Summer Program Volunteers

Each year, DREAM recruits up to 50 volunteers from around the world to work in our annual summer camp program. Volunteers receive a full week of orientation before collaborating with local Dominican teachers and volunteers to lead the four-week educational summer program for primary school youth.

Summer camp participants (ages 7-14) receive individualized academic support, access to high-quality learning materials and immersion in a student-centered learning environment that are missing from the traditional public education system. The summer camp program helps students catch up to their grade level, learn to read or write, practice English and improve basic math skills. We also emphasize personal growth and development, providing exposure to arts & crafts, sports, music, dance, interactive games and science experiments. Local field trips are a regular part of the curriculum, allowing students to learn about their culture and community first-hand.

Summer program volunteers have the opportunity to work as co-teachers, classroom assistants and class instructors. All classes, except for ESL camps, are taught in Spanish, so a firm grasp of the Spanish language is required.

DEADLINE TO APPLY:

March 28th, 2025

PROGRAM DATES:

TBD (5 weeks)

Volunteers must commit to the full term.

The Details


Requirements

  • Intermediate to advanced Spanish skills are required, and native speakers are encouraged to apply.

  • Must be at least 18 years old at the start of the program.

  • Must have experience teaching or working with children.

  • Must complete a background check.

  • Must be adaptable and flexible

Cost

$2,250 per volunteer

Cost includes accommodations, orientation week, training and professional development, field trips, three meals a day during the work week (Sunday dinner though Friday lunch), drinking water, pick up/drop off from the Puerto Plata airport (up to 48 hours before the start of the program and 48 hours after the end of the program), oversight and program costs. This fee is waived for experienced certified teachers. Certified teachers with less than three years experience may apply for a half-fee waiver. Please note this fee does not include airfare, health insurance or Dominican Immigration fees, such as exit fees for stays over 30 days.

How to apply

It’s simple! Just click on “Apply now!” above, and start the process.

  • All applications must be completed in full.

  • Two letters of recommendation need to be uploaded to the application or emailed to info@dominicandream.org.

  • Pay the application fee of $40 USD.