Working in the Bateyes is an intense service and learning experience. Students will contribute to the ongoing community development project in San Pedro de Macoris. Our work here consists of infrastructure rehabilitation, agricultural work with local farmers, health initiatives, and education projects with local children. When not working hard on service projects, you will have the opportunity to relax on white sand beaches, catch the beat of Dominican daily life, and enjoy this Caribbean paradise.

Los bateyes are traditionally communities of sugar cane workers and their families, and are among the most impoverished areas of the country. Many people in these regions lack access to some of the most basic human rights, including access to clean water, adequate nutrition, decent housing, basic education, electricity and other infrastructure -- issues which are exacerbated by unfair wages and systemic racism. Most people living in bateyes are Haitian or of Haitian descent, and there is currently a heated debate surrounding immigration and immigrant rights in the Dominican Republic. In 2013, the Dominican courts ruled in favor of a retroactive law that would effectively strip an estimated 250,000 Haitian-Dominicans of their Dominican citizenship. Since then, due partly to international pressure, the government has passed naturalization and regularization plans to allow for documentation of many people affected by the 2013 ruling. You will learn more about the effects of documentation on human rights throughout the course of this program.

Working within this context, our projects in the bateyes include home improvement, infrastructure projects, and education projects where we work with local elementary schools to provide supplemental education. Our primary project in our partner community is home improvements. Offbeat Travel began working with these communities in 2012 through our partnership with ASCALA, a local human rights non-profit. The community has stated that home improvements and latrine construction are the top priority, for both safety and health reasons.

Explore the ongoing challenges facing the bateyes, barracks originally built for migrant sugar cane workers, and now settled as permanent housing for families and entire communities, typically with substandard living conditions. Get to know the community and contribute to ongoing infrastructure service projects such as building and repairing homes or supporting local agriculture and education initiatives. Take a break from service and enjoy the beautiful beaches where you’ll get to swim and relax.

Day 1 | July 21st | Travel to the Dominican Republic

Take a group flight to the Dominican Republic arranged by Offbeat Travel.

Lodging: Hotel, SantoDomingo

Day 2 - 6 | July 22nd to July 26th: Diving into Critical Issues

Working in the Bateyes is an intense service and learning experience. Students will contribute to the ongoing community development project in San Pedro de Macoris. Our work here consists of infrastructure rehabilitation, agricultural work with local farmers, health initiatives, and education projects with local children. When not working hard on service projects, you will have the opportunity to relax on white sand beaches, catch the beat of Dominican daily life, and enjoy this Caribbean paradise.

Los bateyes are traditional communities of sugar cane workers and their families and are among the most impoverished areas of the country. Many people in these regions lack access to some of the most basic human rights, including access to clean water, adequate nutrition, decent housing, basic education, electricity, and other infrastructure -- issues that are exacerbated by unfair wages and systemic racism. Most people living in bateyes are Haitian or of Haitian descent, and there is currently a heated debate surrounding immigration and immigrant rights in the Dominican Republic. In 2013, the Dominican courts ruled in favor of a retroactive law that would effectively strip an estimated 250,000 Haitian Dominicans of their Dominican citizenship. Since then, due partly to international pressure, the government has passed naturalization and regularization plans to allow for documentation of many people affected by the 2013 ruling. You will learn more about the effects of documentation on human rights throughout the course of this program.

Working within this context, our projects in the bateyes include home improvement, infrastructure projects, and education projects where we work with local elementary schools to provide supplemental education. Our primary project in our partner community is homem improvements. Offbeat Travel began working with these communities in 2012 through our partnership with ASCALA, a local human rights non-profit. The community has stated that home improvements and latrine construction are the top priority, for both safety and health reasons.

Explore the ongoing challenges facing the bateyes, barracks originally built for migrant sugar cane workers, and now settled as permanent housing for families and entire communities, typically with substandard living conditions. Get to know the community and contribute to ongoing infrastructure service projects such as building and repairing homes or supporting local agriculture and education initiatives.

Lodging: Ascala, Volunteer Center, San Pedro de Macoris

Day 7 | July 27th: Isla Saona Catamaran

Set off for a full-day catamaran excursion to Isla Saona, known for its beautiful beaches and turquoise waters. Enjoy the vibe, music, and dancing as you sail from the coastal town of Bayahibe. Once you arrive at Isla Saona, spend your time swimming, sunbathing, and taking in the island’s breathtaking beauty. After relaxing at the beach, savor a delicious Caribbean lunch as you soak in the tropical vibes. In the afternoon board the catamaran once more, stopping along the way at the famous natural pools where you can spot starfish, enjoy snacks and unwind in the warm, crystal-clear waters. Return to Bayahibe and head back to the hotel for dinner and a relaxing evening.

Lodging:Hotel Soficu on the Beach, Bayahibe

Day 8 | July 28th: ¡Buen Viaje!

After breakfast, we’ll say goodbye to this Island paradise and head to the airport to fly home.

We hope you enjoyed your stay in the Dominican Republic!

In the Bateyes students will stay at a volunteer facility near the town of Consuelo. Rooming will be bunk style shared lodging with 2-6 people per room. The rooms all have fans we have a nice common area and a lot of outdoor space.

• 7 nights of accommodation

• All meals all days

• All transportation

• Offbeat Travel full-time international and local guides

• All activities as detailed in your itinerary

• Single point of contact from Offbeat Travel for support leading up to the program

• Offbeat Travel 24-hour emergency support throughout program

• All airport taxes and departure fees

• All fees, community service donations, and guide tips

Ground Costs: $1,775

Flights: Approximately $1,000 (pending confirmation from airline)

Total: $2,775

Payment Plan:

• $500 Deposit Now

• $500 due January 15th, 2025

• $500 due February 15th, 2025

• $500 due March 15th, 2025

• $500 due April 15th, 2025

• $275 due on May 15th, 2025

All payments after the initial deposit will be invoiced via email.