2010 Service Options in Dominican Republic

  Dominican Republic

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: July 07 to July 20 (14 days)

Description: Serve The World provides an excellent opportunity for those seeking to spend their summer helping others. Each journey is two weeks long, and the focal point of each is community service, offering a chance to "serve the world." We've set up these expeditions so that there will be time left to experience an exceptional adventure as well.

Serve the World allows you to provide aid to an assortment of demanding causes that meet the pressing needs of the local communities. At International Doorways, we see service to others as a privilege. You help change the world while you raise your own sense of self worth and begin to consider the planet's well being as well as your own. You might surprise yourself with hidden abilities. Did you ever think you'd teach English to a Balinese third grader in your lifetime? Will you be lucky enough to communicate with a nine year old Peruvian orphan who has never been able to hear a word until your efforts afford her the chance to receive a hearing aid? Can you imagine how great it feels to nurse an orphaned meerkat or cheetah back to health and return it to its place in the wild? How about assisting with the construction or repairing of housing for people who are in desperate need in the nations of Tanzania or Turkey? Travel with Serve the World and you'll do all of these things and more.

Highlights: In some areas of the world, you begin providing community service as soon as you arrive, simply by spending a dollar to help bolster the economy of a village. Small amounts of money that you spend can be the difference by providing the means for a family to have enough food to eat. This certainly isn't the only way that you can help impoverished communities, but you mustn't underestimate your ability to affect small villages' economic stability merely by your presence and the financial support you afford while you're there, and maybe even after you leave.

Serve the World gives you the chance to become more productive and helpful young adults. Providing assistance to others and receiving their gratitude empowers everyone, creating a feeling of satisfaction and warmth and higher self-esteem. Such service automatically helps you align your values and your goals with those that seek to uplift the entire global community.

Qualifications: teenagers between the ages of 14 and 18

Cost in US$: USD2,100 Estimated Airfare USD600

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 14-18

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Dominican Republic Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home
• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

International Doorways's Mission Statement: Our goal at International Doorways is to help guide students as they develop stronger characters, minds, hearts and bodies while participating in rugged, exciting and challenging international adventures. Taking responsibility for completing community service projects in third world communities bolsters our good character and high self esteem. Language study and interaction with other cultures promotes stronger minds and intellects. Stronger hearts evolve naturally when we look outside ourselves to the needs of others and stronger bodies are a result of strenuous and fun physical activities like white water rafting, climbing and backpacking. The unique summer programs we offer in Africa, Bali, Peru/Bolivia, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica/Panama are designed to stimulate, educate and help develop both a sense of maturity and an ability to make a difference by understanding first-hand the needs of the global community. In addition to exploring other cultures, ancient and modern, learning local language, cooking, dancing and traditions, we also participate in fun activities such as snorkeling, diving, swimming, surfing, parasailing and playing team sports like soccer with local youth. International Doorways invites you to experience an extraordinary summer.

Year Founded: 2004