An Educational and Cultural Service Journey for Aspiring Healthcare Students
Embark on a life-changing 8-day global health and cultural immersion program in the Dominican Republic. Designed for high school and early college students considering careers in medicine, public health, or allied health professions, this introductory pre-med experience provides meaningful service opportunities, supervised health-related exposure, and vibrant cultural engagement in the Dominican Republic.
While participants will not perform clinical care, they will play vital supporting roles in community health initiatives—helping to organize supplies, assist with educational outreach, engage in public health promotion, and gain insights into healthcare careers through observation, shadowing, and guided discussions with local medical staff.
Trip Overview:
Program Location: Dominican Republic
Ideal For: High school and early college students (ages 16–22) exploring healthcare professions
Program Length: 8 Days (Spring Break, Winter Break, or Summer Availability)
Trip Goal: Inspire future healthcare leaders through ethical service, cultural exchange, and global health exposure
Program Highlights
- Support public health and wellness campaigns in local communities
- Engage with Dominican healthcare professionals through educational workshops
- Help deliver health education materials and assist with intake tasks at community clinics
- Participate in culturally immersive activities: beach visits, local sports, community tours, dance workshops, cooking classes
- Enjoy an unforgettable day excursion to Cayo Arena with optional ziplining and Monkey Jungle visit
- Reflect nightly on the connection between culture, ethics, and health equity
What’s Included in the Program Fee?
- 7 nights of lodging in locally owned, youth-friendly hotels (double/triple occupancy)
- Three meals daily (local, nutritious, and culturally authentic)
- All scheduled cultural excursions and activities
- Full-time bilingual Dominican Program Leader and U.S. Trip Coordinator
- Ground transportation via private bus with 24/7 access
- All group service placements and program materials
- Certificate of Participation in Global Health Exploration
Not Included:
- Round-trip airfare
- Personal spending money
- Tips for local guides and support staff (~$100 per participant)
- Optional donation funds to support purchase of medical or hygiene supplies
Sample Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival & Welcome to the Dominican Republic
- Group arrival
- Guided cultural orientation and city tour
- Welcome dinner and evening group reflection
Day 2 – Introduction to Global Community Health
- Visit a local community clinic or health outreach center
- Meet healthcare staff and learn about common regional health challenges
- Assist in preparing materials for health education campaigns
- Evening seminar: “The State of Health Care in our Community” with local guest speaker
Day 3 – Volunteer Engagement: Health Education & Patient Support
- Assist with organizing clinic spaces, prepping educational materials, and guiding patients through intake
- Observe blood pressure checks and hear from nurses on managing chronic conditions
- Afternoon: Distribute hygiene kits and lead health poster activities for local youth
- Evening: Group reflection on public health messaging and communication
Day 4 – Mobile Outreach & Cultural Exchange
- Travel with a mobile health team to support community wellness checks
- Help track outreach efforts, organize wellness kits, and interact with local families
- Afternoon cultural immersion: Dominican cooking class focusing on healthy meals
- Evening: Music and dance session – learn Merengue and Bachata with locals
Day 5 – Excursion Day: Cayo Arena, Monkey Jungle & Ziplining
- Full-day adventure to the stunning sandbar island of Cayo Arena for snorkeling and nature exploration
- Visit Monkey Jungle for an up-close look at conservation and animal care
- Optional ziplining for adventure and team-building
- Group dinner and oceanfront reflection session
Day 6 – Women’s & Youth Health Initiatives
- Support women’s health outreach: assist with educational sessions and organize clinic spaces
- Volunteer at a local youth center—help run a wellness-themed event or lead a recreational activity
- Evening: Talk with a Dominican midwife or health educator about reproductive health challenges in the region
Day 7 – Service Wrap-Up & Community Celebration
- Revisit community partners to distribute remaining educational and hygiene resources
- Help document impact: take part in feedback circles, photo journaling, or mini-presentations
- Closing dinner and cultural celebration with local collaborators and peers
Day 8 – Farewell & Departure
- Final group breakfast
- Closing circle: Reflect on lessons learned, personal growth, and next steps on the healthcare journey
- Transfer to airport for departure
Why Choose This Program?
This Pre-Med Exploration program offers students an early, safe, and ethical entry into the world of health service. With strong partnerships in Dominican communities and a commitment to responsible volunteerism, ILI Travel ensures that every activity respects local needs and reinforces a deeper understanding of global health challenges.
Key Learning Themes:
- Cultural humility in healthcare
- Social determinants of health
- Basic public health education and communication
- Responsible and ethical international service
- Interdisciplinary career paths in medicine, nursing, and allied health
Group Requirements & Logistics
- Group Size: Minimum of 12 students
- Language: Program conducted in English, with bilingual staff support
- Pre-Trip Orientation: Virtual session for students and guardians included
Get Involved
Are you a teacher, pre-health club, or school counselor interested in bringing a group?
We’re happy to provide informational sessions, trip planning guides, and fundraising support to make this experience accessible for your students.
Contact ILI Travel today to reserve your preferred travel dates and start preparing future healthcare leaders through a journey of service, learning, and cultural connection.
Ready to plan your experience?
Learn More about Global Health Pathways: Pre-Med Exploration Program in the Dominican Republic
Our team is available to answer any questions about program logistics, safety, academic alignment, or housing. Contact ILI Travel today to reserve your preferred travel dates and start preparing for a journey of service, learning, and cultural connection.