The Academic Year Volunteer Program puts qualified individuals in DREAM-sponsored schools to work with underprivileged children and Dominican teachers, who are victims of the Dominican Republic’s poor educational system. From simply introducing a book in a classroom, organizing a soccer game, teaching an English class, or serving as a role model, volunteers help provide new opportunities to students throughout the school year. Read our FAQs to learn more.
2012-13 Academic Year
Dates: August 27, 2012 -- June 1, 2013
Deadline to apply: May 31, 2012
Application: 2012-2013 Academic Year Volunteer Application
All applications must be completed in full. Letters of recommendation can be sent separately or included in the application. Send completed applications along with the $40 application fee and 3 letters of recommendations to:
Mail:
The DREAM Project,
35 Thasha Lane, Unit A-8
Essex Junction, VT 05452
Fax: +1 (815) 550-1727
Email: info@dominicandream.org
Time Commitment: A minimum of 5 months is required.
Spring Semester: January 8 -- June 1, 2012
Academic School Year: August 27, 2012 -- June 1, 2013
A 3-week break is included during the winter holidays.
Volunteers can participate in the summer program before and/or after the academic year, at no additional cost: Summer Camp: June 25 -- July 27, 2012
Requirements
- Intermediate to advanced Spanish skills are required. You must be able to communicate effectively in Spanish with Dominican students and teachers. Native speakers are encouraged to apply.
- Must be at least 21 at the start of the program.
- Must have experience teaching or working with children.
Music Program Internship
This year we are looking for an intern to create and run a music program for the youth of Cabarete. To learn more or to apply, please download our informational flyer here.
Deportes Para La Vida Internship
DREAM is also looking for a DPV intern for the 2012-13 academic year. Learn more here.
Program Expenses
DREAM asks that each volunteer commit to fundraising a specific amount to cover their expenses, minus any fellowship funding provided by DREAM. The total cost to volunteer will be stated in your acceptance letter. The average costs to DREAM for supporting a volunteer in Cabarete (living in a studio apartment and receiving a monthly stipend) is $1,000/month, but most volunteers receive fellowship funding and end up paying much less.
These costs include pickup and drop off at the Puerto Plata airport, accommodations in a studio apartment (volunteers are required to live in DREAM housing), all training workshops, oversight at the local schools, volunteer cultural excursions, and a living stipend (which is allocated to cover expenses such as cell phone use, transportation to work sites, laundry, etc.). Volunteers will also receive a cell phone and a helmet, to be returned at the end of the program. Please note this fee does not include airfare or health insurance.
Volunteers are asked to fundraise and solicit grants to help cover the total cost. We have created a volunteer resource guide to help volunteers look for funding. The DREAM Project does have a limited fellowship fund for those who qualify, as well as two full Dominican Heritage Scholarships for those of Dominican descent. To learn more, please visit our fellowship page. The costs may also be reduced based on further qualifications, such as a teaching certification and Spanish fluency. Please state on your application if you are teacher certified or a native Spanish speaker. The final fee must be paid in full to DREAM before your arrival in the Dominican Republic.
Who are DREAM volunteers?
Our volunteers are highly motivated and skilled individuals. The men and women who join the DREAM Project reflect the rich diversity of a global community in race, ethnicity, educational backgrounds and religion. Meet our current volunteers!
What do volunteers do?
DREAM volunteers have the opportunity to work in the areas of education and community development. They are given a variety of assignments based on their experience. DREAM volunteers lead youth groups, tutor math students, operate libraries and computer labs, run summer camps, teach English, organize community committees, teach preschool children, offer adult education classes and train local teachers.
What are the benefits?
The volunteer program can help improve one’s Spanish skills, offer teaching and classroom experience, curriculum planning, leadership opportunities, non-profit and educational administration experience, while creating unique friendships and life enriching cross-cultural encounters. View our Volunteer Testimonials to see how our program has benefited past DREAM volunteers.
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