Cultural Connections - Dominican Republic

Georgia State University Respiratory Therapy - March 2026

Overview

Comunidad Connect was founded in 2007 to improve access to quality healthcare, housing, sanitation, clean water, and youth development in Nicaragua. In 2018, CC expanded to the Dominican Republic and added programming for the deaf community.

Our work is guided by an inclusive approach that addresses social determinants of health through collaborative investigation with local stakeholders and co-creation of interventions.

Comunidad Connect links volunteers from the United States with these efforts via short- and long-term experiences designed to leverage their own academic training and professional aspirations. Everyone involved has something to offer, and together we strengthen local programming and help sustain year-round impact in the communities we serve.

Discover the Dominican Republic

You are headed to the Dominican Republic for an immersive experience that blends cultural exchange and service learning with real-world application of your academic training. Through Comunidad Connect’s Cultural Connections program, you will learn alongside local residents and leaders working to strengthen health, housing, and opportunity while experiencing the island’s rich culture and vibrant communities.

Itinerary

This itinerary offers a balance of community service, cultural immersion, and recreation, allowing volunteers to experience and address the strengths, challenges, and priorities of local communities in the Dominican Republic. You will meet local leaders, experience cultural activities, and visit local project sites throughout your trip.

This itinerary is tentative and may change based on a variety of factors, including weather, national holidays, and life circumstances of our community partners.

Georgia State RT: Dominican Republic Cultural Connections

Dates: March 7 – March 14 , 2026

Guide:Jon Thompson

✈️ Saturday, March 7 — Arrival

ATL to POP (DL 1777 – 3:40 PM)

Arrival in Puerto Plata

Hotel check-in

Dinner on your own

🌴 Sunday, March 8 — Acclimation + City Tour

Morning rest and free time

Lunch at hotel

Afternoon Puerto Plata city tour

Cultural orientation and transition into the work week.

🏥 Monday, March 9 — Community + Hospital Sites

AM Community Site Visits

Lunch at hotel

PM Hospital Site Work

🫁 Tuesday, March 10 — Hospital Work Day

AM/PM Hospital Site Work

Evaluate and repair respiratory therapy equipment

Hands-on technical collaboration with local medical teams.

🚑 Wednesday, March 11 — Community Partner + Excursion

AM Training at Rescate Ambar

PM Waterfalls Excursion

Exposure to emergency response systems in the region.

🤝 Thursday, March 12 — Community Project

Pancho Mateo Community Visit

Project at grassroots assisted living facility

🌊 Friday, March 13 — Paradise Island Excursion

Full-day Paradise Island experience

Lunch included

✈️ Saturday, March 14 — Departure

AM Free time at hotel

Lunch

Departure POP to ATL (DL 1778 – 3:45 PM)

Group Photo Album

Stay connected with Comunidad Connect long after your trip ends. Whether you’re planning a return visit, sharing our story, attending an event, or making a donation, there are many ways to stay engaged and support sustainable change.

Take the Post Trip Survey

Donate

Leave us a comment about your trip. We love to hear from you

5 1 vote

Article Rating

0 Comments

Oldest

Newest Most Voted

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

Cultural Connections - Dominican Republic

Georgia State RT: Dominican Republic Cultural Connections

Leave us a comment about your trip. We love to hear from you

Have a question about upcoming travel? Please reach out to us