
Day 5: Boca Chica
- Explore the importance of environmental conservation in the country's mountain region.
- Participate in a white water rafting excursion or learn about regional mountain ecosystems on a nature trail hike.
Day 6: Boca Chica
- Continue your coral reef restoration project by studying a unique coral species.
- Participate in a meet and greet with marine biologists.
- Discover what a career in marine conservation could mean for you.
Day 7: Boca Chica
- Travel by boat on an excursion to Catalina Island.
- Enjoy a relaxing day snorkeling and observing a local coral reef, a beautiful example of successful conservation efforts within the Dominican Republic.
Day 8: Depart for home
Learning outcomes on this program
Confidence • Curiosity • Global perspective • Empathy • Adaptability • Relatability • Self-Awareness
What's Included
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Transportation
Various modes of transport are tailored to your program. While some transfers are included, others may come at additional cost.
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Accommodations
Safe, comfortable lodging will be waiting for you at your destination.
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Select meals
Enjoy a combination of included meals and the freedom to explore local cuisine on your own.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Field Visits
Experience academics in action during engaging visits with relevant organizations, thought leaders, and partners.
