This program is open to anyone over 18 years old looking to ring in the New Year on this 9-day program exploring the Dominican Republic! On this not-for-credit travel program, participants bring in 2026 set against the stunning backdrop of the Dominican Republic — known worldwide for its breathtaking beaches and vibrant, laid-back atmosphere — this 9-day program offers a unique blend of academic, cultural, and fun experiences. Explore healthcare in the Caribbean, as well as traditional cooking and zumba classes, a waterfall hike, and relaxation on its world-famous beaches. You’ll have an unforgettable NYE in Santo Domingo, which comes alive with concerts, dancing, and fireworks over the Caribbean Sea!
Dates: December 26, 2025 – January 3, 2026
Program Cost Double Occupancy: $3,085
Program Cost Single Room Upgrade: $3,915
Optional Activities (at an extra cost):
• Short Guided Visit to Los Tres Ojos Caves – ($25)
(Includes entrance, guide, and transportation).
• Relaxed beach outing nearby – ($35)
(includes transportation and lunch)
Depart Home for Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Arrive in Santo Domingo
Airport Transfer
On-ground Briefing
Orientation Walking Tour - The group will become oriented with their neighborhood, the public transportation systems, nearby pharmacies, markets, ATMs, etc. Additionally, an in-depth safety briefing will be provided for what to do in case of an emergency.
Walking Tour of the Colonial area - you'll explore the Colonial Zone, a UNESCO World Heritage site. As you walk through its historic cobblestone streets, you’ll learn about the rich cultural, architectural, and historical significance of this walled district, which has been preserved for over five centuries.
Welcome Dinner - Enjoy traditional Dominican cuisine with live merengue music, setting the tone for a week of discovery.
Breakfast & Day Briefing
Visit to Pastoral Materno Infantil NGO - The group will start the day with a visit to Pastoral Materno Infantil, a Catholic NGO focused on maternal and infant health. Participants will learn about the vital role this NGO plays in supporting young mothers from impoverished backgrounds, ensuring they have access to prenatal care and resources to prevent malnutrition in infants. You’ll engage in discussions about the critical early-life nutrition and healthcare support provided to infants and pregnant women in low-income areas, delving into the scientific and social implications of public health in under-resourced settings.
Cooking Class - Participate in a Dominican cooking class led by a local chef, where you’ll prepare dishes such as sancocho and tostones. Along the way, you’ll hear stories about how food ties into family, health, and community identity.
Zumba on the Malecón - Enjoy a zumba class on the Malecón, Santo Domingo’s scenic waterfront boulevard!
Lunch & Dinner Included
Breakfast & Day Briefing
Visit to Ney Arias Lora Trauma Public Hospital - It serves as the Dominican Republic's primary trauma center. A hospital tour with a resident physician will give participants an inside look at how the country's public healthcare system operates, specifically focusing on trauma and emergency care.
Hiking at Salto de Socoa Waterfall - Head into the lush hills outside the city to hike to Salto de Socoa Waterfall. Enjoy a refreshing swim in its natural pools. This is an easy and well marked hike. The walk is about 10–15 minutes each way with an elevation gain of roughly 200 feet.
Free evening - Explore Santo Domingo’s restaurants, merengue bars, or simply relax at the hotel.
Lunch & Dinner Included
Breakfast & Day Briefing
Public Health Service in the Bateyes - The group will now put their newly acquired skills to use by partnering with Servicio Social de Iglesias to conduct public health services in the bateyes, the impoverished communities surrounding sugarcane plantations. Each day, participants will visit two communities (one in the morning and one in the afternoon) where they will measure the height and weight of infants and children aged 0-6 and administer essential antiparasitic medications, vitamins, and minerals.
Participants will also prepare and lead educational health games for the children, reinforcing vital health concepts in an engaging way. These workshops will provide firsthand experience in addressing malnutrition and parasitic diseases—two of the most common health issues in these marginalized communities.
Afternoon- After service, join locals in cultural exchanges such as playing dominoes, learning bachata dance, or visiting a community baseball field. You will also get the chance to spend an afternoon at nearby Juan Dolio beach.
Evening- Guided reflections to connect your hands-on experiences with broader themes of equity, access, and human rights.
Lunch & Dinner Included
Breakfast & Day Briefing
Public Health Service in the Bateyes - The group will now put their newly acquired skills to use by partnering with Servicio Social de Iglesias to conduct public health services in the bateyes, the impoverished communities surrounding sugarcane plantations. Each day, participants will visit two communities (one in the morning and one in the afternoon) where they will measure the height and weight of infants and children aged 0-6 and administer essential antiparasitic medications, vitamins, and minerals.
Participants will also prepare and lead educational health games for the children, reinforcing vital health concepts in an engaging way. These workshops will provide firsthand experience in addressing malnutrition and parasitic diseases—two of the most common health issues in these marginalized communities.
Afternoon - After service, join locals in cultural exchanges such as playing dominoes, learning bachata dance, or visiting a community baseball field. You will also get the chance to spend an afternoon at nearby Juan Dolio beach.
Evening- Guided reflections to connect your hands-on experiences with broader themes of equity, access, and human rights.
Lunch & Dinner Included
Breakfast & Day Briefing
End of Service (morning) - Conclude your service project with a heartfelt farewell to community partners in the bateyes.
Return to Santo Domingo
Prepare for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve - Ring in New Year’s Eve on the Malecón, where Santo Domingo comes alive with concerts, dancing, and fireworks over the Caribbean Sea. Join locals in celebrating with music, joy, and Dominican traditions.
Lunch & Dinner Included
Breakfast & Day Briefing
Free Day - After a lively night of celebration, enjoy a slow morning with time to rest at the hotel or take a leisurely walk through the Colonial Zone. You can relax at a café, browse artisan shops, or simply rest before regrouping for dinner.
Lunch & Dinner Included
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES (not included in the program price):
- Short Guided Visit to Los Tres Ojos Caves (if open) - ($25) - (includes entrance, guide, and transportation). It’s a half-day activity, so it can be scheduled either in the morning before lunch or in the afternoon after lunch
- Relaxed beach outing nearby - ($35) - (includes transportation and lunch)
Breakfast & Day Briefing
Saona Island Catamaran Day - Set sail on a catamaran to Saona Island, where local community members work to protect vulnerable sea turtle populations. Discover how they are driving change at the grassroots level with a visit to the turtle sanctuary. Spend the rest of your morning relaxing on the beach.
Enjoy a beachside lunch, then return to Bayahibe, stopping at the stunning Natural Pools on the way back to experience this unique natural wonder.
Dinner and Dance Show at the Renowned Local Restaurant “El Conuco”.
Breakfast & Day Briefing
Airport transfer
Depart Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, for home