Dominican Republic

The CIE is very excited to offer a new program this year, partnering with 7 Elements, an organization based on the North Coast near Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic. 7 Elements' global health program offers healthcare services to over fifteen thousand rural Dominican residents and Haitian refugees. Our students will have the opportunity to provide non-skilled volunteer service through health education and community engagement activities. During these medical brigades, students will shadow local physicians and healthcare providers as they provide pro bono consults and medications. Student volunteers will learn how to assist with intake, triage, as well as medication packing and vitamin distribution. Students will also have the opportunity to shadow individuals working in their field of study including physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech pathologists. In addition, students will be getting their hands dirty as they will help with building 7 Elements new main permanent clinic. Outside of serving at the clinics, students will have the chance to explore the beautiful landscape around them, including a visit to local beaches, waterfalls, and nature reserves. To top everything off, students will have a chance to participate in Spanish lessons meant to help them learn new vocabulary related to healthcare.

Program Details

Program Dates

This program will run during winter break from January 3 through January 17, 2026.

Program Itinerary

The itinerary for this program is currently in development and will be shared towards the beginning of the Fall 2025 semester.

Accomodations

Students will stay at the Indalo Lodge, which is the home base for students and volunteers that are partnering with 7 Elements. Students will move around to different communities each day but will stay in the one lodge for their entire trip. 

Program Costs & Funding

The program fee for 2026 will be announced towards the beginning of the Fall 2025 semester.

Funding Sources:

For SPARK eligible students, you will receive the $1,500 SPARK Grant from the Center for Life's Work.

For non-SPARK eligible students, you will be eligible for some funding from the Center for International Education.

Program Fee Includes:

  • Round trip airfare
  • All accommodations
  • All meals
  • All in-country transportation
  • All projects, activities, workshops, entry-fees, etc.
  • Day trips involving unique cultural experiences
  • International travel and medical insurance

Not Included:

  • Passport (must be valid at least 6 months past the return date of the program). 
  • Miscellaneous expenses (such as souvenirs, personal care items, etc.)
Application & Payment Timeline

Applications will open towards the beginning of the Fall 2025 semester. All students will be required to complete an online application and then schedule a brief interview. Acceptance emails will be sent out shortly after the completion of all interviews. The payment timeline will be shared with students once they are accepted into the program.

SPARK GRANT:

Qualifying freshman, sophomore, and transfer students can use their SPARK Grant for this short-term study abroad program.

Views from Abroad

    At A Glance

    Semester: Winter Break 2026

    Program Level: Undergraduate & Graduate

    Program Type: Experiential Learning

    Major(s): Open to majors and minors in the following majors:

    • Biomedical Sciences
    • Clinical Laboratory Sciences
    • Communication Sciences & Disorders
    • Nursing
    • Occupational Therapy
    • Physical Therapy
    • Physician Assistant
    • Pre-Med and Pre-Dental
    • Public Health
    • Social Work

    Language Requirement: None

    Minimum GPA Requirement: 2.5