Cultural Connections - Dominican Republic

Kennesaw State University Nursing - 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.

Kennesaw State University Nursing: Dominican Republic Cultural Connections

Dates: March 6 – March 13 , 2026

Guide: Yarisleidy Cortez

✈️ Day 1 — Arrival (Friday)

Arrive at Puerto Plata International Airport (POP)

Airport pickup by Comunidad Connect staff

Transfer (~40 min) to Lifestyle Hotel

Hotel check-in, dinner, and acclimation

🏥 Day 2 — Orientation & Community Introduction (Saturday)

Comunidad Connect Orientation — Mission, history, and public health programs

Public Hospital Visit — Overview of regional health system

San Marcos Arriba Community Visit — Meet leaders and families

Introduction to the Caregivers Club families and CC's community-first model: listen first, then act.

🏛️ Day 3 — Cultural Immersion (Sunday)

Puerto Plata City Tour — history, culture, landmarks

Supermarket visit for family gifts

Group dinner at local restaurant

🩺 Day 4 — Caregivers Club Assessments (Monday)

Kobo Toolbox Training (digital intake system)

Family health assessments in San Marcos Arriba

Caregivers Club patient intake forms

Launching CC’s new Caregivers Club initiative supporting families providing daily care without formal training.

🩺 Day 5 — Community Assessments Continued (Tuesday)

Additional family visits across Puerto Plata communities

Data quality review via Kobo Toolbox

Evening reflection and journaling

🎨 Day 6 — Community Project & Deaf School (Wednesday)

Painting project in Nuevo Renacer community club

Visit to School for the Deaf — Deaf Connections Program

Learn about teacher training, inclusive sports, family support, and Creative Hands workforce initiative.

Farewell dinner at Finca Catalina

🌊 Day 7 — Paradise Island Excursion (Thursday)

Catamaran to Paradise Island sandbar

Snorkeling, swimming, beach time

Lunch included

Evening final reflection & celebration

✈️ Day 8 — Departure (Friday)

Morning free time and hotel checkout

Transfer to POP airport

Departure flights

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.

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Cultural Connections - Dominican Republic

Kennesaw State University Nursing: Dominican Republic Cultural Connections

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