Cultural Connections - Dominican Republic

Kennesaw State Nursing - May 2025
Learn MoreView Itinerary

Overview

Comunidad Connect is a collective of three nonprofits working in the United States, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic. Since 2007, our community of support has grown to include thousands of people, many of whom have traveled with us to address basic needs like clean water, safe housing, sanitation, food security, and healthcare. 

Each country we serve is different, but our mission is the same: to strengthen communities and increase resilience through sustainable, community-led solutions.

Cultural Connections is our program that combines service learning, cultural immersion, and social impact. Over 2,000 volunteers have joined us thus far to support local initiatives, which generates funding and awareness for our Together For Health program that provides in-home rehab therapy and advocates for special needs patients and their families.

Discover the Dominican Republic

Not far from the pristine beaches and colonial towns, the Dominican Republic’s lush rolling hills and tropical climate offer picturesque hikes, abundant waterfalls, and coffee plantations. However, many communities in this vibrant country struggle to cover basic needs like housing, healthcare, and sanitation. Through our Cultural Connections program, you will have the opportunity to work alongside local residents, making a lasting impact while enjoying the beauty and culture of the island of Hispaniola.

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 Nursing: Dominican Republic Service Trip

Dates: April 30 – May 7, 2025

Guides: Eurel Gonzalez (Lead) eurel@comunidadconnect/ +18292994191· Yarisleidy Cortez & Jasmil De Leon (Support)

Date Day Itinerary
Apr 30 Wednesday ✈️ **Arrival Day** Arrive at Santo Domingo (SDQ) and meet group for ground transportation to Puerto Plata (POP). 🏨 Check-in at Cofresi Palm Beach Resort. 🍽️ Welcome dinner and trip orientation at the hotel. Get settled, relax, and prepare for the week ahead!
May 1 Thursday ☀️ **Acclimation & Cultural Day** 🍳 Breakfast at hotel · Morning free time to rest and explore resort surroundings. 🍽️ Lunch at hotel. 🚌 2:30 PM Guided city tour of Puerto Plata — explore local history and culture. 🍽️ Dinner at hotel. Perfect day to get familiar with the community and surroundings.
May 2 Friday 📋 **Community Assessments (Day 1)** 🍳 Breakfast at hotel. 👥 Morning & afternoon family assessments in San Marcos Arriba (2 groups of 6). 📸 Capture community snapshots and gather health/social data. 🍽️ Lunch on-site with families · Dinner back at hotel. Engage with families and begin building community connections.
May 3 Saturday 📋 **Community Assessments (Day 2)** 🍳 Breakfast at hotel. 👥 Continue morning & afternoon assessments in San Marcos Arriba (2 groups of 6). 🍽️ Lunch at hotel · Evening debrief & dinner. Further strengthen relationships and gather critical insights.
May 4 Sunday 🏞️ **Adventure & Relaxation Day** Morning waterfall excursion — hiking, swimming, and enjoying nature. 🏖️ Afternoon beach time at the resort for relaxation and reflection. A well-deserved day to recharge and experience the beauty of the Dominican Republic.
May 5 Monday 🏥 **Clinical & Community Engagement** 🍳 Breakfast at hotel. 🏥 Morning clinical site visits to learn about local healthcare practices. 🍽️ Lunch (location TBD). 🌐 Afternoon community engagement (specific activity TBD). 🍽️ Evening dinner at La Catalina — a local favorite! Gain insight into local healthcare systems and celebrate progress with a group dinner.
May 6 Tuesday 🧳 **Travel to Santo Domingo** 🍳 Breakfast & check-out from hotel (11:30 AM). 🚐 Transfer to Santo Domingo with lunch stop at Jacaranda. 🏨 Check-in at Hotel RIG Casa Conde · Afternoon free time to explore or relax. Enjoy the capital city and prepare for the final day.
May 7 Wednesday 🏛️ **Cultural Exploration & Departure** 🍳 Breakfast at hotel. 🌆 Colonial District tour — explore Santo Domingo’s historical landmarks (UNESCO site). 🍽️ Lunch together before departing. ✈️ Afternoon departure from SDQ to Atlanta (3:22 PM flight). Reflect on the journey and celebrate the week’s accomplishments!

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.

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

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